Birthday
HydrangeasBeautiful wrapping is half the impression a gift makes. Even a modest item, neatly wrapped and decorated with a sprig of eucalyptus or dried flowers, looks special. Here is how to wrap a gift yourself, which materials to choose, how to decorate a gift with fresh and dried flowers and how to make your wrapping eco-friendly.
Flowers to go with a gift are in our flowers in a box and flower baskets sections.
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How to wrap a gift: 6 steps
- Measure the paper so it goes round the box with 3–5 cm to spare and covers the ends.
- Wrap tightly with neat creases; double-sided tape makes the seams invisible.
- Tie the gift with ribbon or twine and add decoration.
Materials
- Kraft paper — a versatile background for any decoration.
- Designer paper and tracing paper — for festive gifts.
- Fabric (furoshiki) — the Japanese technique of wrapping in a cloth that can be reused.
- Boxes and pouches — for oddly shaped gifts.
Decorating a gift with flowers
- Dried flowers and greenery — eucalyptus, lavender, cotton, bunny tails and dried orange slices last well and travel safely.
- Fresh flowers — a single rose or an orchid sprig in a water tube tucked under the ribbon will last all day.
- A mini bouquet instead of a bow — striking for a birthday or wedding.
How to wrap the bouquet itself is covered in "How to wrap a bouquet".
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Ideas for different occasions
- New Year — fir, cones, red and gold, kraft paper with a white print.
- Birthday — bright paper, pompoms, a card with a wish.
- Wedding — white, cream, satin ribbons, fresh flowers.
- Corporate gift — restrained colours and a logo on the tag.
Eco-friendly wrapping
- Use recycled paper, fabric or reusable boxes.
- Replace plastic ribbons with twine and cotton ribbon.
- Skip glitter — it is microplastic.
- Decorate with natural materials: twigs, cones, dried flowers.
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FAQ
How can I wrap a gift without a box?
In fabric using the furoshiki technique, in a paper bag or in sturdy kraft paper with neat creases.
How do I attach a fresh flower to a gift?
Put the flower in a small water tube and secure it under the ribbon.
How much paper do I need?
Enough to go round the box with 3–5 cm to spare and cover the ends.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
