Christmas Wrapping Ideas and Tutorial

Love it or loathe it, Christmas wrapping has to be done. Surprise surprise I love it! To me...how a present looks is just as important as what's inside. I probably go overboard and really should calm down but I go all out when it comes to wrapping.

 

So the whole theme for this post will be your wrapping artillery, techniques I use and some ideas that I use for the end result. Now I know with some people it's time, they just want the presents wrapped and done but taking a few extra minutes to think about your wrapping makes a HUGE difference. I generally go for themes so this year I'm going for Reds and Browns. 

Here is an image and check list of everything I have in my kit to wrap and names of places where I got the things from:

Wrapping Check List:

Wrapping Paper (Colours of your choice)

-Brown Parcel Paper (Card Factory)

-Reindeer Paper (M&S)

-Brown Print Paper (Poundshop)

Ribbons

-Ribbon Set (M&S)

-Gold Ribbon (ASDA)

-Red & White Ribbon (Poundshop)

Tags and Accessories

-Gift Tags (M&S)

-Baubels (Poundshop & Tesco)

Equipment

-Sharp Scissors

-Cellotape and dispenser

Now this is just some of the things that I use, things such as Candy Canes, Achorns etc are all decorations I'll buy later. .So you have your tools and your accessories, now let's get cracking! You don't have to follow these steps and can by all means just look at the pictures for inspiration.

Step 1: Measure and estimate
Pick your gift and think about the shape and how much paper you might need to cover all sides and edges.

Step 2: Cut and Fold
You can fold your paper for guide lines when cutting but I just used the printed one on the paper. Cut as much or as little as you need then you can move on folding the sides ready for taping.

Step 3: Taping (and staying clam)
Now you have your folds, get some tape ready so you can stick the sides down. If your paper won't stay down, use more tape or alternatively you can use double sided tape which is super sticky and hides the tape. Fold sides close to the edge of the item so you get a firmly wrapped present.

Step 4: Ribbons
Now you have your wrapped present, get your creative head on because this is where the fun starts! Choose an array of ribbons which you think will work well with your paper and place them on your present. Pick the one that looks the best and start your bow. I measure out how much I'll need before I cut just to be sure, leaving a little excess for a bow. Wrap the ribbon around all the present, cross at the middle then wrap in the other direction. Put the ribbon under the starting point and finish with a know and bow.

Step 5: Embellishments
I add baubels to the end of my ribbons and then tie the bow so it stays on. You can add gift tags at this point and use things like achorns and candy canes to really make the present look great! Stamps from craft shops such as letters for the initials of the person or christmas stamps work really well on brown paper.

And there you have it, You can of course add more or less depending on what you like your presents to look like. I think it's all about having fun with wrapping and really making something that stands out under the tree. I think the presents look rustic but like you've made a lot of effort. You can also take a really creative route and use old newspapers and coloured ribbon, magazine cut outs for tags and even patterned tape!

I hope you've enjoyed this post and that it's gave you some inspiration and ideas for your own presents!

Thanks for reading, and I hope this gets you in the festive spirit!

Luke.

Christmas Gift Guide: Him & Her

December is upon us and I couldn't be more ready for Christmas. I have written my lists for what I'm getting people for Christmas and I've already started making a dent into my bank balance. However it's not always easy buying for people at this time of year. Having experienced the task of trying to find the right size pyjama top that coordinates with the right size pyjama bottom then queuing half an hour to be served, I know what it's like to get stressed whilst shopping and not having a clue what to get people. But I'm here to shed light on this festive dilemma of what to get your loved ones for Christmas with a gift guide of 5 items for him and her that should give you some inspiration and ideas for gifts this year.

Top 5 Items for Women:
If there are any men reading this, or even women, firstly hello...secondly you can fully sympathise with me about how difficult it is buying for Mothers, Girlfriends, Nana's, Sisters, Cousins etc so here are my top 5 items this year that I think any woman would love.

Item Number 1: Sanctuary Body Set. Boots, £22.50

Some might say this is the obvious cheat option for a present for women this Christmas but body sets always go down well! If you don't know which set is right for the person you're buying for, have a few things in mind. Smells are always a personal thing so if you aren't 100% sure they will like it go for something neutral so it ticks all the boxes. Also think about age, Soap and Glory do great sets for younger women if Sanctuary things aren't what you had in mind.

Item Number 2: Book and Bath Bomb, Lush & WHSmith £7+

Whoever your buying for, and this isn't just women. They will need some time in their life where they can just relax and unwind. That's why I chose these items to be in the gift guide, a lush bomb is perfect for when the person has had a stressful day and they need to take some time out to relax. This bath bomb is 'Cinders' and is £2.50 from Lush, link is here https://www.lush.co.uk/products/bath-bombs/cinders . Also a book is perfect for when you are in the bath, I chose this book by Stephan Chbosky as it is a great read and is perfect for all age ranges.

Item Number 3: Starbucks Festive Coffee Cup £1.20

If you read my previous blog post, you will have seen that I purchased this cup. I think that it again perfect for both men and women as it means they can take their favourite beverages on the go with them. They can even save some money if they stop off at a Starbucks when the drink gets made in their cup!

Item Number 4: Purse, Retail Outlet £20

It's said that you shouldn't buy your own purse/wallet and that someone should buy you one as it brings fortune so what better present than getting a purse. Again, they can be down to personal taste so look out for patterns or prints they like as well as previous purses they have had so you are buying the right one.

Item Number 5: Nigella Lawson Cook Book, WHSmith, £12. Cupcake Book, ASDA £5.

This present is a gamble depending on whether the woman you're buying for likes to cook or they might take it as a hint that their cooking needs to improve...Either way I think they make a great gift! This one by Nigella Lawson is a festive addition which shows you how to rustle up some great food for Christmas. The cupcake book is perfect for the baker who loves cupcakes as it's packed full of recipes to try.

Top 5 Items for Men:

Item Number 1: Hoodie, Superdry £49.99

Again, if you read my previous post you will have seen my buy this gift. Needless to say I think clothing can be difficult but as long as you get a gift receipt you are sorted! Superdry make some great hoodies that last. The quality is superb and I for one would be happy if someone got me this for Christmas.

Item Number 2: Nike Roshe Run, £70

Whether they are sporty, stylish or just love trainers, I think Nike Roshes make a great present. I own a pair of these and they genuinely are so comfy you struggle to take them off, perfect for any man who likes comfort and style. If you look around you can get them cheaper but they retail at around £70.

Item Number 3: Far Cry 4, PS4 £44.50

Now...when it comes to getting games for people it can be extremely difficult as you don't know what games they already have or whether they will even play it. But if again you get a receipt, they can easily take it back and exchange it for a one they would prefer. This is for my brother as his girlfriend bought him a PS4 for Christmas.

Item Number 4: Guardians Of The Galaxy Blu Ray, ASDA £13

This is one of the biggest releases this year and for good reason! I was lucky enough to have seen it twice and it was amazing. If you know anyone who's a lover of anything Marvel, this is a must! Any DVD makes a great gift, again don't throw away the receipt just in case they already have it.

Item Number 5: Novelty Lens Mug £7

Funny novelty items are great for stocking fillers or just to have as a laugh with the man you're buying for. I got one of these last year and I love it as it looks great on your desk. If you know someone who likes cameras or is into photography this is perfect for them.

And there we have it, a list of the top 5 things I would recommend this Christmas for him and her. This is the first instalment of many posts throughout the festive period so be sure to keep checking for future posts. If you have any suggestions about things you are getting people this Christmas feel free to leave them in the comments.

Thank you very much for reading,

Luke.