Every year millions of gifts are given during the month of December. Christmas, Hanukkah, and a host of other special occasions contribute to more gift wrap being used during the holidays than throughout the entire rest of the year combined.
In the last decade gift cards and envelopes have ruled over the proverbial present kingdom. However, consumers are growing tired of the same old, often times thoughtless gifts that seem to have taken over the “season of giving”.
In order to combat the spread of the infectious gift card disease, and since the great recession started, shoppers have begun to focus more on the thought of the gifts rather than the material value which is represented.
There are numerous ways to wrap a present; some good, some bad, and some just plain ugly. These are some of the trends catching on this year.
1. Personalized Wrapping Paper
If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, personalized wrapping paper is great way to put make your gifts stand out and mean more this holiday season. Sites like Giftskins.com allow you to add up to 8 different images and custom text to create truly unique personalized gift wrap. Prices start around $10 dollars for a roll that can wrap approximately 3 medium size gifts. *You can use the scraps and leftovers for scrapbooking or other crafts.
2. Recycled Wrapping Paper
Because of global warming, high pollution levels, and dwindling natural resources, we are in the midst of a green revolution. What better way is there to show you care than to wrap your holiday presents with recycled wrapping paper? Although more expensive than traditional gift wrap, the environmental friendliness more than makes up for the additional costs. Recycled wrapping paper can usually be found in your local stores.
3. Homemade Wrapping Paper
A great way to combine the personalized and recycled wrapping paper trends is to create your own gift wrap at home. Using old newspaper or other scraps, you can create inexpensive wrap from the comforts of your own home. This can also be a great project to do with your kids. Let them color, draw, or paint on the outside for recycled, custom gift wrap that is absolutely free!
4. The Bad and the Ugly
The gift card and envelope combo, while familiar, has come to represent a thoughtless last minute purchase. While the gift itself may be appreciated, it shows people that you were too busy to put any real effort into your holiday gifts. Gift bags are also becoming more popular. The problem is that you lose the fun of opening a present. There is also an issue of giving someone a present stuffed into the same gift bag that they gave you last year! Be creative this year so that your gifts will be appreciated, and not just expected.
When giving a gift this holiday season, remember to make a good first impression. Do not go out and purchase an amazing present that you worked hard to find, only to detract from its meaning by using thoughtless, generic gift wrapping options. Its time that we start giving better presents from the outside in, one gift at a time!
