In this blog post I will share my favorite tips and tricks to take your gift wrapping to the next level using ribbon! Just like an ice cream sundae, a ribbon is the cherry on top to personalize and elevate your gift wrapping game. There are a wide range of ribbon varieties to choose from including non-traditional options like twine or yarn. Now let’s unwrap this budget friendly, high end look together!
Types of Ribbons
There are several types of ribbon that you can use for gift wrapping. Select options that will compliment the wrapping paper, gift tag and the recipient of your gift.
- Satin Ribbon in creamy ivory tones would be a perfect accent for a baby shower or wedding gift.
- Grosgrain ribbon is a multi-purpose ribbon with a variety of colors, patterns, and prints. Grosgrain is a great option for birthday gifts or securing a bakery box.
- Explain the different types of ribbons commonly used for gift wrapping.
- Organza ribbon or sheer chiffon is another delicate ribbon, much like satin. It can be sheer and whimsical.
- Burlap offers more structure and texture than other varieties. Burlap is a great option for autumn and winter holidays and events.
Choosing the Best Ribbon for Gift Wrapping
Ribbon colors and patterns should compliment or enhance the gift or the gift wrapping. Ribbon is a great way to elevate a gift basket, a gift too large to wrap, or a beautiful bakery box filled with treats.
- Solid Color Ribbon should complement or accentuate a patterned wrapping paper or used to create a monochromatic look. For example, pair ivory gift wrapping with a satin ivory ribbon for a sophisticated wedding gift.
- Patterns or Prints can be fun for kid-friendly gifting. For example, use brown paper wrapping and let your kiddos draw or sketch the paper. Wrap with a beautiful balloon patterned ribbon for a kids birthday party!
- Use Ribbons with Textures and unique finish to compliment the season. For example, a rich velvet ribbon in a deep green or navy is a beautiful accent to a holiday gift.
- Ribbon width can be a bold statement or provide function. For example, a wide (2”) Grosgrain Ribbon can hold a bakery box closed while providing a stylish finish, seal with wax or a paper tag!
Budget Friendly Ribbon Alternatives for Gift Wrapping
Sometimes you don’t need to use actual ribbon to style your gift wrapping. Be creative (and frugal) by looking around your home for some alternatives to ribbon!
Chunky Yarn is one of my favorite ways to wrap Holiday gifts. The yarn fibers give warm and cozy vibes. You can use the same yarn to create a beautiful pom pom and pair with a complimentary gift tag!
Jute Twine is a fiber that you may already have at home. This rustic ribbon alternative would be perfectly paired with bold plaid wrapping paper in autumn or winter hues!
Bakers Twine is a fun alternative to ribbon and it comes in so many colors. You can be creative with bakers twine and wrap it around the gift multiple times to add texture, or use it with a complimentary grosgrain or chiffon ribbon.
Traditional Tying Technique for Gift Wrapping:
- Start by loosely measuring your ribbon. Your ribbon should be the width and length of your gift (x2), the depth of the box (x4), plus enough excess to tie a bow or stylish knot.
- Start by finding the middle of the ribbon. Place that center point of ribbon in the center of the gift.
- Gently flip both the gift and the ribbon to the underside of the box.
- Pull tight as you come back to the center point of the box.
- Cross ribbon ends (like you’re hooking the ends of two ‘J’) and carry the ribbon in the perpendicular direction of the current ribbon pattern, this should create a ‘T’ shape on the bottom of the box.
- Pull tight as you gently flip the box back to the upright position.
- Finish by securing with a tight knot or bow.
You can use this simple technique but offset the center point (where the ribbons cross) to one side of the gift.
Bonus Tip:
Store your ribbon in a beautiful box or basket. This makes it easily accessible for any occasion. Around the holidays, I like to create a gift wrapping station using a desk or folding table. I like to display all of my ribbons and wrapping paper. It makes wrapping a last minute gift easy breezy and creates a meaningful spot during a busy (sometimes stressful) season!
The possibilities of using ribbon for gift wrapping are endless! You can find budget friendly ways to adorn your gifts by using ribbon, twine or yarn. Ribbon can create a whimsical, fun or high end finish to any gift for any occasion. Finish your gift wrapping project with pressed flowers, a custom card, gift tag, pom pom or beautiful ornament.
I’d love to hear if you have other creative or budget friendly ways of using ribbon for gift wrapping. Share with me in the comments!