Festive gift wrapping always make a present look appealing, whether someone opens it right away or saves it for the actual holiday. There are certain ways to wrap accessories that will not only appear pretty, but will protect the gift itself, especially if one is mailing it.
Due to theft of mailed gifts this year, it's advisable to add the "signature required" option as well as a tracking number. The mailer may consider insurance for more costly gifts.
Hats
Hats should usually be lightly stuffed with tissue to maintain their shape. This is especially important for hats in fabrics such as suede and leather. Some types of hats, such as berets or beanies, can lay flat, as long as there’s no chance of the fabric getting too creased. Then the hat should be wrapped in tissue paper and place in a gift box or bag.
Scarves
The giver should look at scarves in department stores to see how they’re presented – instead of folding in squares, which causes creases, long scarves are usually folded in half and then twisted in a circular motion. This keeps the scarf in shape without lines across the fabric.
Jewelry
Nicer jewelry usually comes in a soft pouch to keep it protected; the giver should always keep it in this pouch before placing it in a small box to wrap. If a pouch isn’t included, the giver should at least make sure that the jewelry is placed on a piece of soft gauze or fabric (such as velvet) to protect from scratches.
Handbags
Again, good quality handbags come in a soft bag to protect the fabric. If not, at least wrap in white tissue before placing in a box or bag.
Where to Buy
Most drugstores have a large selection of wrapping paper and tissue around the holiday season. Another option is The Container Store, which separates their large selection of paper, tissue, ribbon, gift cards, etc. into sections according to color, which makes it easy to coordinate for someone’s specific taste or holiday.
Dos and Don’ts
- DO recycle wrapping paper and tissue, as long as it remains in good condition. Just be careful not to give it back to the original owner!
- DON’T wrap a tiny gift in a huge box, especially if the recipient (like an office colleague) has to carry it home.
- DO be creative and wrap a gift in a colorful page from a magazine.
- DON’T go overboard with glitter or confetti. Festive, yes, but no fun to clean up off the floor.
- DO remember a card. A nicely written sentiment means a lot.
Lindsey Michelle - Lindsey Michelle is the author of Dimensions, a novel about interconnected characters who involuntarily travel to an alternate ...
