Gift wrapping is often an overlooked part of the gifting process, but I’ve learned that it can be just as meaningful as the gift itself. Over the years, I’ve honed my wrapping techniques to ensure that the recipient feels valued and that every gift I give has a personal touch. Below, I share 23 present-wrapping ideas that I have personally used to elevate the gifting experience. These ideas range from practical tips to more creative, thoughtful gestures that show how much I care.
1. Use a Personalized Gift Tag
Source @boundlessimpressions
Gift tags are often an afterthought, but I believe they hold the potential for something much more meaningful. I prefer creating my own gift tags, either by hand or through custom prints, adding personal messages, jokes, or inside references that hold significance for the recipient. For example, when I wrapped a gift for my sister’s birthday, I included a quote from our favorite childhood book. The combination of the custom tag and the personal message made the wrapping stand out and gave the gift an additional layer of meaning.
2. Craft Your Own Gift Wrap Paper
Source @elisemareefehr
Instead of resorting to store-bought wrapping paper that lacks personality, I enjoy crafting my own gift wrap. One of my favorite methods is using brown kraft paper, which I decorate with hand-drawn designs or custom stamps. This adds a rustic and creative feel to the gift, and it’s perfect for someone who appreciates unique, handmade touches. I also like to recycle old magazines, calendars, or posters to create wrapping paper with a personal connection to the recipient’s interests, such as a favorite band or travel destination.
3. Incorporate Natural Elements
Source @naturalelementsincri
Natural elements, like sprigs of rosemary, eucalyptus, or small pinecones, are a beautiful way to elevate a gift’s presentation. I enjoy incorporating these items into the wrapping to create a warm, earthy vibe. One of my favorite gifts involved wrapping a holiday present in simple paper and adding a sprig of fresh rosemary, which not only added to the aesthetics but also brought a lovely scent to the gift. The recipient appreciated the thoughtful touch and remarked that it felt like a gift from nature itself.
4. Create a Custom Ribbon
Source @giftboxmarketinc
Instead of using the typical plastic ribbon, I often make my own using fabric, twine, or even leather strips. This allows me to tailor the ribbon to the recipient’s tastes and adds an extra touch of craftsmanship. For example, I wrapped a gift for a friend who loves vintage items using an old scarf I no longer wore. I carefully cut it into strips and tied it around the gift. The result was a beautifully textured ribbon that matched her style perfectly. It felt like the ribbon was part of the gift itself.
5. Go Eco-Friendly with Recycled Materials
Source @creativebagco
Sustainability is important to me, and I try to reflect that in the gifts I give. I’ve found that wrapping gifts in recycled materials, such as old newspapers, fabric scraps, or recycled gift bags, adds a thoughtful layer of eco-consciousness to the gift. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also gives the wrapping a unique and personal touch. I’ve even upcycled old maps into wrapping paper for a travel enthusiast friend, and the result was both practical and stylish.
6. Add a Personal Touch with Photos
Source @_gift_creations
A photo is a powerful way to add a personal touch to gift wrapping. I love using photos to remind someone of a shared memory or experience. Last year, I wrapped a gift for my cousin with a photo from a family trip we took together. It not only added a sentimental element to the gift wrapping but also made the unwrapping experience more intimate. The recipient instantly recognized the photo, and it sparked a wonderful conversation about that time we shared.
7. Use Personalized Stickers or Labels
Source @printasypk
Instead of using generic store-bought labels, I prefer creating custom stickers or labels that reflect the recipient’s personality or interests. Whether it’s a favorite quote, a reference to an inside joke, or a custom design, personalized stickers or labels make the wrapping feel one-of-a-kind. For example, I created custom labels for a friend’s wedding gift, featuring a small illustration of the couple’s initials. It was a subtle yet thoughtful detail that made the gift feel more personal.
8. Incorporate Texture with Fabric
Source @homefabricssa
One of the most luxurious and visually striking ways to wrap a gift is by using fabric. I often turn to the Japanese tradition of Furoshiki, where a square piece of fabric is used to wrap and tie the gift. This method gives the wrapping an elegant, textured feel, and the fabric can even be reused. For a special occasion gift, I used a piece of beautiful silk fabric to wrap a gift for a friend who loves fashion. The fabric itself became part of the gift, and the recipient loved the dual-purpose idea of both the wrapping and the keepsake.
9. Get Creative with Bows
Source @shopthevintagebee
Rather than sticking with the standard store-bought bows, I enjoy making my own bows from unconventional materials. Twine, yarn, lace, and even old clothing fabric can all be used to create custom bows that reflect the recipient’s tastes. For instance, I once made a bow out of an old leather belt for a friend who loves rustic design. The result was a unique, rugged look that matched their aesthetic perfectly.
10. Make Your Own Wrapping Paper with Stamps
Source @simplycreativemn
Stamps are a simple yet effective way to personalize gift wrapping. I like to create custom patterns by using stamps with meaningful designs or symbols. Whether it’s a floral motif for a friend who loves gardening or a simple geometric pattern for someone with a minimalist style, stamps allow you to make the wrapping uniquely yours. I’ve even carved my own stamps from potatoes to create truly one-of-a-kind wrapping paper that’s both creative and fun.
11. Handwritten Notes
Source @nadorabyaman
There’s something incredibly intimate about a handwritten note, and I make it a point to always include one when I’m wrapping a gift. Whether it’s a few simple words of gratitude or a more elaborate message, the act of handwriting a note shows that I’ve taken extra time and care. I remember writing a personal letter to my mother on her birthday, and when she opened the gift, she was moved by the sincerity of my words. A handwritten note adds a layer of emotional connection to the gift.
12. Use Color to Reflect Personality
Source @bgifts.co.in
Color can be a powerful way to reflect someone’s personality in the wrapping. When I wrap gifts, I always consider the recipient’s favorite colors or the tones that suit their style. For example, I wrapped a gift for a friend who loves soft pastels in pale pink and lavender paper, with matching ribbon. It wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about showing that I knew what she loved, even down to the smallest details of the wrapping.
13. Add Decorative Charms or Pendants
Source @kings.beads
Incorporating small charms or pendants into the wrapping can transform a simple gift into something even more special. I’ve attached small silver charms to the ribbon, which the recipient can later keep as a memento. For example, I once wrapped a gift for a jewelry lover and added a small pendant that she could later turn into a necklace. This not only added a personal touch but also made the gift feel more luxurious.
14. Wrap in Layers
Source @wrappily
Layering your wrapping materials can add depth and texture, making the overall presentation more visually striking. I like to mix and match different materials such as tissue paper, burlap, or fabric. The layering creates a sense of anticipation as the recipient unwraps the gift, and the different textures add to the tactile experience. Last year, I wrapped a special anniversary gift for a couple in several layers of silk and lace, and the unveiling process made it feel even more intimate.
15. Create a Gift Box for Special Occasions
Source @prezzie.avenue
For truly special occasions, I like to go the extra mile by creating a custom gift box. This box is usually decorated with elements that reflect the recipient’s personality or interests, and I’ll line the inside with fabric or decorative paper. I’ve even added small surprises inside the box, like a keepsake or a handwritten message, to make the unboxing experience feel even more memorable. This method takes the gift wrapping to another level of personalization.
16. Use Wrapping to Reflect the Occasion
Source @dailywrap.byvivienne
The wrapping can be just as much a part of the celebration as the gift itself. I always take care to select wrapping materials that reflect the occasion. For example, for Christmas, I choose rich red or green wrapping paper and accents like metallic ribbons or holly leaves. For birthdays, I like to use brighter colors or patterns that match the recipient’s taste. Thoughtfully choosing the wrapping according to the occasion helps reinforce the overall theme of the gift.
17. DIY Gift Wrap from Old Maps
Source @encorbyepcor
Using old maps as gift wrap not only repurposes something old, but it also adds a sentimental touch, especially for travel lovers. I once wrapped a gift for a friend who loves exploring new destinations with a vintage map of one of her favorite countries. The map became a part of the gift, making it more meaningful and relevant to her passions.
18. Incorporate a Hidden Surprise
Source @sugary.gifts
Adding a hidden surprise inside the wrapping adds an element of fun and excitement. I sometimes tuck small items—like a handwritten note, a small charm, or a secret gift—inside the wrapping, which the recipient only discovers after they begin unwrapping. This surprise always adds an element of joy and makes the gifting experience feel even more personal.
19. Go for a Minimalist Look
Source @emthequeen.3
Sometimes, less truly is more. For friends or family members who appreciate simplicity, I like to go for a minimalist look using plain wrapping paper, subtle colors, and a simple, elegant ribbon. One of my favorite minimalist gifts was wrapped in plain white paper with a single gold ribbon, making it feel chic and refined. The beauty of this style is in its understated elegance.
20. Personalize with Monograms
Source @stitchin_pretty
Monogramming is a classic, sophisticated way to personalize a gift wrap. I often include the recipient’s initials or even their full name on the wrapping or ribbon. Custom monograms add a level of luxury and thoughtfulness, making the gift feel special. For example, for a colleague’s retirement gift, I used custom-printed ribbon with his initials, which made the gift feel extra elegant.
21. Use Upcycled Materials
Source @clutchcollectivemov
Upcycling is an important practice for me, both in sustainability and creativity. I often repurpose materials I have on hand—whether it’s old boxes, fabric scraps, or even packaging from previous purchases. I wrapped a gift for a friend in a box that once held a beautiful wine bottle, adding some twine and a dried flower to give it a rustic, vintage feel.
22. Create a Themed Wrapping Based on Interests
Source @best_of_gift_wrapping
Personalizing wrapping based on the recipient’s interests is a great way to make the gift feel truly thoughtful. I’ve wrapped gifts for music lovers in sheet music, for gardeners in burlap, and for art enthusiasts in colorful paint-splattered paper. Themed wrapping makes the gift feel even more personal, and the recipient can immediately tell how much thought went into the wrapping process.
23. Add a Touch of Scent
Source @scensiafragrance
I believe that scent can be an important element in creating a memorable gift experience. Before I present a gift, I like to lightly spray it with a scent that I know the recipient loves. Whether it’s a calming lavender or a fresh citrus scent, adding fragrance to the wrapping enhances the sensory experience and makes the gift feel even more personal and thoughtful.