Using a Gift Wrapping Service — A Guide

For many of us, gift wrapping becomes a chore—one that we might put off until the very last minute. Maybe it’s not something we love, but it’s also not something we intend to get better at. And this is where finding a gift wrapping service can be foolproof.

Instead of staring at the mountain of Christmas (or other) gifts you have to wrap, you can easily get someone to do it for you. Plus, it means all your gift presentations will truly shine. So, what should you know when going about this? Let’s first start with the benefits!

Benefits of Using a Gift Wrapping Service

At the end of the day, a professional gift wrapping service can elevate your gift to a whole other level. These services can range from $5 to $75+, depending on the size of your gift. But cost aside, there’s loads to be thankful for here. The benefits of using a gift wrapping service include:

• Saving time and effort

• Professional and polished presentation (every time!)

• Unique or beautiful design choices

• Can be helpful for odd-shaped gifts

• Can make wrapping uniform (which can be a plus for corporate events)

What Should You Consider When Using a Gift Wrapping Service?

Here are things you should keep in mind when narrowing down your choices:

What Is the Occasion?

Is it for a birthday, wedding, holiday, corporate event, or something else? How formal or casual should the wrapping be? Does it need to align with a theme or color scheme? Knowing the answers to these questions ahead of time can ensure you’re prepared to answer any questions the gift wrapping service has (as well as provide details on what you want!).

What Does the Recipient Like?

Whenever you’re giving a gift, it’s always best to keep the recipient in mind. While you may have found the perfect gift, the gift wrapping should match! Consider what colors they like or if there are any ways to personalize the presentation just for them.

The Type & Size of the Gift

Some services may charge more for large or unusually shaped items. And this is definitely something to keep in mind. Additionally, fragility, weight, or bulkiness may affect wrapping methods and price. And this brings us right to our next point…

Your Budget

Before collecting your gifts and heading out or making any commitments, consider what you’re willing to spend. Maybe you’ve already spent your budget on the gift itself, meaning you’ll have to get creative when wrapping it yourself. On the other hand, perhaps the gift didn’t cost as much as you thought, and you have plenty to spend. If you prefer not to wrap it yourself, in this case, a wrapping service might be the perfect option!

But again, keep in mind the costs. As stated above, sizing, fragility, and more can all play a role in the final fee.

Turnaround Time

While some places offer same-day services, holidays might be a different story. This means it pays to plan in advance. Additionally, same-day or next-day services may cost more, which is definitely something to keep in mind if you intend to stick to any kind of budget. 

For holidays, like Christmas, consider planning far ahead and booking your gift wrapping services early!

Eco-Friendly Options

If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, you’ll definitely want to inquire about eco-friendly options. Does the service use eco-friendly paper, reusable ribbons, or recyclable packaging? 

Again, keeping the recipient in mind here is also essential. If the recipient is eco-conscious, you’ll likely want to be as well.

Can You Customize It?

Can you choose your paper, ribbon, tag, and style? Are there options for handwritten notes or corporate branding? How much control do you want over the look of the final product?

If you want your gift presentation to be unique, these are questions you’ll want to find answers to before paying up. It may also be particularly important if your gift (or gifts) have a particular theme.

Reputation & Reviews

Inevitably, it’s always important to do your due diligence and research the company beforehand. Check out their website and, most importantly, read reviews—even the bad ones! This will give you a holistic idea of what the business stands for, the quality it strives for, and how it handles criticism or issues. 

It’s also worth checking if they have experience with wrapping gifts like yours, especially if you have a custom idea or an odd-shaped gift.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Options

Can you ship the gift in? Is there delivery? Or do you have to drop it off and pick it up? When it comes to scheduling, you’ll want to know how this all works. Some places have ways you can organize pick-up and drop-off, all online. Other spots may require you to come, drop off the gift, and pick it up. Knowing the difference can save you tons of hassle!

What Happens If There Are Damages?

If your gift is damaged, then what? Do they have any reimbursement policy? This is good to know, especially when dealing with fragile or unique gifts.

A Few Last Tips…

Here are a few last tidbits to keep in mind:

• Make sure to compare multiple services.

• Inquire ahead if you can’t find answers to your questions on their website.

• Decide whether delivery and shipping are important to you or not.

• Ask all your questions upfront (don’t leave it up to chance!).

• Book early during peak seasons.

At the end of the day, wrapping your gifts doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming—especially with the right service. By choosing a gift wrapping service that aligns with your needs, budget, and style, you can ensure every present looks just as special as what’s inside!