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39 Gift wrapping ideas to make unwrapping extra special.

Want to try out new ways to wrap gifts for any occasion? These gift wrapping ideas will give you some much-needed inspiration.

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Gift wrapping ideas to take gift-giving to a whole new level.

You’ve chosen the perfect gift. All that’s left to do now is to wrap it nicely. How do you wrap a gift so that it delights the recipient as soon as they see it? This list of gift wrapping ideas will give you plenty of options ranging from simple to unique.

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Unique gift wrapping ideas.

Make a memorable impression with these unique gift wrapping ideas.

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Use comic strips.
Want to find new uses for old comics? Consider using them as wrapping paper. This is a great idea, especially if the recipient is a fan of comics or an art enthusiast.
Go vintage.
Reuse old newspapers or print replica newspapers. Tie your gift with twine and use a personalized wax seal like the recipient’s initials to add a meaningful and elegant touch. Alternatively, you can use stickers or embossing if you don’t have a wax seal kit.
Add interactive elements.
Make gift-giving (and unwrapping) more exciting by introducing interactive elements. For example, wrap your gifts using chalkboard paper or black kraft paper. Write a personalized message or make a cute doodle using chalk markers. Then, include an extra set of chalk markers that the recipient could use to customize the wrapping. They can also save the wrapping and the markers to reuse them later.
Pastel Organic Childish Birthday Gift Tag
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Pink Vintage Floral Gift Tag
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Christmas gift wrapping ideas.

Use these Christmas gift wrapping ideas to add festive cheer to any gift.

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Add fun tie-ons.
Aside from cards, tie-ons like salt dough ornaments and fresh herbs add a nice touch to any gift.
Use gingerbread houses as your design inspiration.
Brown kraft paper is the perfect blank canvas for this. Use white paint markers to draw designs reminiscent of cute gingerbread houses.
Advent calendars.
If you have a large enough box, cut out small windows where you can place small trinkets or gifts. The recipient can open one window each day until Christmas.
Pink and Red and White Candy Cane Be Merry Greeting Card
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Green Christmas Greeting Cards A5
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Green Christmas Greeting Cards A5
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Red, Cream & Green Merry Christmas Greeting Card
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Gift wrapping ideas without box.

Trouble wrapping oddly shaped items? Check out these gift wrapping ideas without a box.

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Layered tissue paper.
Pick two or three colors of tissue paper. If you have a theme, choose colors that match it. Depending on the size of the gift bag, you may end up using several pieces of tissue paper.
Use a nice scarf.
Purchase a nice scarf, as it’s also part of the gift. Tie it securely around your gift and add a decorative knot.
Make fabric envelopes.
Sew old fabric pieces into an envelope shape. Use it to hold small trinkets or gifts like books. Consider adding a snap closure button or using a beautiful ribbon to seal the envelope.

Gift card wrapping ideas.

Make giving gift cards more exciting and personal with these gift card wrapping ideas.

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Place it inside an envelope.
If you prefer to keep things simple, then use a nice envelope. Add a sweet note, and you’re good to go. This is similar to the tradition of giving out hongbao or red envelopes, except that instead of cash, you give out gift cards.
Make it look like a different thing.
If you have plenty of time, make an armature using wire. Form it into a shape that looks nothing like a gift card. Use scrap paper to flesh it out. Then, wrap the entire thing. Or place the gift card in a small round tin.
Box it.
If the recipient has a great sense of humor, then they’ll love this gift wrapping idea. Place the card inside a cardboard box that reflects the card’s value. For example, if the gift card is worth $10, use a smaller box. If it’s worth $100, then place it in a bigger box. Remember to wrap the box and add a sweet card. Use Adobe Express to make beautiful cards in just a few clicks.

Funny gift wrapping ideas.

Add a healthy dose of humor and a lighthearted touch to gift-giving with these funny gift wrapping ideas.

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A KFC bucket.
Use a clean one for this. Place small gifts inside containers like plastic eggs or capsules like the gashapon from toy vending machines.
Use a decoy.
Place the real gift inside a box with a misleading label. For example, find a box like one for a tackle box kit or a cake mix box and place your gift inside. The recipient will be in for a pleasant surprise.
Make it vanish.
Want to surprise the recipient? Wrap an invisible gift using clear cellophane. Of course, remember to give them an actual gift afterward.

Sustainable gift wrapping ideas.

You don’t need to purchase new wrapping materials to wrap your gifts. These sustainable gift wrapping ideas will help you find more eco-friendly alternatives.

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Take inspiration from furoshiki.
With furoshiki, you’re transforming a piece of fabric into a work of art. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper that’s also reusable. This article from Japan Objects includes a video tutorial on how to tie furoshiki. Elevate it by adding botanical accents like a sprig of fresh rosemary, dried citrus, or fresh lavender.
Find wrapping paper made from sustainable or recyclable materials.
When choosing wrapping paper, opt for uncoated options, which you can recycle or compost. Look for options that are made of FSC-approved materials, printed using vegetable inks, or made from 100% recycled paper. While glittery or glossy wrapping paper can’t be easily recycled, you can save and reuse it later.
Use sisal or jute twine.
Instead of conventional ribbons, why not use sisal or jute twine? Aside from adding a rustic look to your gift, these materials are biodegradable. Adobe Express offers beginner-friendly tools to help you elevate your gift wrapping without additional costs. Use it to make beautiful cards or mini photo collages to go with your gift.
Blue and Pink Friends Happy Birthday Instagram Story
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Purple Y2K Instagram Story
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How to make the most of these gift wrapping ideas.

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  1. 1. Select your style.

    Explore our list to find the design style that suits your recipient's personality, from DIY wrapping to elegant materials.

Creative gift wrapping ideas.

Showcase your personal creativity and thoughtfulness with these creative gift wrapping ideas.

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Wrapped scavenger hunt.
Hide the real gift somewhere in your house. Strategically place decoy gifts around your house, with each gift having a corresponding clue that will eventually lead the recipient to the real gift.
Hollow out old books.
Have old books that you don’t really read anymore and are looking to dispose of? Why not carve out the center so that you have enough space for a small gift?
The accordion fold.
Use heavy cardstock. Fold it so that it looks like an accordion. To each fold, attach small envelopes. This is a great option if you’re thinking of giving multiple small gifts or even gift cards.

Cute gift wrapping ideas.

Use these cute gift wrapping ideas to transform seemingly ordinary gifts into something more charming and magical.

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Learn the art of paper folding.
Think your gift wrapping might be a bit too plain? Jazz it up with origami accents. From animals to flowers, you can find patterns for different designs online. Make your gift extra special by adding a sweet letter for the recipient. These free letter templates from Adobe Express will help you get started.
Use wrapping materials that match your décor.
Look to your décor for gift wrapping inspiration. For example, for a rustic theme, you can match your gift wrapping by using sustainable materials, such as kraft paper, jute twine, and botanical accents like dried or fresh herb sprigs. Want to go the extra mile with your décor? Make custom ones that match your theme with the help of Adobe Express. From event flyers to awesome posters, it’s now easier than ever to make on-theme décor.
Make cute cards to go with your gift.
A gift wouldn’t be complete without a card. Use Adobe Express to make stunning cards for any occasion. In just a few clicks, you’ll have cards ready to share with your loved ones.
Blue and White Happy Father's Day Card
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Rainbow Colorful Lots Of Love Encouragement Card
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Pink, White And Blue Birthdays Greeting
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Beige Cyan Valentine's Day Photographic Card
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Gift basket wrapping ideas.

Whether you’re giving out themed gifts or you want to bundle multiple small items, these gift basket wrapping ideas have got you covered.

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Use polymer clay to make tags.
Paper gift tags are nice. They’re customizable too. But if you want to surprise the recipient, why not make a personalized gift tag using polymer or air-dry clay? You’ll need to bake it, though, so if you want something a bit more beginner-friendly, then use air-dry clay.
An oldie but a goodie: colorful wrapping paper.
You can’t go wrong with this one. Or, if you want to go the extra mile, design custom patterns using Adobe Express. For example, use Adobe Express to make a custom banner or poster, then use that as your wrapping paper.
Arrange your items properly.
Find a nice wicker basket—something the recipient can reuse—that fits all your gift items. Add decorative tissue paper on the bottom. Arrange your items with the shortest or smallest items at the front and the tallest at the back. Wrap the basket in more decorative paper or fabric and use elastic to hold the ends together. Then, add a ribbon to hide the elastic.
Orange and White Birthday Banner
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Blue Woodland Birthday Tarpaulin
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Blue And Yellow Playful Birthday Banner
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Pink Flowers Birthday Banner
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Elegant gift wrapping ideas.

While more suited to formal events like weddings or anniversaries, you can apply these elegant gift wrapping ideas to any occasion.

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Minimalist chic.
Use wrapping paper in neutral palettes. If you want to use patterned paper, look for ones with clean lines and subtle designs.
Make a statement.
Yes, bold patterns and vivid colors can still be elegant. Plus, they’re great if you want to make a statement or make your gift stand out. When choosing wrapping paper, opt for those with subtle embellishments to keep things elegant. Accentuate your gift with a nice ribbon to add an elegant yet cheery touch.
Go monochrome.
Experiment with different shades and finishes of wrapping paper to create a sophisticated look while still keeping things classy.

DIY gift wrapping ideas.

Add a personal touch to any gift with these DIY gift wrapping ideas.

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Put your scraps to good use.
This DIY gift wrapping idea is a great way to reuse old wrapping paper or gift bags. Turn it into a “quilt” by cutting square pieces and gluing them onto a larger piece of paper. You can also weave the pieces of paper to create an interesting look.
Design your own wrapping paper.
You’ll need a blank piece of paper and some art materials. The great thing about this is that you can use markers, watercolors, or even crayons.
Make your own drawstring bags.
Drawstring bags are convenient and reusable. They’re also easy to make, whether or not you have a sewing machine. This tutorial from Sew Crafty Me covers everything you need to make your own drawstring bags.

Fun gift wrapping ideas.

These fun gift wrapping ideas are perfect for parties or children’s events or when you just want to add a playful touch to your gift wrapping.

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Animal-inspired.
Turn boring old boxes into adorable wrapping with this fun gift wrapping idea. The idea is to cut out shapes for parts like eyes and ears using colored paper. Use glue or tape to attach the cut-outs and transform your gift.
Have fun with stamps.
Put your stamp collection to good use with this versatile and fun gift wrapping idea. Use plain kraft paper for this, or reuse brown grocery bags (the blank side). Use stamps that fit into the event’s theme. For example, if you’re giving a Christmas gift, use stamps with snowflake designs. Stamp across the paper to create a custom design.
Use coloring book sheets.
You can purchase affordable ones from the dollar store or reuse old, uncolored pages. This is a great idea, especially if you’re giving gifts to kids.

Cool gift wrapping ideas.

Create memorable moments for the recipient with these cool gift wrapping ideas.

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Breathe new life into old wrapping paper.
Aside from being reused to wrap gifts, you can turn old wrapping paper into cute ribbons. Cut them into strips and form them into a ribbon. Use tape to attach the ribbon to your gift.
Find wrapping materials based on the recipient’s interests.
This is a thoughtful way to wrap your gifts. For example, if the recipient is into music, wrap your gifts using old sheet music or print album covers of their favorite artist. If they like traveling, reuse old maps.
Add texture.
Combine different materials like linen canvas and vellum to create interesting textures.

Tips for better gift wrapping.

Gift-giving is both an art and a science. The key is to give a gift that reflects the recipient’s preferences, what makes them happy, or what can help solve a specific problem. When it comes to wrapping the actual gift, these tips can help you make your next gift wrapping (and gift-giving) session more meaningful.

  • Stock up on wrapping supplies. To avoid putting your gift together at the last minute, consider stocking up on a variety of wrapping supplies that would suit different occasions.
  • Always crease the edges. This helps you create clean and nice packages and it makes it easier to fold the paper.
  • Know the size of paper you need. This creates less waste. Start by measuring the gift box. The height of the paper should be three times the height of the box, and its width should be twice the box’s width. Note that this applies to slanted or diagonal wrapping techniques.
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Make any occasion more exciting and meaningful with Adobe Express.

Whether you’re making an event poster or a personalized photo collage, Adobe Express gives you all the tools you need to make impactful creative projects for any occasion. With customizable templates and beginner-friendly tools, you can quickly and easily make projects that will take your gift wrapping—and your gift—to the next level. Discover what you can make today with Adobe Express.

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