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The Art of Gift Wrapping - Why Do We Wrap Presents?
By Sophie Carter - 17th December 2024
When the perfect gift has been selected, and you're starting to feel excited about giving it to that special someone, the next step is planning how to wrap it. Wrapping a gift takes the surprise to the next level, adding layers of anticipation and luxury to an otherwise outstanding gift. With the history of gift wrapping spanning centuries, it is no surprise to most that millions are spent on gift wrap each year around the world, particularly during the biggest gifting seasons such as Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Valentine's Day. We're delving into the background of present giving, and more importantly, the art and tradition of wrapping, to give you a little insight into why it is so magical to present a gift in a truly extravagant way.
What are the most popular reasons we wrap gifts?
There are a few different reasons why we add a final flourish of paper, ribbons, and other decorations to our gifts for loved ones. While you may find you do it because it feels customary to wrap gifts, many people opt out of wrapping a gift in paper, and instead choose a gift box or bag for easy concealment of the gift. For those who can't say no to some beautifully patterned sheets, however, below are some of the reasons gift wrapping is so popular:
1. The identity of the gift is hidden - gift wrap allows us to easily hide what's being gifted until just the right moment, and allows for a unique element of surprise and that magical moment when the paper is torn and the gift is revealed
2. The gift feels more ‘finished’ - much like a garnish on a delicious dish, gift wrap, ribbons, tags, and other decorative pieces can add more of a finishing touch to what might be a simple, understated gift
3. The gift feels more luxurious - if the person you're gifting to is too special for even the most extravagant of gifts, a unique unwrapping experience can make them feel truly thought about, as though maximum time and effort has gone into both the selection and presentation of the gift
What is the history behind the tradition of wrapping gifts?
There are many occasions through history that point to gift wrapping being a vital step in the process of gift giving. Though most knowledge of the history of gift wrap comes from the last few centuries, historians believe that wrapping presents may have been practiced as long ago as the 1st century.
100 BC
In 100 BC China, the first documentation of paper used as wrapping material was recorded, with the government wrapping money in a paper envelope to make it feel more special. A century and a half later, gift wrapping was seen as a more customary practice for those who engaged in the giving of gifts in China around 220 - 280 BC. Though not much relating to gift wrap is noted after this time, many historians believe it remained a tradition practiced by higher society to give a sense of luxury during the exchanging of presents.
Tudor Period
During the Tudor period, seasonal celebrations became more popular, particularly for the wealthy, and gift giving emerged as an important event during the dawn of a new year. Members of high society would exchange gifts they'd wrapped for added extravagance using widely available materials such as cloth or leather. Any knowledge of more ordinary people giving and wrapping gifts during this time is limited, so it is thought that the practice was seen as something only people of a certain wealth and class would engage in.
Victorian Period
In the Victorian era, gift giving was rife during celebrations such as Christmas and birthdays. With the invention of mass-produced paper, many turned to soft tissue paper as an easy and affordable option for concealing a gift. In the late 1800's, colourful tissue paper in seasonal shades of red, white, and green became popular among many for Christmas, usually decorated with bows and ribbon for an extra flourish. Victorian gift-wrapping was geared more towards luxury, creating a special gift that would ‘wow’ the recipient before they even knew what they'd got.
Today
The most notable nod to wrapping paper as we know it today came about accidentally in a shop in Kansas City in the Christmas of 1917. Shop owners Rollie and J.C. Hall ran out of tissue paper so instead used decorated paper from France that was usually used to line envelopes. This paper became a hit, with many customers feeling as though they'd elevated their gifts without even the need for a ribbon or decoration. The shop owners soon promoted this item during key gifting periods and developed new, exciting designs each year. Adding ribbons, tags, and other decorations to the paper they sold allowed them to create unique collections to give a much more luxurious feel to the gift wrapping process. They called their new business venture Hallmark, and thus kickstarted the familiar art of gift-wrapping we know and love around the world today.
Gift wrap options from Lisa Angel
If you've found the perfect present from browsing our Gifts Edit, you'll likely be looking for ways to make it feel even more special. Whether you choose to add a pretty tag or a greetings card full of special words, elevating the piece with wrap is a great way to make it feel truly luxurious. We offer a few wonderful ways to wrap, creating a ready-to-gift present they'll love.
Jewellery gifts come in a protective hessian bag as standard, but you can elevate this by adding a sturdy gift box with a stunning sleeve, complete with your choice of design from a host of great options. If you're wanting to give them an even fancier unwrapping experience, choose our luxury gift wrap option, with their pieces nestled inside a branded gift bag, and carefully tucked into a larger gift box. All gifts purchased from Lisa Angel come with the option to add a complimentary gift message printed in black text on thick card. This gift message can be upgraded to our luxury gift message option, which comes with your message printed in premium gold foil, creating a sweet sentimental finishing touch.
Pre-wrapped gift hampers
Looking to get them a range of special treats all wrapped up together? Save yourself a job by selecting some great items from our Gift Hamper range, and we'll send the pieces nestled in a special box with a unique themed gift sleeve, ready to be delivered directly to them.
Some of the hamper theme options we offer include:
Gifts for her
Gifts for him
Gifts for kids
Gifts for Dad
Gifts for Mum
Christmas
Bridesmaid
Thinking of you
However you choose to present your gift, the important thing to remember when gift-wrapping is to keep it from the heart. Whether you choose paper that represents them, or thick velvet ribbons because you know they love all things luxe, you can guarantee they'll think your present has thought and effort in abundance. So grab that gift box, prepare the tissue paper, and get your gift wrapped to perfection, ensuring they receive a present to remember for years to come.
Still on the hunt for the perfect gift to wrap? Explore our Gifts edit for stylish, sentimental, and statement gifts for anyone and everyone.
