Simple Christmas Gift Wrap Supplies & Steps

Want beautifully wrapped gifts with little effort this holiday season? I’m sharing my simple Christmas gift wrap supplies list, plus creative ways to put it to use.

Simple Christmas Gift Wrap with White Wrapping Paper, Black Checkered Ribbon and Bottle Brush Tree

If I were to say it’s time to wrap Christmas gifts, would you get excited or feel a sudden sense of dread? I find with most people, there’s no middle ground on the matter. Either way, it’s an unavoidable task most of us will have to tackle this holiday season. So, what if I could make your Christmas gift wrapping experience better?

Scandinavian Christmas Gift Wrap with Kraft Paper, Snowflake Gift Tag and Black Ribbon

This post is part of a seasonal blog hop hosted by Happy Happy Nester, Modern Glam and My 100 Year Old Home. Be sure to check out the other fantastic ideas from my blogging friends linked at the bottom!

As some of you already know, wrapping gifts is something I’ve enjoyed since childhood. Each season, my mom would enlist my help, pulling unwrapped gifts one-by-one from her (not-so-secret) hiding place. Good thing I like surprises!

My favourite part was selecting the perfect ribbon and tag to finish off each gift. Later, I even started a fabric gift bag business to make a little extra money over the holiday season. I guess I should’ve always known I’d be doing something creative throughout my life.

Scandinavian Christmas Gift Wrap with Wooden Box and Owl Gift Tag

If there’s one thing wrapping gifts all those years taught me, it’s that simplicity is best. Not only does it save time and money, it’s also kinder to the environment. I’m sure there are many ways we could all do a little better this season, right?

Simple Christmas Gift Wrap with Kraft Paper and Black and White Ribbon

Don’t worry, though. Your gift wrap won’t end up looking boring even though you’ve used more natural materials. Each gift can have a certain detail that makes it look special or personalized.

Don’t you find wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree look truly magical? I especially love it in the evening when the lights add a warm glow. Beautiful!

Christmas Gift Wrapped in White Paper with Black Checkered Ribbon and Bottle Brush Tree Embellishment

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So, how can you use basic gift wrapping supplies to create beautiful, standout packages? I’ve broken it down for you.

How to Wrap Christmas Gifts in 4 Simple Steps

Before I share my gift wrapping formula, let’s go over what you’ll need.

Christmas Wrapping Supplies

wrapping paper, gift bags and decorative boxes
fabric ribbon
gift tags
baker’s twine
gift embellishments

Plus, some basics:

sturdy boxes
tissue paper
sharp scissors (or paper cutter), tape, hole punch

Looking for sustainable gift wrapping materials?

Try furoshiki reusable gift wrap.
Look for gift wrap that is made from recycled materials.
Select items that can be recycled, reused or repurposed.

Now let’s see how to put these simple Christmas gift wrap supplies to use in creative ways!

1) Start with The Wrapping Paper

Each season, I generally use brown kraft paper, plain white wrapping paper, plus 1-3 rolls of coordinating patterned paper to wrap gifts. For your patterned paper, vary the scale for more interest. As well, think about your Christmas tree decorations and make sure they work together.

As you can see, I chose this Scandinavian style Christmas wrapping paper, along with kraft and white, since our tree is decorated in simple neutrals.

I also used kraft and white gift bags, plus decorative boxes for quick wrapping. Switching it up adds variety under the tree, plus I like how each can be used over and over again.

Wrapping Paper Tips:

Choose thicker paper for best results.
Select a sturdy box to wrap your gift in. Crisp corners are easier to work with than rounded.
Use sharp scissors, a wrapping paper roll cutter or a craft knife with mat to cut paper. Use a square or paper with grid printed on the back to keep lines straight.
Apply double-sided tape for neat seams or invisible tape to blend in with the wrapping paper. As an option, use washi tape on the ends of the package for a decorative look.

Shop Wrapping Paper

2) Add Some Ribbon

Over the years, I’ve collected many different patterns and colours of ribbon. I tend to use bold ribbon on solid packages and simple on patterned.

Be sure to vary your ribbon size, texture and sheen to create interest. It’s amazing what a little ribbon can do to change the look of each gift. Again, it’s a good way to tie colours in with your tree and other holiday decor.

Ribbon Tips:

Select fabric ribbon, which holds up better and is reusable.
Use sharp scissors to clean up the ends after applying to the gift. I usually cut at opposite angles.
Wrap thin ribbon around the gift a few times for a layered look.
Use ribbon to secure 2 or more gifts stacked on top of each other.

Shop Ribbon

3) Attach a Gift Tag

Gift tags are an easy way to add personality. Occasionally I buy sturdy gift tags like this HO HO HO one. Instead of writing on the back, I use a self-adhesive label that can be switched out year after year. You may even recognize it from my Vintage Glam Christmas Wrap post years ago. Still looks good. (And it just happens to be my son’s initials!)

Winter Theme Printable Christmas Gift Tags with Deer, Mittens, Tree and More

Printing your own is another good option. I created these Winter Woodland Printable Gift Tags that I invite you to download. These are done in simple black and white, but there’s a coloured version for you too.

Like these Winter Woodland gift tags? Head to the post to learn how to print your own!

To attach the tags, I punch a hole and use baker’s twine.

Gift Tag Tips:

Use cardstock to print your tags along with the best quality setting on your printer.
Be creative with how you attach your tags to gifts. You could also use washi tape, small clothespins or safety pins.

Shop Gift Tags

4) Finish with an Embellishment

Most likely, your gift will already look finished with ribbon and a tag, but adding some sort of decoration will make it stand out. Gift topper ideas include greenery (live or faux), pinecones, bottle brush trees, ornaments, tassels, berries and more. Be sure to think about the recipient’s personality for each selection.

This year, I made more tassels using my grandmother’s embroidery yarn and leftover wooden beads. You’ll also spot the simple bottle brush tree gift toppers. I like how both can be used as tree decorations or passed on from year to year.

DIY Bottle Brush Tree and Tassel Gift Toppers

DIY Gift Embellishments to Try:

See all of my DIY gift topper ideas!

Shop Gift Embellishments

Now, are you ready to start wrapping Christmas presents? Put on your favourite holiday tunes and make it fun!

Be sure to pin these simple Christmas gift wrap ideas for later. I’d love for you to follow along on Pinterest. Post your gift wrapping projects on Instagram tagging @satoridesignforliving too!