The Art of Gift Wrapping: 50 Innovative Ideas Using Organic, Unique, and Uncommon Materials

by Wanda Wen

From organic and eco-friendly wraps to lush and romantic presentations, the more than 50 projects and ideas contained in The Art of Gift Wrapping will remind you that it is as much fun to wrap as it is to receive.

Gift wrap and paper expert Wanda Wen knows what it means to give thoughtfully wrapped presents—a talent that has made her and her store, Soolip, a favorite among celebrities and tastemakers. With her expert tips and techniques—and creative vision—she invites you to use natural, luxurious, and everyday materials to perfectly dress any present for its occasion. Whether nestling your gift in a bed of all-natural moss, creating custom packing tape, cascading fresh flowers down a tower of boxes, or simply matching a festive paper with just the right ribbon tie—your thoughtful packages will leave lasting impressions long after the gifts have been opened.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 2010

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some interesting ideas in here, but by and large, they are not anything I would ever use or do for a gift. I love you, Mom, but I'm not resting your gift in a bed of lichen- it's a little too much.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son bought me this book, and I LOVE it!! I am not a crafty person and can be extremely impatient--even after living in Japan nearly 25 years, I have not mastered gift wrapping (I think this was why my son bought me this to help me be less of a disaster). But her words of wisdom really kind of drew me in and the photographs in the book are gorgeous! In fact, the photographs alone are so inspiring! The author Wanda Wen (who, I hear, has a gorgeous shop) will make you really want to try harder. Especially at Christmas when there is so much terrible waste. This year, I am taking all of her amazing ecological ideas--which I love-- to make simple but more mindful gifts. No more wasteful wrapping ever again. When I was young, I used to love pressing leaves and flowers, and I always buy ribbons at Christmastime from Germany from Etsy--so now, presto! I am in business. Thanks to my darling boy for helping me rise to the occasion! Highly recommend this book to lovers of beauty and nature.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some interesting ideas in this book about how to wrap gifts in unique ways. However, the time and expense of doing many of them will prohibit my duplicating the author's efforts and, frankly, most of my family and friends would not appreciate all the effort involved.
I have tried two of the simpler ideas. I did the shaved crayon method and made the recipient's name in the wax paper. It took me several tries but it eventually turned out great. I also used the method where the mica is splattered on the dripping glue; I used some clear crystal glitter I had on hand and I was extremely pleased with the results. I know I will do that one again. The best part of this book is that it gets me thinking about ways I can jazz up my gift wrapping with what I have around me.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Emil Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I won this book, via the goodreads giveaways, in exchange for an honest review. That said, I have to say this is a beautiful book, chock full of creative ideas for the gift giver to create amazing, beautiful packages. Some of these methods are so absolutely stunning, I doubt anyone would care what was inside the package! So thrilled I now own a copy of this and plan to use it when I give gifts in the future! The book itself, would make a gorgeous gift for any friend or family member who loves making a super gift even that more special with the wrapping. I'm just sayin'...

[Gardavson · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some nice ideas in here, along with some that were a bit off the wall, and some that you need specialty material to do (no thanks, I want a pretty package, but I don't want the gift wrap to cost more than the gift). Definitely needed more illustration on the directions. I did pick up some nice tips though for dressing up my packages in a non-extravagant, non-eyebrow raising way (although there were definitely some of those in here too).

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ideas! Beautiful!

[Stacy{s} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooooooooo...

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some lovely ideas for wrapping.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

this will very likely be my choice for the library passport purchase.

don't love the text, but the photos and ideas. probably worth every penny!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful photos, ideas and excellent how to instructions. i'm inspired.

[Miss Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique and interesting ways to wrap gifts using, leaves, twigs, rocks, wax paper and other interesting materials. Worth paging through this book. Don't think I would want to own it.

[Renee Rousseau]

I really enjoyed the creative gift wrapping ideas and easy to follow diagrams. The uses for the plain brown lunch bags are my favorites. We can all be more creative with very little effort and expense!