4 Creators Share Their Advice for Delivering a Beautifully Wrapped Gift

When it comes to gift giving, it’s easy to forget: The material goods inside a package often pale in comparison to the magic (and mystery!) brought on by someone else’s thoughtfulness. That’s why it’s ever-so-important to dress up the present you bring. (Cue the friend/family member/colleague that nails the presentation part of gift giving every single time.) Here, four creators share their best advice for wrapping your presents right.

“I love layers of print and pattern, especially since so many holiday gifts tend to sit unopened for the duration of a party or gathering. It’s all about kicking up the visual interest.” — Liz Libré, co-founder Lewis

Try This: “Because I own a print-forward kids’ brand, I gift a lot of printed pieces, which happen to look great as the ‘gift wrap.’ Like here, I wanted to show the print of one of our Zip pouches, so I wrapped a part of the gift (the middle layer), then layered in the printed product (the bottom layer) and tied it up with a pretty ribbon. I also collect printed paper—artist postcards, stationery, even wallpaper—so I’ll use that for a card (no need for an envelope) and then add a gift topper if I have one, like a rubber snake for a kids’ gift or an ornament for a grown-up.”

Supplies Required: Lewis Pouch Set ($48); Paper Source Evergreen Mistletoe Flat Wrap ($7); Berwick Ribbon ($2)

“In addition to other gift wrap, I always keep a roll of Kraft paper on hand since it can serve as a blank canvas and is so easy to personalize.” — Ana Gambuto, Photographer and Founder of Shelter Isle

Try This: “You could play around with a holiday stamp set or just grab a Sharpie and try hand-drawing your own trees, holly—really, any festive-feeling doodle works. Then just add a white, red or metallic bow and voila! Simple and pretty.”

Supplies Required: Bryco Kraft Paper ($16); Sharpie Permanent Markers ($10); Willbond Ribbon ($21)

“Pleating is a great way to add visual interest to a gift. With a little patience, I believe anyone can master this technique.” —  @GiftWrappingLove

Try This: “There are YouTube videos you can watch, but one of the most important steps—and the trickiest—is cutting the paper to size. You’ll eventually get a feel for how much paper to cut, but when it doubt, add a little extra as a buffer. For the best results, take the time to create sharp, clean folds and use double sided tape.”

Supplies Required: Rifle Paper Co. Mistletoe Wrapping Sheets ($11); Sugar Paper Wrapping Paper ($6); Wondershop Ribbon ($6)

“Some of the prettiest presents I’ve wrapped have been with repurposed wrapping paper or a plain grocery bag, scraps of fabric or wallpaper or ribbons I’ve repurposed from other gifts—the time is now to get creative!” — Caylin Harris, Lifestyle Expert

Try This: “To really make the result sing, I smooth leftover wrinkled silky with an iron. I also love to add an embellishment on top like a sprig of greenery, a vintage ornament I’ve thrifted, a cinnamon stick, dried orange slices or some bells.” 

Supplies Required: Crate & Barrel Forest Gift Wrap ($11); Smart & Casual Twine ($5); Vintage Ornament ($7)