What are the Most Creative Ways to Wrap a Present?

We all love giving and receiving gifts, but did you know that the way you wrap items says a lot about your personality and how you value the other person? 

In 1992, a psychologist named Daniel Howard decided to conduct an experiment measuring the sentimental impact of gift wrapping. He found that participants receiving a gift-wrapped item gave a more favourable rating than those that received the same gift in a plastic bag. 

It's clear that the way you offer a gift is important, so in this post, we're going to reveal some of the most creative ways to wrap a present. 

Use Crayons or Paint 

Let's face it; wrapping paper can get kind of boring. To mix things up, focus on using plain paper or brown paper and use your creative abilities to put a personal stamp on it. Here are some of our favourite ideas. 

Hobbies & Interests: We all have our hobbies and interests. Show your recipient you care by decorating the paper with theirs. For example, if they love animals, add cats, dogs and other wildlife to the paper. 

Children's Gifts: Kids love anything unique and colourful, so get your little ones to design their wrapping paper for birthday parties. With the average person spending around £630 per year on gifts (Your Money), households with children often end up having to budget to accommodate buying for birthday parties. 

Special Messages: Gifts should have meaning, so instead of buying some fancy wrapping paper, focus on writing your own messages and show that special someone how much you care. 

Edible Wrapping 

Edible wrapping is an excellent option - especially if you're combining it with some delicious sweets. Instead of putting all the sweets in a box, attach them to the paper. Your recipient will love the gesture. 

We recommend love hearts, bubblegum and other confectionery that comes in a wrapper. There are plenty of wholesale sweet options, so you'll have no problem finding the right ones. 

Confetti Dip 

This idea is so simple, but it stands out. Glitter is renowned for creating a lot of mess and staying on your clothes for weeks. But confetti is a great alternative, and it's less likely to fall off the present than glitter. 

Wrap your gift in plain paper and cover a section with glue. Dip it in a pot of confetti, and you'll have a lollipop effect. Essentially, it should resemble a Fab Lolly, with a combination of neutrals and a burst of colour. 

The Chalkboard Effect 

Another simple but effective wrapping technique involves taking a sophisticated approach to wrapping. Use black paper to wrap the gift, then write a special message in white pen, paint or chalk (depending on the paper you use). 

You can tailor the message to the recipient, and it's also a great way to get the whole family involved. Each member can add a unique message, which is a lovely gesture. 

If you decide on glossy black paper, then it's best to steer clear of chalk. Other types of paper combined with white chalk will create a retro look. 

Zero Wrapping Paper Techniques 

For some people, wrapping gifts is an opportunity to get creative. A minority might even dedicate an entire room of their house to gift wrapping. Others - however - end up with a present that looks like a five-year-old was let loose. 

If you can't get to grips with traditional wrapping paper and sellotape, then here are some creative ways to wrap a present without the fiddly stuff. 

Use Fabric 

The likelihood is, you've got an old t-shirt at home that you no longer want. If you're wrapping a relatively small gift, you can cut the shirt and use it to cover the gift. 

1. Cut your t-shirt into a square, making sure you leave plenty of room to cover the item. 

2. If your gift doesn't come with a box, it's probably best to use one. But if it has a flat surface, you should be fine. 

3. Place the fabric on your item/box base and wrap it over the item. 

4. Tie a knot at the top, or cut the fabric to make a bow. You can trim the ends to make it neater when you're finished. 

This method works with blouses, swatches and even denim. Just make sure you don't want to keep the clothing, and always use more than you think you need.

It's easy to cut the ends once you're finished, but using too little fabric means you're going to get through a lot of t-shirts. 

Glitter Boxes 

Glitter boxes are straightforward to make, and any arts and crafts novice can create something unique. Try to find a plain cardboard box and match it to the size of the item. You don't want a giant box for a piece of jewellery! 

Glue and glitter are the only things you'll need, and the process is incredibly simple. 

1. Cover your box with glue
2. Add the glitter. 

Seriously - it's that simple. You can go for one colour or opt for a rainbow of glitter. The gift looks impressive, and it's also a fantastic way to get the kids involved in arts and crafts. 

Use Gift Bags 

Ok, not the most creative wrapping technique on the list, but it's still worth mentioning. Bags are handy and mean you don't have to spend any time wrapping your gifts, but they'll still look fantastic. 

If you're sending sweets, then you can find retro-style bags that have personalisation features. Write your recipient's name on the front, and you'll have a cheap and cheerful gift with plenty of nostalgic appeal. 

The Bottom Line 

There are so many ways you can wrap presents, so don't be afraid to get creative. Remember, plain brown paper is often recycled, so you can contribute to the environment while not losing the aesthetic appeal traditional wrapping paper provides. 

Get the kids involved, be daring and make any sweet gift stand out. Don't forget to check out our other posts, including Creative Gift Ideas For Friends.