Find exotic, colorful papers at specialty stores.

When giving a gift to a friend or loved one, presentation is often half of the equation. In some cases, a modestly priced trinket in exquisite wrapping can be more impressive than an expensive item in a brown paper bag. If you’ve always wanted to wrap your gifts with the sort of creativity and flair that will make them stand out from the rest of the pile, read on.

With a background in publishing and graphic design, Carol Kim has always loved luxurious paper and writing instruments. Today she is the marketing manager at Kate’s Paperie, a New York store with one of the world’s largest selections of paper products, including stationery, handmade papers and journals. She offers the following tips and ideas for creative gift-wrapping:

• Exotic papers. Instead of heading to the drugstore to buy a roll of standard commercial gift-wrap, look for paper with a little more personality. Try a specialty shop or art supply store that stocks handmade and exotic sheets of paper. Think beyond the norm and consider papers not usually used to wrap presents.

• Quality scissors. Don’t overlook your wrapping supplies. Buy strong tape and a good sharp pair of scissors. Remember not to cut the tape with your scissors, as it will gum up the blades and affect your ability to cut cleanly through the paper.

  
  

• Bows and ties. There are a lot of options beyond standard ribbon. There’s raffia, made from a tropical tree, and misohiki, which is a paper covered cord. Twine works well, and Kim has even sewn gifts up using a needle and thread. The idea is to do more than is expected, and to make your gift stand out as unique.

• Inspiration. Kim believes that the only rule of gift wrapping is to be inspired. Use the most of your imagination and take the time to do something special. Whoever receives your gift will be impressed that you took the time to make a nice presentation rather than just tape on any old paper. When wrapping a gift you plan to give to a special person, be adventurous, be classy, and most of all, be yourself.

Kate’s Paperie
www.katespaperie.com

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