In the gifting world, people often say that the thought matters more than the gift itself. However, some would argue that how the gift is presented holds more weight. Furthermore, others believe that the type and size of the gift are dearer to them. With plenty of opinions to consider, it's essential to ensure you tick all the boxes to be on the safer side.
Gift wrapping and presentation are an art that requires skill and precision. How the gift looks sets a solid first impression that can begin to stir emotions in the receiver. For instance, you can have an amazing gift such as a unique collection of flowers that you want to gift your loved one for a specific occasion.
Sending them singlehandedly with zero wrapping to create a gorgeous bouquet or a box and neatly arrange them will seem quite odd regardless of how priceless the blooms are. On the other hand, delivering them with excellent packaging and probably a side note with it will be one memorable gift option.
So, what is gift wrapping & presentation, and what are some of the ideas you can opt for?
Disclaimer: As much as they might seem similar, there is a thin line between gift wrapping and gift presentation.
What is Gift Wrapping?
Gift wrapping is the art of concealing a present to avoid disclosing its contents. Over the years, gift wrapping has evolved, realizing significant changes. There’s an entire process of wrapping gifts and that’s as important to the art as the final product.
There are usually two options when considering how to wrap a gift;
- Cover up the actual gift using the wrapping material
- Package the gift wrap the packaging.
History of Gift Wrapping
Gift wrapping has a rich history. Back in the day, linen or woolen cloth was significant in gift wrapping. This would be used specifically because of the availability and significance of the material. Furthermore, the majority of the gifts were food, say a freshly baked loaf of bread or freshly harvested fruits. This would keep them clean and well as contain their contents. The same material was used to gift priceless pieces, such as books and jewelry, although people started wrapping the former using paper and sisal strings since the pulp and sewing industry was rapidly growing.
Nonetheless, givers also had the opportunity to place the gifts on baskets, especially if it’s a collection then later wrap and decorate the basket. This was the origin of the art of gift wrapping, which was then, a simple way of appreciating the receivers.
Gift Wrapping in the Modern World
In the modern world, people created a whole industry out of the art. Now, there are gifting shops, wrapping stations, and presentation professionals to help you with gift-giving. The art also evolved over the years introducing new materials and styles. For instance, people no longer use cloth as much as before, because the introduction of wrapping papers took the industry by storm. They have a lighter and rather usable material and come in various designs, themes, shapes, sizes, and colors.
You can now wrap up an entire beast of a G-Wagon if you wish to gift your friend who’s a car enthusiast and an offroad junkie. The customization levels have been crucial to the growth of the industry as creatives have ensured there’s an endless stream of designs to choose from. This has increased the demand for gift-wrapping accessories.
However, traditional methods of gift wrapping are still a thing. Some ideas have been carried within the modern world, as cloth wrappings are still as available and functional. Some cultures haven’t yet transitioned to modern ways of gift wrapping as they are still accustomed to using their old ways. Nevertheless, this hasn’t limited them to gift-giving since it still serves a significant purpose.
What is Gift Presentation?
Gift presentation is the art of giving a gift in a manner it’ll look as appealing and as convincing as its contents. Gift presentation is all about packaging, staging, and wrapping. Remember the thin line we mentioned before? Gift wrapping is a part of the gift presentation! However, collectively with other skills it makes the best delivery.
Gift presentation is a whole process and you have to consider several things to get it right. This includes;
- The size of the gift – This will dictate the way you’d present the gift. For instance, you can’t wrap up an apartment/house but you can present a key in a way it’ll still spark the same level of excitement as seeing the apartment.
- The delivery location of the gift – Some gifts are to be delivered to the receiver, while you have to take the receiver to where some gifts are. For example, you can have flowers delivered to an office desk, but you have to take the receiver to the parking lot if you’ve gifted them a car.
- The recipient’s color preference – Color draws emotions. Background research on the color preferences of the recipient will be crucial to the gift presentation. Other than the gift itself, there’ll be something else to hold on to in the package and color will make a good first impression as well.
- Accompaniments – It's a no-brainer that some gifts need some accompaniments to complement them. A box of necklaces and balloons, flowers, and a card, these as some of the common options. However, you should ensure that the highlight of the package still holds center stage in the presentation process. Accompaniments are just for complementary purposes and not to replace or compete with the actual gift.
- Wrapping – There’s always something with the denial of access to something unknown. It builds up anticipation and curiosity. This is the primary goal of gift wrapping. It’s important to use the right gift-wrapping accessoriesto get the process right.
Step-By-Step Guide on Gift Wrapping
Concerning wrapping small gifts, whether in a box or basket, there is a process to simultaneously follow to get it right. This will ensure that you have a neat final product and it'll get to the receiver in one piece.
The step-by-step guide on gift wrapping includes;
- Get all the necessities. This includes a ribbon, packaging box or basket (if you don't have one already), wrapping paper, and double-sided tape
- Measure the required dimensions and cut the wrapping paper to the appropriate size
- Fold over the edges to fully cover the box or basket or packaging you have
- Join all the ends
- Close the open ends inwards, creating flaps
- Fold down the flaps to eliminate openings
- Get rid of excess paper and close the ends with double sided tape for neatness
- Add, thread, and make a double knot with a ribbon
- Trim the excess ends of the ribbon and you’re good to go.
Gift wrapping and presentation are essential to delivering a gift that's not only good but also looks good. There are several rules to consider during this process and this requires skill as well. Ensure that you also have the right gift-wrapping accessories to get the process right. You can check out the options on BloomingBox to help you make an informed decision on how to present your next gift.
