Gift-Wrapping 101 | The North Shore Moms

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that simple things can matter the most. That’s why we’re taking a bit more care with our gift-wrapping this year—to make the holidays as joyful as possible for our kids, family and friends. We turned to lifestyle expert Caryn Antonini for her 5 best tips for a perfectly wrapped package every time. (And if you decide to take a shortcut and have a store wrap for you? We won’t tell…)

Start with Good Paper…
With gift-wrapping, it seems what you pay for is what you get. “For special gifts, use quality wrapping paper so it doesn’t rip in the process and it’s easier to crease,” says Caryn. (Feel free to use the cheap stuff for small kid who will just rip it off immediately, anyway.)

…Then Gather the Rest of the Tools you’ll Need
Double-sided tape and a tape dispenser are essentials, says Caryn. She explains: “It’s much easier to wrap when you don’t have to fold the tape over and the tape roll is anchored down.” Use beautiful, quality ribbon to finish off the wrapping.

Go Slowly
The old adage “Measure twice, cut once!” is true here, according to Caryn. “When your paper is the correct size for the gift, the rest will fall into place,” she says.

Add Some Bling
A small, playful touch—like a candy cane or an ornament—will make your gift-wrapping (and gift) more memorable, says Caryn.

Try Your Hand at Homemade
Put the kids to work and have them create handprints on brown Kraft paper, and use items found in nature like pinecones in lieu of the candy cones. Recycled gift wrap is also totally acceptable. “Whenever a gift is unwrapped in our house, I’m always on the lookout for things that can be salvaged – from gift boxes to ribbons to wrapping paper. There’s no reason to throw it out if it can still be used again,” says Caryn.

In a pinch for time? Caryn says to try this trick: “When I’m short on time, my gift wrap hack is using a cellophane bag or cellophane paper with a few sheets of gift tissue paper, tied with a pretty ribbon. It’s also great for smaller gifts, or when you don’t have a box or to wrap food items.”

 

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