5 Stunning Gift Wrapping Ideas That Will Get You Tons of Compliments
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Want your presents to look so pretty that nobody wants to rip them open? These 5 insanely gorgeous gift wrapping ideas will make every gift under your tree look like it came from a fancy boutique.
Let’s be real, you put so much thought into picking out the perfect gifts this year. So why stop there? The wrapping is the very first thing someone sees, and it sets the tone for the whole moment before they even pull the ribbon.
The good news is that beautiful gift wrap doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A pretty paper, a good ribbon and one little extra touch is really all it takes. And if you’re still checking names off your list, my ultimate gift guide has ideas for literally everyone you’re shopping for.
Quick Answer
The best gift wrapping ideas pair one pretty paper (like stripes, gingham, plaid or a vintage print) with a contrasting ribbon in velvet or satin, then finish with one small extra like a bell, a mini pinecone or a wood snowflake. Pick a color story, like classic burgundy, soft pink and green, cozy browns, evergreen and kraft, or holiday plaid, and wrap every gift in it so your whole pile looks pulled together under the tree.
A Few Gift Wrapping Tips Before You Start:
Pick a color story first. Choosing 2 or 3 colors before you shop keeps everything looking cohesive, even when you mix a bunch of different papers.
Mix patterns with solids. A busy plaid looks so much better next to a plain kraft or chocolate brown box. Let one or two papers be the star and keep the rest simple.
Spend on the ribbon. If you’re only going to splurge on one thing, make it the ribbon. Velvet and satin instantly make even basic paper look expensive.
Add one little extra. A bell, a sprig of greenery, a pinecone or a cute tag is the finishing touch that makes people stop and say “wait, you wrapped this?!”
This post is all about the best gift wrapping ideas to make your presents look gorgeous this year.
Best Gift Wrapping Ideas:
Gift Wrapping Idea #1: Classic Red and Burgundy Gift Wrap
There’s a reason classic burgundy wrapping never goes out of style. It feels like Christmas morning at grandma’s house, all cozy and nostalgic, but swapping bright red for deep burgundy and cream makes it look so much more grown up and elevated. It’s the kind of gift pile that looks gorgeous in photos and even better in person.
To get this look, start with one or two statement papers like a cream and burgundy stripe, a bold red diamond print or burgundy gingham, then mix in a plain kraft or chocolate brown paper so things don’t feel too busy. Tie everything with burgundy velvet, a skinny olive velvet ribbon or soft cream satin.
The finishing touches are what really make it special. Tuck a couple of brass bells or a mini pinecone into the bow, then add a pretty stamped gift tag. It looks like you spent hours on it, but it’s honestly so easy!
Want even more ideas for setting a gorgeous holiday scene? My Christmas table decor ideas post has a ton of inspiration beyond just gift wrap.
Gift Wrapping Idea #2: Pink and Green Gift Wrap
Pink and green gift wrap is so whimsical and so fun! It feels like a little Parisian holiday, all soft and dreamy, and it’s such a sweet change from the usual red and green. It’s my favorite look for wrapping gifts for my girlfriends, my sister and anyone who loves anything pink.
For this style, pick papers with a little personality, like pink Parisian rooftops or vintage Christmas trees, and pair them with brown gingham so the pink doesn’t get too sugary. Dusty pink chiffon ribbon, camel velvet and cream satin bows all look so pretty with this palette.
Then have fun with the little extras. Cute house-shaped boxes, striped mini gift bags with dotted tissue and hand-painted bow tags make every gift look like it came from a sweet little boutique. A few mini olive velvet bows add the perfect pop of green.
Want even more ideas for little holiday surprises? My stocking stuffer ideas post has a ton of inspiration beyond just gift wrap.
Gift Wrapping Idea #3: Cozy Neutral Brown Gift Wrap
Neutral gift wrap is having such a moment and I’m obsessed. All of the chocolate, cream and tan tones feel so warm and cozy, and they look so expensive sitting under the tree. It’s also the easiest look to pull off because every paper and ribbon goes together.
To recreate it, mix a few soft patterns like a cream pinstripe, a snowy toile print and brown gingham with a solid chocolate brown paper. Then layer in brown satin, cocoa velvet and a fringed linen ribbon for lots of texture. If you want to try something different, wrap one or two gifts in a floral fabric wrap tied in a knot.
Finish each gift with letterpress tags in soft muted colors and a couple of brass bells for a little shine. The whole look feels so calm and polished, and it’s perfect if your holiday decor leans neutral too.
Want even more ideas for cozy holiday gifting? My burr basket ideas post has a ton of inspiration beyond just gift wrap.
Gift Wrapping Idea #4: Evergreen and Kraft Gift Wrap
This look is all about bringing the outdoors in. Pine prints, kraft paper and wood snowflakes feel rustic and festive, like a little cabin in the mountains on Christmas Eve. It’s cozy and simple, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves a more natural, woodsy Christmas.
Start with plain kraft paper as your base, then mix in a green and cream plaid, a pine botanical print or a kraft paper with little pine trees. A kraft paper set with black, white and printed rolls makes it easy to mix and match. Tie it all together with olive velvet, burlap or a cotton ribbon with “Noel” printed on it.
The magic is in the extras here. Tuck in a sprig of real greenery, hang a wood snowflake ornament off the bow and add a letterpress “‘Tis the Season” tag. The snowflake even doubles as a little ornament for their tree!
Want even more ideas for thoughtful gifts for neighbors? My Christmas gifts for neighbors post has a ton of inspiration beyond just gift wrap.
Gift Wrapping Idea #5: Holiday Plaid Gift Wrap
Nothing beats a classic plaid at Christmas! Mixing different plaids in burgundy, brown and beige feels like a cozy lodge or a cabin weekend, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull off. It’s timeless, festive and it looks amazing under any tree.
The trick is to stick to the same color family. Pick two or three plaids, like a dark brown tartan, a soft beige flannel plaid and a burgundy plaid, then break them up with a classic red stripe and plain kraft paper. Burgundy velvet, a skinny tartan ribbon and gold satin bows all look so rich with plaid.
For the finishing touch, add mini olive velvet bows, a little jute twine or a teddy bear tartan tag. They’re especially cute on the kids’ gifts!
Want even more ideas for festive holiday decorating? My DIY Christmas decor ideas post has a ton of inspiration beyond just gift wrap.
Final Thoughts
Gift wrapping really is the cherry on top of all of that holiday shopping. Pick one color story, grab a pretty paper and a good ribbon, and add one little extra, and your gifts are going to look so gorgeous under the tree.
Which gift wrapping idea is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
This post was all about the best gift wrapping ideas.
Gift Wrapping Ideas FAQ
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