Let’s talk about gift wrapping. It’s one of those things that sounds fun until you’re sitting there at midnight with a pile of crumpled paper, mismatched ribbons, and tape stuck to your fingers. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be that way!
This year, we’re stepping up our wrapping game and going for gifts that are almost too pretty to open. Whether you’re working with budget-friendly materials or splurging on the good stuff, I’ve got all the tips to make your presents look Pinterest-perfect—without a ton of effort.
Here’s how to nail the prettiest Christmas wrapping that’ll make your tree look like something out of a holiday magazine.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase through them.
1. Stick to a color palette
The easiest way to make your wrapping look polished and put-together is to pick a color palette and stick to it. I’m talking all your wrapping paper, ribbons and tags coordinating like they’re part of a plan (even if you’re winging it)
For a classic Christmas vibe, try red, green, and gold. If you’re into neutrals, kraft paper with white and metallic accents is a total winner. Feeling bold? Black and gold is so chic and luxe.
Traditional Red Gift Wrapping Paper
Elegant green christmas wrapping paper
Matte black christmas wrapping paper
Pretty in pink christmas wrapping paper
vintage gold christmas wrapping paper
2. Invest in the Good Ribbon
Here’s the thing: ribbon makes the gift. A plain box with a luxe ribbon will look 100x better than a fancy paper with no ribbon at all. Go for something wide and textured—satin, velvet, or grosgrain are all amazing options.
You can even layer ribbons for extra drama. Think a wide satin ribbon on the bottom with a thinner velvet one on top. Or tie a simple knot and let the ends trail down for an effortlessly elegant vibe.
Satin Textured RIbbon
Velvet Textured RIbbon
Grosgrain Textured RIbbon
3. Add Some Natural Touches
Adding a little greenery to your wrapping instantly takes it to the next level. It’s the easier trick to make your gifts look fancy without a ton of work.
Here are some Ideas:
- Tuck a sprig of pine or eucalyptus under the ribbon.
- Tie a cinnamon stick on top for a cozy touch
- Use a pinecone as a decorative accent (bonus if you spray it with a little gold paint)
Artificial Pine Stems
Artificial eucalyptus stems
Real Cinnamon Sticks
Small Christmas Pinecones
4. Try Kraft Paper with a Twist
If you’re on a budget or just love a minimalist vibe, kraft paper is your BFF. It’s cheap, versatile, and works with basically any theme. Plus, it’s the perfect blank canvas to get creative.
Here’s how to make it pop:
- Use metallic pens or markers to draw stars, snowflakes, or write a festive message.
- Stamp it with holiday-themed stamps
- Add a bold ribbon and some greenery for a clean, chic look.
Brown Kraft Paper
Gold & Silver Metallic Markers
Christmas Rubber Stamps
5. Don’t Forget About Gift Tags
The right gift tag can totally elevate your wrapping game. Skip the boring stick-on ones and go for something a little more creative.
Here are some easy ideas:
- Handwrite tags on kraft or card stock paper for a personalized touch.
- Use mini ornaments as tags—they’re festive and reusable.
- Grab a pack of wooden tags and tie them on with twine.
- Print out cute photos of you and the gift recipient and use them as tags
Calligraphy Gift Tags
Mini Ornaments
Personalized Wooden Tags
Personalized Christmas Gift Tags
6. Metallic Accents Are Your Freind
If you want your gifts to feel luxe, adding metallic touches is the way to go. Whether it’s a gold ribbon, shiny wrapping paper, or a metallic wax seal, a little sparkle makes everything feel more elevated.
Gold Satin Ribbon
Matte Silver Wrapping Paper
METALLIC wax seal stickers
7. Embrace Texture
Texture is one of those things that instantly makes wrapping paper look fancier. Velvet ribbons, burlap bows, or even wrapping gifts in fabric instead of paper are easy ways to add dimension and make your gift stand out.
Velvet Ribbon
Burlap bows
Fabric gift wrapping
8. Display Your Gifts Like a Pro
Once your gifts are wrapped and ready, it’s time to creat a little holiday magic under the tree. Stacking your presents neatly and coordinating them with your tree’s color scheme makes everything look SO polished.
Try placing larger gifts in the back, medium ones in the middle, and small ones at the front to create a tiered effect. You can even sprinkle in some fairy lights or faux snow for that extra festive vibe.
Fairy String Lights
Fake Christmas Snow
