Does gift wrapping seem like a chore or just too overwhelming? I’ve got 5 simple ideas to help step up your game this holiday season and make gift wrapping fun and easy.
How many of you feel overwhelmed when it comes to wrapping Christmas gifts?
When I was younger, it was all about getting the presents wrapped by Christmas morning. I didn’t care what the wrapping job looked like. Most of the gifts I wrapped didn’t even have a ribbon or a bow on them.
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Many Christmas Eve’s were a blur. I only remember wrapping gifts until the wee hours of Christmas morning, exhausted, and knowing that in just a few hours all of my hard work would literally be ripped to shreds.
This is where the whole “older and wiser” thing comes into play 30 years later.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that I could have made things a lot easier on myself and much more enjoyable if only I had prepared ahead of time.
I’ve Learned to Make Wrapping Gifts Fun and Easy
I’ll show you some simple ideas that make gift wrapping easy and inexpensive with a beautiful end result.
But the entire gift wrapping process can be quite enjoyable too. If you carve out some time specifically for wrapping presents, you won’t keep falling into the same pattern of procrastinating until the last minute.
Let me show you what works for me during the busy and hectic holiday season.
Gather Your Gift Wrapping Supplies Before You Need Them
There’s nothing worse than going to get the tape to wrap a present and realizing that there isn’t any to be found.
Or better yet, you reach for the ribbon and realize that there are only about 3 inches left on the roll.
WHO ELSE HAS BEEN THERE?
Shop the After Christmas Sales
I’ve learned to take an inventory of all the gift wrapping supplies I’ve run out of, or need in order to try something different next holiday season.
You’ll not only be ahead of the holiday game next year but you will feel so good knowing that you saved money along the way.
Start Planning and Shopping For Christmas Supplies in July
I wrote a blog post about planning Christmas in July. Some readers laughed and said they couldn’t even think about the holidays in the summer months. But by starting the planning process and stocking up on gift wrap supplies months before Christmas, you will be so organized and less stressed.
What You May Want to Put on Your Gift Wrapping Supply List
Scissors and Scotch tape are obvious to you I’m sure. But I’m going to mention them anyway.
I didn’t necessarily use all of these items this year but I have in the past.
- Wrapping paper, Kraft paper
- Ribbon, twine and raffia
- Dried oranges
- Cinnamon sticks
- Candy canes
- Ornaments
- Holiday stamps
- Mini Christmas trees
- Glitter & confetti
- Bells
- Sheet Music
SHOP WRAPPING PAPER FROM ZAZZLE
Set up A Gift Wrap Station
Create a workspace that is dedicated to gift wrapping.
It’s important to have an area where you can organize and store all of your supplies and you’ll always know where everything is.
Set the Mood For a Festive Christmas Gift Wrapping Event
Set the mood. Make this a fun event! Wrapping gifts does not have to be a chore.
- Pick a location where you can spread out and have lots of space to create.
- Use this time as a quiet get away to be creative.
- Make yourself a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite winter beverage.
- Put on your favorite Christmas music or movie.
- Light a Christmas candle.
- Give yourself the gift of time. Schedule time on your calender so you won’t be interrupted or get double booked.
Keep It Simple
Basic Wrapping Paper
Using a neutral brown kraft paper as a blank canvas has endless creative possibilities. You can use spices, dried oranges, ornaments, elements from the outdoors. There are just too many ideas to even mention.
Natural Elements Such as Pinecones. Berries and Greenery
Go outside to gather pinecones, berries, and greenery from the winter garden. These natural elements are not only beautiful for your wrapped gifts but they’re also FREE! You can also clip off of your fresh Christmas tree or wreath.
Greenery options can include rosemary, boxwood, evergreens, magnolia leaves, and more.
Dried Oranges, Cinnamon Sticks and Herbs
Dried oranges seem to go perfectly with all things related to Christmas decor and crafts. They make a wrapped gift come alive instantly.
If you haven’t tried drying orange slices before CLICK HERE for my blog post.
Cinnamon sticks are another great item to add to a wrapped gift for more interest. Hers such as rosemary not only look pretty but it smells amazing.
Mini Bottle Brush Christmas Trees
Sheet Music
Christmas Ornaments
Plan a Christmas Gift Wrapping Event With Friends
I’ve gone to a couple of gift wrapping parties with friends in the past. It can be so much fun and quite inspiring!
Make a few snacks and beverages and invite your friends to wrap gifts. Have them bring their supplies to share with the group. This will give everyone a chance to try something different for the season.
It’s important to make sure you have enough working space. I have put up 6-foot tables which really helped.
These simple ideas are sure to make gift wrapping fun and easy this holiday season. I hope this has inspired you to try some new things that will help you.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Until next time,
Happy Wrapping!
More Gift Wrapping Inspiration
Here are some truly talented bloggers that are sure to give you even more inspiration and great ideas.
Anita | A Joyful Ordinary Life
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Kim I love all of your wrapping ideas! I would love to try them!
You’re too sweet Stacy. Thank you. I know you’re like me and love anything with outdoor elements.
So many creative ideas! I really love your idea of the Christmas Ornaments. Love telling a story through the details and the ornament is perfect. Beautiful Kim!
Thank you, Melba. I’m really glad you liked the post and appreciate you visiting the blog my friend.
These are all so pretty Kim! I’m inspired to give my presents some extra attention in these beautiful ways! I’m sharing on my Sunday round up so my followers can see your awesome post too!
Thank you so much for sharing it, Kristin!
Such a fabulous post Kim! I love all of your prepping ideas to make it easy. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Wendy!
I love this post Kim. The idea for the wrapping party sounds so fun, definitely putting that on the list. I am so organised in most areas of my life but I have to admit I don’t give much thought to the wrapping until the last minute. You have inspired me to change this next year. July it will begin!!!!
Thanks, Anita. It really made a difference for me this year.
So much amazing creativity, Kim! I love all of the details that you add to each package. Every photo is package eye candy! I am definitely going to try some of these ideas. I am so glad to meet you through this gift wrap project and look forward following you and getting to know you better. Thank you for your amazing inspiration!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Missy. I am so happy to have met you through the gift wrapping blog hop as well. You have so many great ideas!