How to Create a Christmas Wrapping Station
Gift Wrap Storage and Organization
A Christmas wrapping station doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive, but it can completely change how enjoyable holiday wrapping feels. Instead of scrambling for tape or scissors, you’ll have everything in one place, ready to go. For me, wrapping presents is part of the joy of Christmas. I love making gifts look beautiful, and setting up a dedicated gift wrap center keeps the process stress-free.
Wrapping presents is lots of fun as long as it’s under the right conditions. I do a significant amount of gift wrapping as I truly enjoy wrapping presents and giving gifts that are especially pretty. Every year I wrap all of our gifts and several extras for friends who ask me to help with their gifts for them. I enjoy it, for me, a beautiful or cute presentation is a huge part of the joy in gift giving and receiving.
Here are some suggestions to make Christmas wrapping fun.
Organize your Christmas Wrapping Supplies
Begin by gathering the gift wrapping supplies you already have. Go through leftover wrapping paper, ribbons, boxes, tissue, and tags from last year. Keep what you plan to use and donate anything you know you will not. Take a few minutes to iron wrinkled tissue, flatten saved boxes, and recycle anything that is too worn to use.
Next, make a simple shopping list so you know exactly what needs replenishing. Include wrapping tape, packaging tape, scissors, tissue paper, ribbon, twine, gift bags, gift tags, and pens. Pick them up as soon as you start seeing Christmas wrapping supplies in the stores. Buying early is not about grabbing the best selection; it is about getting the cost out of the way, checking it off the to-do list, and freeing yourself up when the holiday rush begins and you have a hundred other things to do and spend money on.
Some other things I keep handy include scotch tape, packaging tape, measuring tape for weird-sized gifts, envelopes for gift receipts, and a couple of pretty pens in different ink colors for labeling tags and writing notes.
Wrapping Paper Roll Station Ideas
Wrapping paper is the main supply in any Christmas wrapping station, so it needs to be stored in a practical way. There are plenty of wrapping storage ideas that work in any size space. It does not need to be fancy or large; the goal is simply to keep things controlled and organized.
You can store wrapping paper in tall bins or vertical containers that hold rolls upright. If you are short on space, under-the-bed boxes work well to keep rolls out of sight. Wall-mounted rods turn a craft room or closet into a true gift wrap center. Even a simple garment bag will keep wrapping paper rolls dust-free and ready to use.
Whichever option you choose, keeping rolls contained makes the rest of your wrapping station easier to manage.
Giftwrap Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
Most of us do not have room for a permanent wrapping paper station, so it helps to put together something you can bring out when needed and tuck away afterward. Set your wrapping station in the kitchen or dining room where you have some work space, like a large counter or table. If you are wrapping for kids and want to stay hidden, set it up in your bedroom and use the bed as your wrapping surface. Once you know where you are going to wrap, you will also know how much space you have for storage and what size of container will fit best.
Some simple options are often the best. A basket or tote bag works well for tissue, ribbon, and tape. A small caddy can hold scissors, pens, and tags and move easily from room to room. You can even repurpose a dresser drawer or cupboard shelf to keep everything in one place. A rolling cart is another good choice, since you can wheel it out when it is time to wrap and slide it back again when you are done.
The whole point is to give your supplies a spot of their own so you are not hunting through the house every time you need tape or ribbon.
Organize a wrapping center. We have a tall plastic Rubbermaid container that holds wrapping paper upright, and a cheap set of plastic drawers. Both are several years old now, maybe even a decade (or two lol).
Gift Supplies Organization Hacks
The little extras are what make wrapping fun, but they are also the easiest to misplace. A few simple tricks can help keep them under control and easy to find.
Mason jars work well for twine, washi tape, and tags. Small baskets from the dollar store or simple drawer dividers are great for ribbon rolls. Binder clips or elastics will keep wrapping paper from unraveling, and file folders can hold flat sheets of paper or tissue. For embellishments like pinecones, bells, or candy canes, a clear plastic box makes it easy to see what you have.
When everything has its spot, you will not waste time hunting for tape or the perfect ribbon right in the middle of wrapping.
If you’re not ready to invest in something permanent, set aside a bedroom drawer or a box in the cupboard. Place a waste paper basket nearby. It doesn’t matter where you build your wrapping station, just as long as you have your supplies gathered and organized ahead of time.
Besides wrapping paper, make sure to have scissors, scotch tape, packaging tape, measuring tape, envelopes for gift receipts, and pretty pens in different ink colours.
Choose a Theme for your Gift Wrap or Choose Not Toa
Some people will tell you to choose a theme and two or three coordinating colours for your gift wrapping. I disagree. If you are a blogger who will be taking home tour photos for your blog, of course, you want your parcels to match the decor. Coordinating paper makes your Christmas tree look much more coherent and designed.
If you have children at home and you hide the gifts until Christmas Eve, does it really matter if it coordinates? I don’t think so. Go ahead and wrap each person’s parcel in their favorite colour, cartoon character, or theme.
Make your parcel fun for the receiver. I will make super feminine gifts for my daughter-in-law with silver paper and pink pearled ribbon, and lace; for Hubs, not on your life. His favorite and only colour is blue. The point here is to have a plan and purchase what supplies you need ahead of time.
Purchase Ribbon Instead of Bows
Ribbon styles have changed in recent years. We used to see mostly large bows made with wired ribbon, but now it is just as common to wrap gifts with a simple silk bow tied in a knot or with twine tied the same way. I suggest using both styles depending on the person receiving the gift, and skipping the expensive premade bows altogether. They often look flat and impersonal, and for the same cost, you can buy real ribbon that makes a gift feel more special.
Learning to tie bows is worth the small effort. A hand-tied bow looks prettier and more personal than anything you can buy ready-made. It is easier than most people think, and there are endless tutorials online if you want to practice a few styles.
Look for Christmas Paper with Cutting Lines
Not all wrapping paper has cutting lines printed on the back, which is too bad because those faint grid marks make wrapping so much easier. They help you cut straight edges, avoid wasting paper, and save time.
I like to check before buying, and some brands, such as Hallmar,k often include them. I sometimes find the grid paper at Dollar Tree, In the collage below you can see the packaging that mentions cutting lines and the actual lines printed on the back of the paper. It is a small detail, but it makes wrapping gifts a lot less frustrating.
Purchase or Make Embellishments
Adding little extras is the most creative part of wrapping, and it does not need to be expensive. Simple touches can make a plain parcel look special. You can tie on a candy cane, tuck in a sprig of greenery, or use a piece of ribbon and three buttons to make a tiny snowman. Pinecones, mini ornaments, cinnamon sticks, or dollar store snowflakes also work well.
Keep a small container in your wrapping station for these items so they are easy to grab when you want to dress up a gift. Even the smallest detail makes a present feel more thoughtful.
Wrap in Sessions
Wrapping gifts does not have to turn into a last-minute, all-night marathon, my sons seem to favor. Break it into smaller sessions that fit your schedule. Spend an hour or two when you have the time, or wrap a gift as soon as you bring it home. Short sessions keep it from feeling like a chore and make the process more enjoyable.
Make Christmas Wrapping a Mini Event
Gift wrapping can be more than just a task on the holiday to-do list. Put on some Christmas music, snack on holiday baking, pour a favorite drink, and get comfortable in your pajamas or even that ugly Christmas sweater you secretly love.
These little touches make wrapping something I look forward to every year. I find myself daydreaming about how excited the granddaughters will be opening their gifts and how much my daughters-in-law enjoy their pretty parcels.
If you are looking for more inspiration, I also curate a group board on Pinterest with several of my favorite bloggers, all focused on Christmas wrapping. New ideas are being added all the time, so there is always something fresh to try.
I am beyond excited for the Christmas holidays to start.
Great tips!!! Always looking for new ways to organize wrapping paper and all the stuff that comes with it 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sarah Bell
Trendy & Tidy
These are great tips, I love wrapping gifts and get teased because I am so careful when I unwrap gifts. As you say you can recycle the ribbon and sometimes the paper. I have limited storage space so I use and old travel suit bag for my wrapping paper. I hang it in my laundry cupboard and put the bows, tape and other items in a clear storage box on the shelf above.
Hi Mo: Its true. Why not enjoy the opening. After the gift is open its just stuff, but ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh a present. I luvs presents.
The travel suit bag would be really handy because its long enough and the paper stands correctly. Isn’t it so much better when you have it organized and in one spot so your not running around looking for it?
Thank you for following me on my blog girl. It means a lot to me. Leanna
I have a tall wrapping station made by rubbermaid that has kept me organized for years. I love this post. I actually got some of my shopping done early this year and started the wrapping. Normally it can take me several long days and it isn’t fun. My kids love how I make up who the gifts are from like the snow ball gang or twinkle star…they tease me that I am drinking while I wrap…I just like to make things fun. I need to try to learn to do the ribbon that looks gorgeous!
I am very excited for our gift wrapping link party. I really look forward to see your parcels. Are they sparkly????
Leanna
Leanna, I’m sharing my wrapping tips, tricks and ideas on Friday and the one thing I mention is the wired ribbon! Aren’t they great! I also use curling ribbon, but the reasons will be revealed on Friday in my blog post.
Hi Carol: I made a note to come and check out your blog on Friday. I look forward to seeing your tips. I am hosting a gift wrapping link up with several other bloggers the first week of December. Come join us.
Thank you for the comment. Leanna
My husband and I always have a wrapping “date night”! These are great tips to keep everything organized. I never thought of one of those drawer units to store flat paper, ribbon, etc. It would fit neatly in my closet and I have have one drawer for birthday wrap!
Hi Maureen: A wrapping date night would be wonderful. My youngest son is the only one of the men in my house who enjoys gift wrapping, for me its definitely a solo activity. They are much more likely to ask me to wrap something for them then to learn to enjoy it. Good for you guys.
Thanks for letting me know you found the post helpful. It makes me happy. Leanna
Those are some really great tips, I usually have to turn my kitchen table into my wrapping station when no ones home. It’d be so nice to go into a room and close the door. LOL Thanks for linking up with us at the DI & DI Link party.
Thank you for commenting. I really enjoy link parties. I am a new blogger this is my first Christmas season. I am very excited to see what everyone will come up with. I receive loads of inspiration from the link parties. Its how I find most of the bloggers I read. Leanna
That sounds like fun the way you do it!! I tend to wait until the last minute and use lots of bags so I can get it done quickly.
Hi Melony: I enjoy doing it under the right circumstances. If I leave it until the last minute I feel burdened, its great that you can just wing it like that. Not my strongest attribute I am afraid.
You are so organized! I just throw everything in a box, and I am not great at gift wrapping. I like the idea of having a theme.
Hi Marjan: If you think about it, having everything you need in a box is organized. I love wrapping gifts when I have what I need, where and need it, and don’t have to go on a house search trying to find whats needed. Also the family knows where the stuff is and not to move it. At least in theory lol. Thanks for writing. Leanna
What a great and helpful post! You have some great tips and ideas. I love the wrapping station idea. You have inspired me to sort through what I have and organize it so I have a station. This will make wrapping a more pleasant experience. 🙂 Thank you!!!
Hi Melissa: I am glad to hear it. Not having to stop in the middle of something to go look for tape or scissors or a pen or ??? really makes it much more fun.
These are such great tips!! I will be taking them all on board as I too love to wrap presents but your way seems much more organised! Pinned and stumbled 🙂
Hi Sam: Thank you for the compliment and shares. People often tell me that I am really organized, yet I feel like I never have enough time to get on top of everything. Taking it in small bits helps me alot.
Wrapping gifts is the prettiest and fastest of the Christmas crafts, glitter, ribbon and No dishes. I love it.
Thanks for commenting.
Excellent tips, Leanna and something that has been on my To Do List every Christmas for a couple of years now and yet has been done. Thanks for the early reminder and motivation to get my you know what in gear to make it happen. Oh but first I should start my Christmas shopping!
I am always on a budget, so many things to I need to grab and lets not whine about prices. I find by getting the tidbits purchased and put aside it helps the last paydays before Christmas.
Thanks for budgeting… May I suggest West Edmonton Mall on Dec 24 for shopping?? lol
Leanna, I can see that you have a talent for this. I already love your style and decor skills, I bet that your wrapped gifts are gorgeous! I love that you put that much that thought into making them perfect for the recipient. Makes the gift even more special.
Hi Nikki: I know my daughter says my presents are her favorite because she find them over the top pretty. The men don’t say much, so I just stuck bows on a couple of them last year as a little smell test. Herman asked me to do them with ribbon instead, made me grin.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, it brightens my day.
Your wrapping station is so organised, great tips are given in the post. Your first Christmas themed post so nice, now you can write more for the readers like me.
Thank you Sadhna. I have one more post about getting organized written and a how to for tree decorating. At my age you learned a few things about stream lining the household stuff. I sure know reading your blog is on my holiday to do list. Love your recipes.
These are really great tips!! Paper with lines was a game changer for me, I always look for it now.
I only knew that the paper at costco often came with lines. I find it so much easier to use and fold on the square etc. I found it at Hallmark this year as well, so from now on I won’t ever buy anything else.
Thank you very much for commenting Shandy.
I love the title and your tips! I can’t wait to start buying the supplies, and of course, the presents. Oh, and wired ribbon at Costco is the best! 🙂
For sure the wired ribbon at Costco is the best deal. It comes in a wide variety and because you get so much of it you can go wild with the stuff. I am not crazy about their gift tags though. Thanks for commenting Ana.
These are all great tips! Last year, each kid got their own wrapping paper. It made things so much easier on Christmas morning.
Hi Jessica: Individualized paper is cute, each little one can get there favorite character etc. Kids enjoy the extra bit of fun as well. My girls like the really big ribbons and anything sparkly.
Wow this post has got me in the festive mood. Now if I could only work out what to get people! #weekendblogshare
I am glad to have fall and halloween decor organized and put away. Just starting on getting the Christmas stuff going. It sure is a busy time of year. Thank you for commenting. Leanna
Love these tips Leanna. I never thought about it and it’s always such a mad rush. I especially like the fact that you give yourself extra time to make it beautiful and add a little something extra special and cute. Enjoy the wrapping them this year with your gorgeous afghan and that beautiful independent Pyrenees
Thank you Michelle: I have gotten the children’s gifts wrapped. I am hoping to do a video of bow tying if I can have Herman home long enough to do the camera for me.
Christmas wrapping is alot of fun and very easy if you do it early enough.
Thank you for commenting, feedback is wonderful.
These are great tips!
I love the idea of a wrapping station. All of my gift wrap and gift bags are stored in an under-the-bed bin in our bedroom. When it’s time to wrap all the gifts (I do it all at once!), the bedroom turns into a wrapping room.
and is it just me, or is buying pretty wrapping paper the ultimate feel-good retail therapy? When I’m feeling down, I go over to Target or Hobby Lobby and i buy some pretty wrapping paper. Instant pick me up!
Hello. Thank you for the kind reply. I love stationary of all types, paper, cards, pretty notepads. It is really fun to pull out pretty paper and all the embellishments. Considering the time most crafts take wrapping gifts if pretty quick. I use to do all my wrapping on the bed with the door locked and music playing.
Thank you for the comment, it makes my day.
Great post! I tend to buy my holiday wrap, ribbon and gift tags the week after Christmas of the following year so when I start pulling them all out in Dec. I am excited to look at everything I bought. I enjoy wrapping and usually start with all the niece and nephew gifts so I have a few to put right under the tree the day we put it up.
Hi Joanne: I love the tree with all the gifts piled under it, so exciting. That is one good thing about being an empty nester, we don’t have to worry about little eyes getting over excited. Do you have a wrapping station, I really find it makes a world of difference for me.
Thank you for commenting. Leanna
Great idea to learn to make your own bows! That’s something I haven’t learned yet.
Hi Rachael: I have written a blog post tutorial on how to fold ribbons into bows, including a my favorite. I am just trying to do some videos for them. I will post them before the end of November.
Thank you for commenting. It always makes me happy to see a comment. Leanna
Leanna that is very clever to wrap according to the recipients taste. I had never thought of it that way before. You are giving me too many dangerous ideas here. haha.
Dangerous is right! lol.
This year I am participating in a Christmas Home tour Eureka…so I am doing the coordinated papers. But I really don’t think its a must have.
Thanks for commenting lady. Leanna
These are really great tips! I love the idea of making it a mini-event. Especially for overwhelmed moms.
Hi Pam: I love wrapping gifts, receiving pretty packages etc. Its just so much more fun if you do it organized. When I was buying my paper a lady commented why so early. So I explained it to her.
Now it’s off my list