I bet you had no idea that Onya had a gift wrapping expert on its staff. Well here I am, delving back in time to share my tips and experiences from a past life as a gift wrapper at an Australian clothing and homewares store.
The year was 2003 and I needed a part time job to fund my extra curricular partying during my summer break from University. Gift wrapping sounded like a great way to make some extra cash. I mean what’s not to love? Christmas carols on rotation to get you in the spirit, gorgeous paper, boxes and ribbon abound and the swarm of excited (yet patient) customers. Yes, I was naive (or simply hopeful) – the music drove me nuts after two days, the boxes never fit the awkwardly shaped objects and the customers were cranky from the stress of their December shopping experience.
A few words of wisdom from your friendly (ex) gift wrapper if you prefer an expert to wrap your presents for you:
- Don’t tell them repeatedly how you could wrap it better. If you can, then go and do it.
- If you buy a spherical shaped object please don’t complain that the wrapping is not perfect. It is a sphere.
- Please don’t complain about the colour of the paper, box, ribbon, gift card etc. We don’t choose the paper options, we simply use them.
- Don’t assume that the wrapper is deliberately going slowly just to irritate you, they’re not (unless of course you already did any of the above).
If you’re inventive and like to create little works of art for your loved ones, here are some tips to help you produce a polished final product:
- Use double sided tape or wrap the tape over onto itself to create a loop. Use the loop underneath the paper to give the illusion that it was expertly wrapped without any tape at all.
- Fold over any edges. Nobody cuts the paper perfectly but by folding about a centimetre under, the line will seem straight.
- Play with colour. Contrasting colours look great – if you have green paper, perhaps go with a red ribbon or purple and yellow if you’re less traditional with your Christmas paper.
- Ribbon always gives it that little something extra. Experiment with tying techniques. The basic way to tie a ribbon onto a gift is to start with a line stretched across the front, then cross the ribbon around the back and bring it into a knot/bow at the front. If you have extra ribbon, try threading extra pieces around the bow/knot to give it some volume.
- Consider using a box. Not all presents will be convenient shapes, so a box will help your gift resemble something presentable (see the spherical object comment above).
- You’re not fooling anyone with your bargain bin ‘but it almost looks expensive’ gift wrap. If you don’t want to fork out for pricey paper, simply create your own. Add drawings, pictures or personal messages to plain paper (or newspaper) to surprise them with designer wrap made especially for them.
Below are a few of my favourite present adornments for the festive season:
A more traditional style of paper with gold stars on bold stripes from WRAP (handmade in Melbourne):
Be socially responsible this Christmas with this fair trade bright green floral print on recycled Indian newspaper from Earthtribe:
Wrapping paper for the fashionista in your life from Amazing Paper:
Rustic Charm ribbons and Birdhouse papercraft postcard and decoration by Melbourne based designer Jennifer Henderson (both from Lark Made):
For the eco conscious person in your life, wrap with Planetwise recycled handmade paper in Cherry or Avocado:
Happy wrapping!
