In that Case...

Brown paper packages tied up with string…these are a few of my favorite things. I guess maybe this stems from all the years growing up with comic strip and foil wrapped presents. I appreciated my gifts no matter what they were wrapped in (sometimes they just came in a plastic grocery bag). Come to think of it…when I would receive a Christmas present with one of those stick on bows on it, I thought I had hit the big time! It’s about what’s inside that counts, right? Well, every once in a while, everyone would like to receive a nicely wrapped package with string and bows.

When I worked at Mervyn’s years ago, I had to wrap packages sometimes. There was a method to it: crisp, clean, geometric perfection. People weren’t paying for a crinkly, taped up blob of a package (think a package of socks wrapped by a man). Now, I’m definitely not the best gift-wrapper in the world, but I know a thing or two. Sometimes I am in a hurry and can’t take the care I would like to, but in an ideal situation, I have several tips for a beautifully wrapped package.

My Best Tips:

1. If you can, buy better quality wrapping paper. The thin stuff will be see-through and will tear at any prick from a pointy corner.

2. Look for sales and clearance on wrapping paper, bows, cards, and tape. Just because you don’t need it right away doesn’t mean you can’t purchase it in advance. At least one person in your circle of friends and family will get married, have a baby, have a birthday, and/or have an anniversary in the next year.

3. If you have an odd-shaped item, put it in a box for a geometric shape that is easier to wrap or come up with a creative way to wrap it. Don’t be afraid of making baskets and grouping several small items together. You can always wrap them up with cellophane or tulle.

4. After you cut your paper, fold your edges over about ¼”, and the crooked edge that you probably cut will be hidden.

5. Double-stick tape is your friend. It will allow you to secure the package but leave the tape hidden.

6. Crease your paper with the edges of the gift as you go for a crisper look.

7. When you do the triangle fold on the two ends, try not to end the fold in a point. Instead, cut off excess paper and end the fold with a flat edge, preferably lined up with the edge of the gift.

8. The best bows are made with the fabric wired ribbon. This allows you to make the ribbon do exactly what you want it to because most thin, paper ribbons have a mind of their own.

The receiver of your gift will like anything you give them in any way you give it in. However, if you present a beautifully wrapped package, they are bound to love it.

If all good books had good covers, more people would appreciate them…