4 tips for wrapping gifts

Pretty packages thoughtfully and uniquely presented make gift exchanges special, so step up your game by following these gift-wrapping tips.

• Paying attention to details when you're giving gifts means adding a personalized touch to your wrapping. This can be done by adding small elements such as scented foliage, studs and glitter, or cinnamon sticks to your wrapping.
• Try to tie these into the gift for the person receiving it. Someone who loves football, for instance, might be delighted to find their gift tied with a football-themed bow. These little add-ons are helpful in creating especially happy memories, because they show that you care enough to go the extra mile.

• Although boxes are easy to wrap, they can get boring. If your gift doesn't come with a box, try an alternative method like using empty potato chip cans or used mason jars for smaller items.
• You can also adapt Japanese fabric wrapping techniques to wrap something with an awkward shape. The art of furoshiki helps you create gifts out of gifts by creating dolls, baskets and other shapes around otherwise hard to wrap items. Once the designs are taken apart to reveal once inside, the fabric can be used for other things.

• Get good quality ribbons and paper when wrapping gifts. If your paper is too thin, it will split apart on the sides, or your recipient could see through the package.
• If your paper is too heavy, folding it while wrapping can be difficult.
• One tip from Julie Starr Hook, an expert in organization and design, is to stick with fabric ribbons to make a big impression. She also says that if your wrapping paper is plain to use different bows and ribbons to dress it up perfectly.

• By having a theme for each person you're wrapping gifts for, you can be creatively stretch your budget by using just a few materials in multiple ways.
• This ensures that every gift you give is unique, while still personal. If your gifts are under a Christmas tree, it's also easier to identify who each present is for.
• Pick themes that are suitable to the occasions and the recipients, and then go shopping for the right wrapping materials.