When to Gift Wrap at Christmas (and When a Bow Will Do)

Part of the magic of Christmas is seeing a pile of beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree. Crisp paper, twinkling ribbons, and festive bows all add to that cosy feeling. But let’s be honest—some things are incredibly awkward to wrap. Bottles, oversized boxes, or odd-shaped treasures often turn into a wrestling match with tape and paper. And truthfully, sometimes the simplest touch looks even more charming.

Bottles (Wine, Spirits, or Homemade Treats)

Let’s face it—nobody has ever been fooled by a wrapped bottle. Instead of struggling with paper that never quite sits right, skip the hassle:

• Tie on a festive ribbon bow

• Wrap twine around the neck and add a sprig of rosemary or dried orange slice

• Pop it into a simple brown paper wine bag and decorate with a little tag

It looks elegant, smells delightful, and saves you heaps of time.

Baskets & Hampers

When giving a basket of treats, there’s no need to cover every corner in paper. Instead:

• Line the basket with a cosy festive tea towel or piece of fabric

• Wrap the whole basket in clear biodegradable cellophane and tie with a big ribbon bow

• Or leave it unwrapped and just decorate with a little greenery

• The contents shine through, and it feels warm, generous, and homely.

Awkward Shapes

For toys, kitchen gadgets, or anything bulky and unusual:

• Use a reusable fabric bag tied at the top

• Wrap in a cosy Christmas scarf (two gifts in one!)

• Place in a festive box with a ribbon bow on top

Simple, fuss-free, and still looks special under the tree.

When to Go All-Out Wrapping

Of course, sometimes wrapping is half the joy. Small boxes, books, or anything with neat edges look stunning in traditional paper with ribbons and tags. These are the ones to take your time on, maybe with a mince pie and Christmas film in the background.

Wrapping gifts doesn’t always have to be about perfection—it’s about thoughtfulness. Some presents deserve the crisp corners of traditional wrap, while others shine with nothing more than a bow, some twine, and a festive sprig of greenery. Keep it cosy, keep it simple, and remember—it’s the love inside that counts most.