Christmas present wrapping hacks, from decorative touches to sustainable alternatives

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “We like a sharp-looking present, and the best way to get that is to really crease the edges around a present, and fold the ends the paper to ensure a really neat finish.” Both Amanda White, founder of bespoke wrapping service Gift Frippery, and Means recommend appealing to all senses when it comes to the gift wrapping – and unwrapping – experience, and this includes your sense of smell. If you’re wrapping several awkward items together, Means suggests you “cheat” and “use a basket, or terracotta plant pot and cover with cellophane”. Don’t be afraid to start out plain Means recommends always having a roll of brown paper at the bottom of your drawer, in case of unplanned gift wrapping. “The plainer the wrapping the more fun you can have with the embellishing – think of bells, dolly pegs, mini fans made from pleated paper, pom-poms.” The sustainable options Be mindful when planning your use of plastic-coated glitter or wrapping paper, as neither can be recycled.