Charming Christmas Present Wrapping Ideas

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. Cozying up next to a crackling fireplace decorated to the nines for the holidays, and under a brilliantly lit tree, Christmas presents are stacked with care.

These are the best charming Christmas present wrapping ideas for inspiration this holiday season and beyond.

Whether layering ribbons or simply using pretty paper, putting a little more effort into your gift-giving makes the occasion that much more special. 

At our home, giving gifts has become somewhat of an art form. Between selecting the gifts themselves and the holiday gift wrapping ideas I come up with, presents look like little pieces of art dotted about the Christmas tree.

I wrote about How to Wrap Presents in the past, so I won’t go over that again, but it’s definitely worth reading before you make your first cut. Also read the post on Beautiful Gift Wrap Ideas, which discusses the process I recommend before wrapping any presents. The same process can be applied when you’re just starting out gathering gift wrapping ideas for Christmas, including choosing a color palette—one of the most critical first steps.

Gift Wrapping Ideas for Christmas Presents

There is no better time of year than at Christmas to give thoughtful gifts to friends, family and other people (and pets) who are a part of and enrich your life.

When it’s time to wrap Christmas presents, I methodically plan out each gift. 

One by one I choose the box (or gift bag) that works best for each specific item. When I have selected a box/bag for each gift, I make sure I have a view of all the gifts at the same time so I can easily see what size variations I will be working with.

Honestly, wrapping gifts does not take long at all. 

Planning out how I want each gift to look takes a considerable amount of time. You know, the whole process of determining which paper goes with which gift, what color ribbon(s) look best, should I use another paper for added detail, will a gift topper look nice, and so on.

To be fair, I watch random Christmas movies on TV while gift wrapping so I may be a bit distracted.

Here are the best Christmas present wrapping ideas:

More is more when it comes to ribbons. Layer ribbons of different materials, colors, textures, and sheens. For instance, layer blush rose chiffon over dusty blue knit lattice jute ribbon or delicate pink khaki lace trim ribbon under satin.

Choose three to four complementary wrapping paper by color as well as pattern. Mixing a deep navy blue alongside mostly white with gold Christmas tree gift wrap adds interest. 

A pastel green-blue stripe pattern creates whimsy, without being too serious. It’s a very curated look. Don’t the Christmas presents look inviting under the tree?

One of the best Christmas present wrapping ideas for added detail is to place a strip of different patterned/colored wrapping paper over the main gift wrap. Then, layer with ribbon.

Below, you can see the main “Merry Christmas” wrapping paper with a strip of pastel pink paper down the middle. Two different types of ribbon are then layered on top for a charming effect.

Use a mix of various sizes and shapes of boxes as well as gift bags. Varying sizes creates interest while also giving eyes a break as they scan the presents under the tree.

Gift toppers, such as lambs ear picks and cinnamon sticks, soften ornate wrapping paper. Greenery just looks good, as do tiny ornaments or gift tags made out of gift wrap paper. Anything you can add to embellish presents will make an impact.

Once all the presents are wrapped, topped and ready to be put under the tree, begin placing each present.

Larger presents work best as the first layer, with smaller packages stacked on top or against one another.

Holiday Wrapping Ideas Using Neutral and Pastel Colored Paper

Last year, we went neutral-light for our wrapping paper color palette. Sugar Paper’s gift wrap was the shining star, making all my soft-toned presents-of-my-dreams come true. Neutrals are not for everyone at the holidays, but they are oh so calming. 

Muted Sage Gray-Green Gift Wrapped Presents

A sage gray-green, as opposed to a deep forest green, set just the right tone under the tree.

Have you thought about other blue tones outside of navy?

I used dusty blue chiffon ribbon and a soft baby blue satin ribbon on some of our presents last year. Combined with the light pink wrapping paper, dotted with gold and white stars, you are transported. It's one of my favorite Christmas present wrapping ideas!

Presents Wrapped in White Gift Wrap

White—in all its neutral glory—delightfully pops against dark green boughs. White goes with everything, so ribbons, bows, toppers, all look beautiful paired with it. I have used white with gold trees gift wrap for a couple years now.

I also have the white with green trees version.

Another popular style of holiday gift wrap has some sort of saying on it, such as “Seasons Greetings” or “Noel.” Sugar Paper had this neutral white “Merry Christmas” gift wrap I couldn’t resist, even though paper with words on it isn’t usually my style.

Blush Pink Gift Wrap Paper for Christmas

Blush pink probably doesn’t come to mind when you think of Christmas. However, pink holiday wrapping paper does exist. 

Last year, I wrapped a few gifts in this blush pink with hearts and stars paper.

Deep, Dark Navy Wrapping Paper for Drama and Contrast

Deep forest green is more popular for gift wrap at the holidays, but you can add a little drama by using a solid deep, dark navy wrapping paper. Navy complements green exceptionally well.

Since I wanted a little contrast to all of the light pastel papers, I layered creamy white satin under pink khaki lace trim and topped it by off centering thin baby blue satin ribbon.

What to Wrap Christmas Gifts With Instead of Wrapping Paper

Technically, any kind of paper should work to wrap presents. 

Wallpaper is a great example of an alternative to paper specifically marketed as wrapping paper. Wallpaper is usually more expensive, but, with significantly more patterns available, you’re sure to find something you like.

Craft paper—brown or white—works very well as wrapping paper. Just make sure to check that the white craft paper is opaque. I purchased a roll of white craft paper that is quite transparent. When I use it to wrap gifts I have to double-up the paper in order to not see the package underneath.

You can even wrap your presents in fabric. Craft stores carry all sorts of materials (i.e., linen, cotton, polyester, jute, leather) in everything from solid colors to patterns.

In the end, be creative when it comes to wrapping your gifts. Just make it memorable.

Where to Find Pretty Christmas Wrapping Paper

Standard big box retailers carry run-of-the-mill Christmas wrapping paper. You’ll easily find typical themed paper in traditional colors of red, green, silver, and gold, as well as patterns with trees, reindeer and holiday sayings. 

Target carries one of my all-time favorite paper company lines: Sugar Paper! (This is not sponsored and I’m not affiliated; I just LOVE everything they do)

The eponymous Sugar Paper is a Los Angeles-based purveyor of a lovely line of paper goods and home office products, such as felt pens, journals and notebooks, and gift wrap. I use their gorgeous felt pens practically everyday, which perfectly complement my soft, calming pastel home office aesthetic.

If anyone says you can have too many rolls of wrapping paper, they would be talking about me. A few years back I bought many (many) different rolls of the Sugar Paper x Target gift wrap line.

Both the patterns and colors available change each year, which makes it easier to curate a collection.

Since then, my collection has grown to include additional patterns by Sugar Paper as well as a few solid colors from Jam Paper.

If you’re looking for beautiful, unique gift wrapping paper, here are a few places to check out:

• Sugar Paper and the Sugar Paper x Target line - Both their dedicated website as well as Target carry different patterns and colors of gift wrap. You can also find cute home office supplies too. For instance, they carry a pretty white Swingline stapler and 3-hole punch as part of their “Office Essentials.” If you need them for your own home office, why not have the prettiest functional office supplies you can find?
• JSH Home Essentials - While I have not made a purchase with this company—I’m waiting to see if they have an after Christmas sale this year—they offer some of the prettiest gift wrap you can find. I would describe the patterns as heritage traditional block-prints in soft, muted colors. Many patterns are available as wallpaper, fabric by the yard and throw pillows.
• Brooke & Lou - I have talked about Brooke & Lou ad nauseam, but I would be remiss if they weren’t included in this list. Each holiday collection gets better, proven by our holiday decorations featured in my Dreamy Pastel Christmas Decorating Ideas post. They have a full online home goods store, so you’ll find more than just gift wrap.

• Monika Hibbs Home - Another brand I’ve talked about repeatedly on here, Monika Hibbs Home has a similar aesthetic to Brooke & Lou. She doesn’t carry as many gifting supplies, but what she does have is timeless. She, too, has a full online home goods store—and a cute brick-and-mortar “Tiny” store—with all the fixings.
• Elements by Remedy - Clearly, a theme has emerged among this list, as many of the brands have online stores that carry everything from furniture to holiday decor. This brand is similar, with a slightly more organic modern vibe reminiscent of McGee & Co. At the holidays, Elements curate exclusive gifting supplies you can’t miss.
• McGee & Co - Now a household name, McGee & Co. launch holiday collections in style. You can find pretty gifting supplies alongside that dining table you’ve been eyeing.
• House of Jade Home - What started as an interior design business grew into a curated storefront filled with pretty finds for the home, many of which they use in design projects. They have one of my favorite holiday collections around. 
• Jam Paper - Jam Paper’s dedicated website has everything, from wrapping paper and ribbons to party and office supplies. However, you can find a limited selection of paper on Target’s website.

I hope these charming Christmas present wrapping ideas gave you just the inspiration you needed to get started. Remember, it shouldn't be too precious. A little imperfection can be charming.