6 Gift Wrapping Essentials You Can’t Forget This Holiday Season (And 4 Extras to Stay Ahead)

Holiday gift-wrapping is all fun and festive… until you realize you’re out of tape, missing a gift box, or scrambling for a last-minute solution that doesn’t involve newspaper and duct tape. We’ve all been there. But this year, let’s avoid the chaos and get ahead of those sneaky wrapping surprises. Whether it’s wrapping gifts for your family or packaging one of these unique hostess gifts under $15, preparation is key. These 6 must-have gift wrapping essentials (and a few bonus extras) will make the process smooth, stress-free, and, dare I say it? almost enjoyable.

The 6 Absolute Gift Wrapping Essentials

1. Wrapping Paper
   Who doesn’t love fun, festive wrapping paper? Pick up a variety of inexpensive options (like at the Dollar Tree!) and make every gift pop.
2. Tape
   Tape seems to disappear the second I put it down (I’m convinced it hangs out with the missing socks). Stock up now—you’ll need more than you think.
3. Scissors
   Scissors deserve their own category because they always go missing. Pro tip: tie a big ribbon around your pair, it makes them easier to spot mid-wrap chaos.
4. Tissue Paper & Gift Bags
   These make wrapping so much easier for awkwardly shaped gifts. Like wrapping paper, grab a bunch at the Dollar Tree for budget-friendly options.
5. Gift Tags or Labels
   Sure, you could cut a piece of wrapping paper and fold it into a tag, but why? If you’ve wrapped a beautiful gift, give it a proper label.
6. Packing Tape
   Shipping gifts this season? Packing tape is essential for keeping everything secure. (Pro tip: USPS will deliver flat-rate boxes, priority supplies, and even labels right to your door—for free!) If you’ve got a small scale at home, you can weigh your package, print a prepaid label online, and skip the post office line entirely. And for heavier items, check out flat-rate boxes, they often save you money and hassle!

The 4 Almost Essentials

1. Bows (or Ribbons)
   Even if you’re not a ribbon-tying pro, bows take your gift up a notch. After all, if you’ve gone to the trouble of picking the perfect present, a bow is a small but impactful touch.
2. Protective Wrap (Bubble Wrap, Tissue Paper, Foam)
   Sure, you could use newspaper or paper towels, but white tissue paper looks cleaner, doesn’t leave residue, and makes a better impression. (Pro tip: grab a big pack at the Dollar Tree!)
3. Storage for Leftovers
   Here’s the secret to staying organized: buy a storage container for your wrapping supplies now. It’ll be cheaper before the holidays and saves you from scrambling when the season’s over. One less thing to deal with during decoration takedown!
4. Repurposed Boxes
   Not every gift fits in a bag or wraps neatly. Keep sturdy, repurposed boxes—like Amazon boxes or shoeboxes—on hand. Pro tip: grab jewelry-sized boxes in packs of 3 at the Dollar Tree for tiny gifts like keychains. They’re a wrapping lifesaver!

Holiday wrapping doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble. Stock up on these must-have gift-wrapping essentials (and don’t forget the extras!) so you can wrap gifts with ease, avoid unnecessary stress, and focus on enjoying the holiday season. Because the best gifts aren’t just about what’s inside—they’re about the thought, care, and fun you put into making them special.

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