How to Wrap Aesthetically Pleasing Gifts This Christmas – Minimalist and Elegant Ideas
If you’re like me, you want your Christmas presents to look as beautiful on the outside as they are thoughtful on the inside. There’s something so satisfying about a stack of perfectly wrapped gifts under the tree, each one looking like it could be in a holiday magazine spread. This year, I’m all about earthy tones, cozy textures, and a minimalist vibe with just the right amount of holiday flair. Here’s a guide on how to create aesthetic gift wrappings that look effortlessly chic but are simple to put together. Let’s make your presents almost too pretty to open!
HOLIDAYS
11/3/20244 min read
1. Choose a Neutral, Kraft Paper Base
Brown kraft paper* has a timeless, rustic charm, and it makes the perfect base for any aesthetic gift wrap. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also environmentally friendly and lets other decorative elements stand out beautifully. Plus, kraft paper provides that natural, minimalist look that’s trending right now.
Pro Tip: For a smoother look, make sure to pull the paper tight as you wrap and fold the edges neatly for clean, sharp corners. This instantly elevates the look.
Final Look: Bringing It All Together
To make your stack of gifts look cohesive, keep your color palette limited to earthy neutrals and maybe one or two festive accent colors, like burgundy or green. The combination of kraft paper, lush velvet ribbons, and natural accents like greenery or pinecones creates an elegant, rustic look that’s perfect for the season. Stack your gifts under the tree or on a table display, and watch how they bring an instant holiday charm to the space.
Quick Tips for Aesthetic Gift Wrapping:
Stay Consistent: Stick to a few colors and textures for a unified look.
Keep it Simple: Minimalist wrapping feels fresh and sophisticated.
Use High-Quality Materials: Invest in good-quality paper and ribbon for a polished finish.
Get Creative with Natural Elements: Greenery, twine, and small natural touches make a big impact.
With these simple steps, your Christmas gifts will be wrapped beautifully and ready to impress! Not only will they look stunning, but each package will also feel thoughtful and unique. Happy wrapping, and enjoy the festive vibes! 🎄
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
5. Use Minimalist Gift Tags to Complete the Look
A simple, elegant tag can pull everything together. Try plain kraft paper tags, which blend well with the natural theme, or plain white tags with a clean, minimalist design. Handwriting the names in a beautiful script adds a personal touch. If you’re feeling crafty, stamp a small holiday icon (like a star or pine tree) on each tag for a subtle, festive detail.
For a vintage twist, consider using old-fashioned string to attach the tag to the ribbon or tuck it neatly under a bow.
Pro Tip: If you want a sustainable option, try making your tags from leftover kraft paper or even cardboard pieces from old boxes.
3. Incorporate Natural Touches – Greenery, Twine, and Pinecones
Adding a touch of nature instantly gives gifts a unique, hand-wrapped feel. I love to use sprigs of evergreen or eucalyptus; not only do they look gorgeous, but they also bring a hint of fresh pine scent! Secure a small sprig of greenery under the ribbon or tie it into a bow made from jute or twine for an earthy, organic look.
Other ideas for natural touches:
Attach a small pinecone or cinnamon stick for added texture.
Use dried orange slices for a pop of color and a vintage Christmas feel.
Opt for dried flowers or even a rosemary sprig for something aromatic and subtle.
Pro Tip: If you’re adding greenery, try using a piece that’s been dried, as it will last longer and avoid staining the paper.
4. Add a Touch of Gold or Bells for Festive Sparkle
To bring a little holiday magic to your gift wrap, add a touch of gold. Small gold bells, like the ones in the image, are the perfect addition—they give gifts a cozy, old-fashioned feel and make a soft jingle when moved. Attach one or two bells by tying them onto the twine or ribbon.
If you want more sparkle, try lightly brushing the edges of your greenery with a hint of gold or metallic paint. It’s subtle, but it catches the light beautifully.
Other festive touches you can add:
Metallic gold or silver pen for handwritten tags.
Tiny gold or white stars sprinkled around your gift setup.
Small metallic ornaments that can be tied or tucked in.
Pro Tip: If you want to keep the bells reusable, don’t knot them directly to the gift but instead attach them with a small hook or a slip knot.
2. Add Luxurious Ribbon – Think Deep Reds and Greens
One of my favorite ways to make a gift look sophisticated is with a ribbon, and deep colors like burgundy or forest green add a warm, cozy vibe perfect for Christmas. Instead of the classic glossy gift ribbon, go for a matte velvet or cotton ribbon in rich tones. Velvet, in particular, adds a soft texture that feels luxe and festive.
Wrap the ribbon around the box and tie a neat bow, or simply fold the ribbon over for a sleek, ribbon-band effect.
Use ribbon widths that contrast – a wide ribbon for larger gifts and thinner ribbons for smaller packages or to layer over a wider base.
Pro Tip: Try layering a thin jute or twine over your velvet ribbon. The mix of rustic and elegant elements makes for a beautiful contrast!