Simple Ways to Make Cheap Gift Packaging Look Luxurious
Whether you’re on a budget or simply have existing gift packaging lying around, being able to elevate your gift’s presentation with a few simple touches can make all the difference. A thoughtfully wrapped gift doesn’t need to cost a lot—it just needs a bit of creativity, attention to detail, and the right finishing touches.
Below, you’ll find our favorite easy and affordable ways to transform even the simplest packaging into something polished and luxurious.
| Tip | Focus Element | Styling Idea | Optional Add-ons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribbon Upgrade | Ribbon | Tie elegant textured ribbon around plain bags or wrap. | Curl ends, add cinnamon or herbs. |
| Tissue Layers | Tissue Paper | Fan out metallic or pastel tissue for volume. | Perfume the tissue for extra charm. |
| Stamped Style | Tags/Stamps | Use calligraphy, theme stamps, or draw by hand. | Write directly on bag or tag. |
| Botanical Finish | Pressed Flowers | Attach muted, dried florals to tags or bags. | Bundle mini bouquets with twine. |
| Tape Flair | Washi Tape | Create fun patterns, borders, or seal wraps with style. | Mix metallic and print tapes. |
| Metallic Touch | Foils & Pens | Draw metallic borders or notes for a luxe shine. | Foil stickers or gold twine. |
| Home Treasure | Recycled Materials | Use newspaper, yarn, or old cards for a crafted look. | Cutout old sheet music for vintage vibes. |
Tip #1: Give the Ribbon an Upgrade
Got a basic paper bag or Kraft paper lying around? You don’t need to complicate things here. In fact, simple screams elegant and sophistication a lot of the time. So, try adding a special and thoughtful ribbon to your simple bag or wrapping paper.
For example, add two colored ribbons to tie together the handles of your paper bag. Or wrap up Kraft paper with a beautifully textured ribbon. It’s simple, easy, and won’t cost you much at all. Bonus points if you curl the ribbon’s ends with scissors or tie a piece of thyme or cinnamon into the bow.
Tip #2: Use Tissue Paper to Your Advantage
Yet again, this can elevate even the simplest packaging. If you have a plain gift bag, adding colored or themed tissue paper can level it up. Pay careful attention to how you layer it and avoid making it too crinkly!
For a luxe look, choose tissue paper in complementary tones or subtle metallics like gold, silver, or rose gold. Layer two to three sheets, fanning them out so they peek above the top of the bag in a neat, voluminous way. You can even wrap the gift itself in a layer of tissue before placing it in the bag to add an extra touch of care and anticipation. If you want to go the extra mile, lightly spritz the tissue paper with a bit of perfume or essential oil for a sensory surprise.
Tip #3: Try Custom Stamps or Tags
This offers another way to truly bring up the luxe-factor of your gift presentation. It works best when you stick to a theme or know the recipient well. For instance, the golf lover may love stamped golf balls or tees on the packaging, knowing full well the gift inside has something to do with their golf game.
If you’ve got killer writing skills, consider calligraphy for custom tags. Or you can even write on the packaging itself. This type of writing always adds an elegant and polished element.
Tip #4: Add Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers are an easy and affordable way to make your gift packaging feel more artistic and refined. They bring a delicate, handcrafted touch that looks far more expensive than it actually is. You can buy them online in bulk or make your own by pressing flowers between the pages of a heavy book for a week or two.
Once you have your flowers ready, gently glue or tape them onto a gift tag, ribbon, or directly onto the wrapping paper. For paper bags, try tying a small bouquet to the handle with twine. And keep in mind that you’ll want to stick to muted tones or florals that match your overall color palette for the most cohesive look.
Tip #5: Stick on Washi Tape
Washi tape is one of the easiest ways to add personality and charm to plain packaging—without spending much at all. This decorative, patterned tape comes in endless designs, such as metallics, florals, minimalist stripes, or festive prints.
Use it to seal wrapping paper in place, create borders along the edges of a gift box, or design fun patterns like stripes or grids. You can even layer different washi tapes together for a playful, textured look.
And here’s the best part: washi tape is forgiving and adjustable, so you can experiment with different styles until you find the perfect look. Overall, it’s a simple upgrade that adds color, style, and polish in just seconds!
Tip #6: Add Metallic Accents
Nothing says luxury quite like a hint of shine. Try using gold or silver gel pens to add hand-drawn designs, stars, or even a personalized message directly onto Kraft paper or gift tags. You can also find metallic stickers, washi tape, or foil labels at craft stores or online for just a few dollars. Even a strip of metallic ribbon or a touch of gold twine tied around the package can go a long way.
But a word to the wise: use sparingly and thoughtfully. Metallics can add a modern, elegant feel, but too much can feel overwhelming and excessive. The key here is balance!
Tip #7: Use Materials You Already Have At Home
Look around for household items that could work (maybe even in your recycling box!). This is the best and easiest way to elevate your gift without paying a single cent more.
Old magazines, newspapers, or sheet music can make for a unique and artsy wrapping paper. Twine from the kitchen, leftover yarn, or even a shoelace can also replace ribbon. You can also repurpose old holiday cards into custom gift tags or use scraps of fabric to tie a bow or wrap a smaller item. Get creative here!
This last tip can truly bring out how much care and thought you put into your gift and its presentation—something that might just “wow” your recipient. At the end of the day, you don’t need to spend a fortune on gift wrapping; what you need to make your gift shine could be items around your home, ensuring you stay on budget but also flex your creative muscle.
