Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The short answer: the easiest way to make presents look expensive is to keep the wrapping simple and consistent. Pick one paper (kraft, white or a classic plaid), one ribbon color and one natural touch like twine, greenery or a cinnamon stick, and use them on every gift. A pile of matching presents under the tree always looks styled.
Below are 18 Christmas gift wrapping ideas, from five minute kraft paper looks to wax seals and reusable tea towel wraps, plus the supplies that make wrapping faster.
The five supplies I would buy first (we earn a small commission if you buy, at no cost to you):
- A big roll of brown kraft paper: the base for almost every idea here, and it goes with any ribbon.
- Natural cotton twine: the finishing touch that makes plain paper look handmade.
- Double faced red satin ribbon: for big, glossy bows that look like a boutique wrapped them.
- Scotch double sided tape: hidden tape is the secret to neat, seamless edges.
- A wrapping paper storage organizer: keeps rolls, ribbon and tags in one place so wrapping night is quick.
Classic kraft paper looks
1. Kraft paper and a red ribbon
SaveBrown kraft paper with a bright red ribbon is the most classic, timeless Christmas wrap there is. It looks smart under any tree and costs very little per gift.
Good to know: Buy one big roll and use it for every gift so the pile looks like a set.
2. Twine and a sprig of greenery
SaveSwap ribbon for natural twine and tuck in a sprig of pine, rosemary or eucalyptus. It gives a farmhouse look that feels thoughtful and handmade.
Good to know: Real rosemary smells lovely and stays fresh for days.
3. Hand stamped snowflakes
SaveStamp plain kraft or white paper with snowflakes in white or red ink for custom paper that looks bought from a boutique. Children can help with this one.
Good to know: Stamp a whole sheet before you wrap, then let it dry for ten minutes.
4. Let children draw on the paper
SaveRoll out kraft paper and let children draw trees, stars and scribbles before you wrap. Grandparents especially love it.
Good to know: Chunky crayons and markers work best on kraft paper.
Ribbons, bows and toppers
5. A big satin bow
SaveOne oversized satin bow on a simple box looks instantly luxurious. Double faced ribbon looks the same on both sides, so bows stay neat.
Good to know: Cut ribbon ends on a diagonal so they do not fray.
6. Candy cane toppers
SaveTie a mini candy cane into the ribbon of each gift. It is cheerful, cheap and a sweet treat when they open it.
Good to know: Great for teacher, neighbor and stocking gifts.
7. Dried orange and cinnamon
SaveA slice of dried orange and a cinnamon stick under the twine makes gifts look and smell like Christmas. Dry your own oranges in a low oven or buy them ready dried.
Good to know: Add a star anise for an extra pretty touch.
8. Wax seals
SaveA wax seal on tissue or on the fold of the paper makes any gift look special, like a letter from another era. A kit includes the stamp and wax.
Good to know: Melt the wax on a spoon over a tea light and press quickly.
Free printable
No spam, just cozy home ideas now and then. Unsubscribe any time.
Papers and color themes
9. Classic red plaid paper
SavePlaid wrapping paper looks cozy and traditional, and it pairs well with plain kraft gifts for a mixed but matching pile.
Good to know: Reversible paper gives you two looks on one roll.
10. One color theme for everything
SaveChoose one palette, like red and white or green and gold, and wrap every gift in it. It is the quickest way to make a tree look styled.
Good to know: Matching tissue paper makes gift bags fit the theme too.
11. Tissue paper for soft gifts
SaveSoft gifts like scarves and pajamas look lovely folded into white tissue and tied with twine. It feels like a boutique purchase.
Good to know: Fold the tissue around the gift like an envelope, then tie.
Boxes, bags and clever wraps
12. Kraft gift boxes
SavePlain kraft boxes save time on awkward items and look neat in a stack. Add a ribbon and a tag and you are done.
Good to know: Boxes fold flat for storage until you need them.
13. Gift bags for awkward shapes
SaveFor balls, bottles and odd shapes, a sturdy gift bag with tissue paper is faster and looks better than a lumpy wrap.
Good to know: Fold two tissue sheets diagonally and fluff them up at the top.
14. Clear bags for baked gifts
SaveCookies, fudge and candy look beautiful in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. You can see the treat inside.
Good to know: Self sealing bags keep homemade treats fresh for a few days.
15. Wrap it in a tea towel
SaveWrap a gift in a Christmas tea towel or kitchen towel, Japanese furoshiki style. The wrapping becomes part of the gift and there is no waste.
Good to know: Perfect for food gifts, candles and jars.
Finishing touches and tools
16. Personalized name tags
SaveA printed tag with each person’s name looks far neater than handwriting on paper, and it means you never mix gifts up.
Good to know: Print tags for the whole family at once.
Want tags that match your wrapping? Our editable Christmas gift tags come in 10 pun designs. Type each name once, print, cut and tie them on with twine. It is an instant download from our Etsy shop.
17. Hidden double sided tape
SaveDouble sided tape under the paper edge gives clean, seamless wraps with no visible tape. It is the small trick that makes gifts look professional.
Good to know: Fold the paper edge under before taping for a crisp line.
18. A wrapping station
SaveKeep paper, ribbon, tape, scissors and tags in one organizer under the bed or in a closet. Wrapping night takes half the time when everything is in one place.
Good to know: Hang it on the back of a door to save space.
How to wrap presents neatly
Measure the paper so it wraps around the box with about an inch of overlap, and trim the ends so they reach just past halfway up the sides. Fold the overlapping edge under for a crisp line, use double sided tape, then fold the ends into neat triangles. Tie ribbon around the box both ways and finish with a bow, a sprig or a tag.
More gift wrapping supplies on Amazon
Keep reading
- Christmas tree themes to try this year
- Christmas Eve box ideas
- Christmas gift basket ideas anyone would love
- Neighbor Christmas gifts that are small and easy
- Christmas gifts for mom that feel thoughtful
- Gingerbread Christmas decor ideas
Frequently asked questions
Keep it simple and consistent: one paper, one ribbon color and one natural touch like twine or greenery on every gift. Neat edges with hidden double sided tape make a big difference.
A big roll of brown kraft paper and natural twine. Add free touches like a sprig from the garden, stamped snowflakes or children’s drawings.
Use a gift bag with tissue paper, a box, or wrap it in a tea towel furoshiki style. Lumpy wraps are rarely worth the effort.
Kitchen towels, scarves, brown paper bags, newspaper, fabric or reusable boxes all work and often look more thoughtful than paper.
Use a wrapping paper organizer that holds rolls, ribbon and tape together. Under the bed or on the back of a door keeps it out of the way.
About the author: Shinku Studio shares simple, stylish home and holiday ideas, with supplies chosen from well reviewed, popular options on Amazon.