Wrapping Paper

How to choose wrapping paper for any gift

Start with the occasion, then think about the size of the present. Small, close-set motifs read well on a small jewelry box or a book, while bold checks and large repeats look best stretched across a big box, where the whole pattern has room to show.

Christmas presents

The Christmas wrapping paper range holds tartans, vintage Santas, pastel ornaments and folk-style designs. To match a look across the room, the theme collections such as plaid and tartan Christmas group the same styles with pillows, stockings and tree skirts.

Winter gifts beyond Christmas

For December birthdays, Hanukkah visits, New Year and hostess gifts, the winter wrapping paper designs keep the season's mood with snow, berries and woodland animals but leave out Santa and greetings.

Birthdays and everyday gifts

The birthday and all-occasion designs carry no seasonal symbols at all, from retro presents to leopard print. Dog and cat lovers will find puppy and kitten prints here too, with matching pillows and stockings in the Christmas dog and cat decor theme.

Matte or glossy wrapping paper?

Both finishes carry exactly the same design, so the choice is about the feel of the wrapped gift. Matte has a calm, soft look that suits muted, vintage and earthy colors and photographs without reflections. Glossy catches the light and makes bright reds, pinks and greens look richer, which suits a festive pile under the tree.

Which roll length do you need?

A 30 x 36 in roll gives about 7.5 sq ft of paper, the 30 x 72 in roll about 15 sq ft and the 30 x 180 in roll about 37.5 sq ft. To size a single gift, measure once around the box and add 2 in for the overlap, then add the box's height to its length for the ends. If several presents need the same design, the longest roll usually works out simplest.