Buying new gift wrap for every gift can be, well, a lot. Each time, you might have to dish out 10 or more dollars. What’s easier is keeping a small storage container or area with leftover gift wrap and ribbons. That way, when you need it, it’s there!
The problem, however, might quickly become how to properly store your leftover gift wrap, ribbon, tags, and more. How can you prevent it from getting crinkled? How can you ensure it’s waterproofed? Well, there are a few ways to do this.
What to Do With Extra Gift Wrap
In many cases, it’s unlikely you’ll use the whole roll of gift wrap, unless it’s a big holiday, like Christmas. Still, it’s hard to plan the exact number and size of gifts that you’ll neatly use up a whole roll. Most of us know this is near impossible.
Yet, storing away that extra gift wrap can ensure you don’t overspend and don’t waste what’s left over. The key is storing it properly!
Tip | Details |
---|---|
Use Clear Bins | Store wrapping supplies in transparent containers to see contents quickly. Use long bins for rolls and smaller ones for tags, tape, etc. |
Store Under the Bed | Use low-profile containers with lids to protect and hide wrapping paper without wasting closet space. |
Try an Umbrella Stand | Keep wrapping paper rolls upright in umbrella stands or wastebaskets to avoid bending and crushing. |
Ribbon on Paper Towel Holders | Stack ribbon spools on paper towel holders or dowels to prevent tangles and make cutting easier. |
Organize and Label | Separate supplies by occasion and label bins or drawers for easy access and tidy maintenance. |
Use Zip Pouches for Tags | Store small items like tags and bows in clear or labeled fabric pouches to avoid clutter. |
Create a Wrapping Station | Dedicate a cart, drawer, or shelf for all gift wrapping tools and reuse leftover materials for future crafts. |
How to Store Wrapping Paper and Ribbon
Here’s our top seven tips to keep your wrapping paper and ribbons fresh for the next time you use them.
Tip #1: Use Clear Bins
Clear plastic bins are a simple but highly effective solution for storing wrapping paper and ribbon. Being able to see what’s inside at a glance saves you from digging through multiple containers just to find that one roll or ribbon you need.
So, look for bins that are long enough to fit standard wrapping paper rolls without bending or creasing them. Stackable options can further help you maximize space in a closet or storage area.
For added organization, consider separating bins by occasion—holidays, birthdays, or all-occasion designs. You can also use smaller clear containers inside to hold scissors, tape, or gift tags.
Tip #2: Find Storage That Fits Under the Bed
The space under your bed is often overlooked, yet it provides an ideal hideaway for your long rolls of wrapping paper. Look for slim, low-profile containers—ideally under 6 inches tall—that slide in and out with ease. But make sure they have lids to keep the dust out!
By storing your wrapping paper under the bed, you keep your gift wrap tucked out of sight but within arm’s reach when you need it.
Tip #3: Use an Umbrella Stand
An upright container, such as an umbrella stand or a clean wastebasket, makes a surprisingly effective storage solution for rolls of gift wrap. By standing rolls vertically, you prevent them from sagging, bending, or getting crushed.
Make sure to choose a weighted umbrella stand for added stability, or repurpose a decorative trash can from the kitchen or bathroom—just make sure it’s wide enough to accommodate your largest rolls. You can even group multiple stands side by side if you have a larger collection. This setup works particularly well in hallway nooks, craft room corners, or closets.
Tip #4: Store Ribbons on Paper Towel Holders
Outside of the kitchen, paper towel holders can also be the perfect way to keep ribbon rolls organized and ready for use. Simply slide spools onto a standing or horizontal paper towel holder to keep them neatly stacked and easily accessible.
This method prevents tangling and allows you to view all options at once. For a DIY option, consider mounting a dowel inside a cabinet or between two shelf brackets to hold ribbon rolls, allowing you to cut lengths directly from the spool.
All in all, this is a great way to make your ribbon stash more functional, and it saves time when wrapping multiple gifts or decorating. Plus, it helps prevent half-used rolls from disappearing into drawers or getting lost in clutter.
Tip #5: Organize and Label
Staying organized with your gift wrap supplies can make all the difference between a stressful last-minute scramble and a smooth, enjoyable wrapping experience. So consider sorting your wrapping materials by category—such as holiday, birthday, or neutral designs—and store each group separately.
Label bins, folders, or drawers clearly so you know exactly where to look when it’s time to wrap. Use small containers for gift tags, scissors, tape, and embellishments to avoid misplacing essential tools.
If you store wrapping supplies in a shared space, labels help everyone know where things belong, making it easier to maintain order.
Tip #6: Use Zip Pouches or Small Bags for Tags
Gift tags, mini bows, and embellishments are often the smallest—but easiest to lose—parts of your wrapping toolkit. However, storing them in zip pouches or small fabric bags keeps everything in one place and prevents clutter.
Clear pouches can also make it easy to find what you need. At the same time, fabric ones can easily be color-coded or labeled by occasion.
These small pouches and bags can further be tucked into larger bins or drawers, keeping your system compact and efficient.
Tip #7: Consider a Wrapping and/or Craft Station
If you wrap gifts often or enjoy crafting, setting up a dedicated wrapping station can be a great dual-purpose design. This could be as simple as a rolling cart, a desk drawer system, or a designated shelf in a closet. Use containers, baskets, or dividers to store everything from rolls and ribbons to scissors, tags, and tape.
Storage Method | How It Works | Why It’s Useful |
---|---|---|
Clear Plastic Bins | Transparent, stackable containers store paper and tools | Easy visibility, protects from damage |
Under-Bed Storage | Flat containers with lids slide under furniture | Maximizes hidden space, keeps dust out |
Umbrella Stand or Trash Can | Keeps rolls upright to avoid bending | Preserves paper condition, easy access |
Paper Towel Holder or Dowel | Holds multiple ribbon spools for easy pulling | Prevents tangles, speeds up wrapping |
Labeled Drawers & Bins | Sorts supplies by occasion and use | Saves time and reduces mess |
Zip or Fabric Pouches | Stores tiny tags, bows, or mini tools | Keeps small items together and visible |
Wrapping Station or Cart | Dedicated space for wrapping and crafting tools | Makes wrapping fun, saves time, reduces waste |
And try to reuse and recycle materials where possible—save leftover wrapping paper, ribbon scraps, and gift bags to repurpose for future projects or creative crafts. You can turn paper remnants into tags, decorate handmade cards, or use them for scrapbooking.
Ultimately, having a go-to wrapping station helps keep these reusable materials organized and ready, so nothing goes to waste. It also saves time when you’re in a rush, keeps your supplies in good condition, and makes the wrapping process feel more fun and less like a chore.
When it comes down to it, there’s no “right” way to store leftover gift wrap and ribbons—but with the right tips and a little creativity, you can keep your supplies organized, accessible, and ready for any occasion. A tidy system not only saves time and reduces waste, but it also makes the joy of gifting even easier to share!