Gift wrapping: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What gift wrapping is

A gift wrapping pro wraps your presents with paper, ribbon and tags, from simple neat finishes to elaborate custom looks. People hire a wrapper for holidays, birthdays, weddings and corporate gifts when the pile is large or the presentation matters.

Signs you need it

  • You have a large pile of gifts for a holiday or a family event and no time to wrap them
  • The gifts are awkward shapes, such as bikes, large boxes or sets of several pieces
  • You want a matching look across all the gifts for a wedding, a shower or a corporate gift drop
  • You are sending gifts to clients or staff and want a polished finish
  • You want the gifts wrapped with a tag, a bow or a special finish you cannot do yourself

What the pro does

  • Takes the number of gifts, their sizes and the paper and ribbon style you want
  • Confirms what each gift is, so fragile or delicate items are handled correctly
  • Wraps each gift with the paper, ribbon and tag you chose
  • Adds any labels, names or messages you asked for
  • Packs the wrapped gifts so they stay neat until they are opened
  • Returns the gifts at the agreed time or delivers them to the address

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of gifts and their sizes
  • Paper and ribbon style, such as simple kraft or custom printed
  • Finish complexity, such as pleats, bows, boxes or layered ribbon
  • Fragile or oddly shaped items that take more time to wrap
  • Whether the wrapper delivers the gifts or you collect them
  • Rush timing close to the holiday or event date

What a written quote should spell out

  • Number of gifts and the finish style for each
  • Paper, ribbon, boxes and tags, and whether they are supplied or brought by you
  • Delivery or collection time and the address
  • How fragile or oversized items are handled
  • What happens if a gift is damaged during wrapping

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can I see photos of gift wrapping in the style I want?
  • Do you supply the paper and ribbon, or do I bring my own?
  • How do you handle a gift that is fragile or very heavy?
  • Can you add the tags and the names I give you?
  • When do you need the gifts, and when will they be ready?
  • Can you wrap awkward shapes such as bottles, framed art or bicycles, and how do you protect them?

Red flags

  • Will not show examples of the finishes they offer
  • Does not ask about fragile or heavy items before wrapping
  • Asks for payment before confirming the number of gifts
  • Cannot say how the gifts will be returned or delivered
  • Has no plan for a damaged gift

What you can do yourself

You can wrap most gifts yourself with a roll of paper, tape, scissors and a few ribbons. Hire a wrapper when the pile is large, the gifts are awkward or delicate, or you want a matching finish across many gifts that is hard to do in one evening.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required for gift wrapping. Ask whether the wrapper is a registered business and whether it carries liability insurance for gifts it handles.

Gift wrapping questions

How many gifts can a wrapper handle in one day?

It depends on the size and finish of each gift. Ask the wrapper to estimate the time for your pile, and book early for holidays.

Will the gifts be safe in transit?

Ask how the gifts are packed for delivery. Fragile gifts should be boxed or padded, and you should say so when you order.

Can the wrapper use recycled paper?

Ask the wrapper. Many can use recycled or plain paper, but the finish may look different, so ask for a sample first.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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