Create a Gift-Wrapping Station That Would Make Santa’s Elves Jealous
'Tis the season for tape, scissors, ribbon and wrapping paper galore.
Whether you feel like you're constantly wrapping presents for kids' birthday parties or you savor the experience of creating imaginative embellishments for that special gift package, you can make the job more pleasurable by starting with a well-ordered collection of gift wrapping supplies. And while it's never a bad time to get your gift-wrapping station in order, with the holidays just around the corner, your timing couldn't be better. Give your home a gift-wrapping station with this advice.
Gift-wrapping supplies
To avoid frustration, make it a point to keep all the tools you need in a central location. Scissors and tape are a must, but don't forget the rest. You'll probably want a colorful assortment of tissue paper, raffia and ribbons, as well as bows, gift bags and boxes. Consider keeping a few greeting cards for each occasion nearby so you can avoid last minute trips to the store. Remember to keep a pen handy for signing.
Gift-wrapping station location
If you're short on space, then you may need to get creative with storage. Keeping your supplies in a closet or creating a niche in a guest room or office might be the most practical. If you don't have a wrapping surface handy, keep a folding table nearby. This will allow you to get the job done with a minimum of fuss.
Purchase products to help with storage constraints. If your closets are full, under-the-bed storage works well. Over-the-door hangers allow easier access and the ability to see at a glance what you have. They require minimal space and can be hung almost anywhere. Vertical gift-wrap holders can be tucked into a closet and will keep your rolls protected from crushing.
Gift-wrap organizers often have compartments for supplies such as tape, ribbons and bows. Be sure it provides ample space for the amount and type of supplies you keep on hand before buying one.
For a portable solution, consider investing in a gift-wrapping cart on wheels, with drawers for tissue, ribbons, gift bags and other essentials.
If you're a person who prefers simplicity, then gift bags are the way to go. Store bags inside of each other and supplies inside the bags.
Gift-wrapping station organization
If you keep your wrapping paper rolls standing, clip a clothespin to the top of each roll. (Photo courtesy of Makia Minich)
To keep paper rolls from unfurling and getting crumpled, place a rubber band at each end.
Corral your ribbons by slipping a dowel through the center and inserting them into a box, keeping rolls of a uniform size together. Use a shoebox for small rolls and a larger box for bigger rolls. The dowel in the box makes it easy to pull out just the right length of ribbon without ever removing it from the container.
Sort and contain cards by theme. You can purchase a premade divider or buy a package of large clasp envelopes at an office supply store and label them with your categories. Put cards immediately in the envelopes after purchasing.
Fall is the perfect season to shop for wrapping containers. Retailers are gearing up for the holidays, and there’s always a greater variety of organizing options available. Red and green containers are great for storing Christmas supplies. There will be no mistaking what's inside.
Tired of crushed bows? Take them out of the plastic bag they come in and put them in a box to keep them looking full and symmetrical.
I love to reuse tissue paper and gift bags, but take a good look at what you're saving once a year. Has the tissue paper been used more than a couple of times? If so, it probably looks like it. Do your bags look tired and worn, or are they imprinted with store names? Why not use them to contain your other bags? By keeping only the freshest looking wrapping supplies on hand, you'll save two of life's most cherished commodities: space and time.
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