Fun and unusual wrapping paper designs

Photo: Zazzle.com

These days, it’s not enough to just throw your gift into a bag, fluff up some tissue paper, and put the surprise into your recipient’s hands. Sure, they’re grateful, but are you proud of your wrapping efforts?

If not, then it’s time to rethink the way you present gifts. With no dearth of wrapping paper designs out there, you can make anything you give that much more special by tailoring it to the occasion in question. Here are some ideas sure to make gifting a little more exciting for both of you.

Wrapping Paper Styles

What’s the occasion? You could give a gift just because — or you may be wrapping something up for a birthday, baby shower, Christmas, Mother’s or Father’s Day, an anniversary, or graduation.

Whatever the event, you need the right type of wrapping paper to reflect the spirit of the day. Think about how this breaks down in terms of color, design, and mood for different days. For birthdays, traditional wrapping paper usually features some sort of festive adornment, like confetti or balloons.

If you want to think outside the box, select paper that truly lines up with your recipient’s tastes. Think of favorite animals, quirky jokes, fun patterns, and bright colors. Meanwhile, soft hues characterize Mother’s Day, and you can’t really go wrong with paper featuring her favorite flowers and colors. But you can take it a step further by covering her gift in photo wrapping paper or tissue paper adorned with her image. The same goes for Father’s Day wrapping paper, which you can select based on his sport of choice or a fun picture that best reflects your relationship and memories with him.

Fun and unusual wrapping paper designs - different styles of wrapping paper
Photo: Zazzle.com

Wrapping Paper Types

Believe it or not, the type of paper you select has a lot to do with presentation. Imagine the difference between superstar wrapping paper — bright, glossy, vibrant — versus a dull finish that doesn’t really make much of an impact. If your goal is to truly wow your recipient, then you can make an initial statement with the right type of paper.

Glossy paper is full of shine and allows every color to stand out. Heavy shade saturation can be especially impactful if you choose wrapping paper adorned with a bold design or phrasing that you want to stand out. Matte paper is flat and lacks that inherent sheen but still provides a great color payoff.

Alternative Uses for Wrapping Paper

So what happens after you’ve wrapped up your gift using that unique paper and you’re left with the rest of the roll? Consider making creative use of the paper. You could line drawers with it in lieu of traditional liners, or place alternating sheets on your bookshelves to give your furniture a little personality.

Here are other ways to use wrapping paper:

  • Use the pieces to wrap your holiday ornaments for safe keeping until the following year.
  • Use leftover sheets to make wildly colorful confetti by shredding it down and tossing it up on New Year’s Eve!
  • Shredded wrapping paper makes a great bed for animals in shelters. Donate to your local shelter after the holiday season.
  • Stuff a package so it has a smooth ride to its final destination.

Additional Papers for Gift Wrapping

There’s no rule saying you have to use actual wrapping paper on your gift. Is your recipient a musician? Try some old sheet paper in lieu of wrapping paper. For the news junkie in your life, a vintage newspaper makes a great choice. Burlap is an earthy option for someone who would appreciate you saving paper, while maps are a funky, unexpected choice that’s just as efficient as any thick type of wrapping paper.

When giving a gift, it’s always the thought that counts. However you choose to present your present, remember to put equal care into your loved one’s full experience – from the excitement of seeing the package to the feel of discovering what’s under wraps.