My Foolproof Gift Wrapping Formula

I have always believed that wrapping a gift is part of the experience. There is something magical about seeing a perfectly tied ribbon or a coordinated stack of gifts under the tree. For me, wrapping is another way to mix color, pattern, and texture, just like styling an outfit or designing a room. It is the first impression and the moment that makes someone feel thought of.

I have created a formula over the years that keeps wrapping simple, beautiful, and cohesive. I follow it every holiday season and honestly throughout the year. It allows you to mix and match without overthinking and it creates gifts that look so pretty no one wants to open them.

Step one. Choose your base papers.
I like to pick two or three papers that all work together. Think solids, quiet stripes, or a soft pattern that could be used any time of year. Neutrals are your best friend here. When you start with something timeless, you can switch the entire look with different ribbons and tags. I usually choose one palette for female gifts and one for male gifts. It keeps everything coordinated while still feeling personal.

Step two. Let ribbon steal the show.
When your paper is simple, ribbon becomes the moment. I love beautiful ribbon and I am not afraid to invest in it. Velvet, satin, grosgrain, metallic, anything with great texture. A gorgeous ribbon can turn the simplest wrap into something special and it creates that wow factor when someone picks up their gift. Play with different widths, knot styles, and layers. Ribbon truly makes a gift pop.

Where I love to shop for paper and ribbon.
I get asked all the time where I find my gift wrap and ribbon. I like to mix high quality ribbon with simple, timeless papers that work all year. Some of my favorite places to shop are Paper Source, Rifle Paper Co, Target’s Sugar Paper line, Michaels for beautiful ribbon textures, and Anthropologie/Terrain for those special pieces that make a gift feel extra. You can build a gorgeous wrap collection without needing dozens of supplies. A few great pieces go a long way.   I also love using a simple brown paper and letting the ribbon really stand out.  

Step three. Add thoughtful finishing touches.
A pretty gift tag, a sprig of greenery, a tiny ornament, or a layered bow takes the whole look to another level. The key is keeping everything cohesive so the gifts feel related but not too matchy. You can create endless combinations by mixing the same few elements in different ways.

Why this formula works.
It takes the stress out of wrapping and turns it into something fun. You get a polished, designer look without needing a dozen different papers. Everything feels intentional and pulled together. And the best part is that these papers and ribbons can carry you through birthdays, anniversaries, or any gifting moment during the year.

Wrapping gifts beautifully is a small joy for me. It is a way to make someone feel seen and special before they even open the box. I hope this formula inspires you to create a little bit of magic with your gifts this season.