Gift wrapping has always been one of my favorite things to do — and I’m sure I inherited that from my mom. Wrapping Christmas presents wasn’t just a task for her; it was an art form. She used to tell me that every package was a little work of art, and that idea always stayed with me.
She never wrapped two gifts the same, which amazed me. There was a whole closet in our house filled with wrapping paper, ribbons, boxes, and tags. It looked like a tiny department store. She told me she first fell in love with wrapping gifts as a little girl, helping her grandmother each Christmas.
The way she talked about those moments always reminded me of the scene in Peggy Sue Got Married, when Peggy dreams and goes back in time to visit her grandparents as an adult. Wrapping gifts, for my mom, was a way to step back in time — and for me, it still is.
A Little Nostalgia: When Stores Wrapped Your Gifts
I still remember when department stores like McAlpin’s had “gift wrap counters.” You’d buy your gift, take it downstairs, and stand in line while the “gift wrap people” turned it into magic. You’d pick your paper and ribbon from the samples on the wall behind them. I miss that small ritual — the quiet patience of it, the anticipation of bringing something beautiful home.
Do stores still do that anymore?
A Simple Gift Wrapping How-To
Below are a few simple steps that combine what my mom taught me with my own little rituals. Whether you’re wrapping Christmas gifts, birthday presents, or a thoughtful surprise, I hope this helps you find some joy in the process.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Box
Start with a box that fits your gift — not too big (where it rattles around in tissue paper), and not too small (where you have to cram and tape the edges).
Keep plain white tissue paper on hand — it’s worth ordering in bulk. Line the box by overlapping sheets of tissue at the bottom, place your gift inside, then fold the extra tissue over the top. If the box is a little too large, wad up extra tissue to fill the space so the gift sits neatly.
Tip: Buy boxes in bundles and keep a few different sizes on hand. It’ll save you time and stress later.
Step 2: Choosing Your Wrapping Paper
Having a small collection of paper on hand saves both time and money. I always keep a few neutral options — white, kraft, or pink butcher paper — that can be dressed up for any occasion.
For everyday use, I love wrapping paper from **Current (this reindeer paper is SO CUTE!). The rolls are generous, affordable, and many are reversible — my favorite feature! I store mine in a collapsible laundry hamper and a tall trash can, but Pinterest is full of clever gift wrapping storage ideas if you need inspiration.
Step 3: Cutting the Paper
Cutting the paper to the right size makes everything easier. If you’re not sure how much to use, gently roll the box across the paper — top, bottom, and both sides — leaving just a small overlap.
Before you tape, fold over the raw edge of the paper for a clean line.
When it comes to the ends, remember: less is more. You only need enough paper to fold halfway down each side. That way, your folds stay crisp and tape neatly on the sides, not the bottom.
Step 4: Ribbon and Finishing Touches
Ribbon is where you can have fun. My mom’s trick was mixing textures — satin with raffia, velvet with twine. She always said the bow was the “period at the end of the sentence.”
If you’re short on ribbon, try adding a sprig of evergreen, a cinnamon stick, or a small ornament. These little touches make even plain paper feel special.
How I Store My Supplies
All of my wrapping supplies — paper, ribbons, tags, and tools — live together in one small closet. Having them in one spot means I can wrap as I go instead of facing a mountain of gifts at once. I like to think my mom would approve of that little bit of efficiency.
The Heart Behind It All
Every December, when I pull out my wrapping paper, I feel like I’m visiting my mom again. Each fold, each ribbon, feels like a quiet conversation we still get to have.
That’s the real beauty of gift wrapping — it’s not just about making something look pretty. It’s about slowing down long enough to add a little love to the giving.
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