Diwali Gift Wrapping Essentials
Now that I’ve completed the arduous yet extremely fulfilling task of shopping for Diwali gifts… I have them staring coyly at me waiting to be dressed up in their festive best before being shipped off to my friends and family.
As gift wrapping requires us to be generous with our time and patience {especially when purchasing for a big family and friends}, I know a lot of you tend to step back and rely on the predictable gift wrapper at the store to do it. I’ve had a few girlfriends reveal to me that wrapping presents can be considerably more exasperating than finding that perfect gift, however to me, it’s really the best part! If anything, gift wrapping represents the same combination of childlike wonder and intensity that marks the festival itself. With my favourite music playing in the background to keep up my spirits, I spend a few hours befriending tape and scissors; my mind buzzing with creative ideas and my heart anxious in anticipation of the outcome. They say presentation is everything, and when it comes to great gifting, I have to agree!
Without further ado, here is my list of the ultimate Diwali gift wrapping essentials which will make for perfectly wrapped gifts!
My Creative Ammunition:
- Craft paper {brown is an all-time favourite, but white works well too}
Condone the usual for something rustic this time. Turn your wrapping paper into a canvas that can display your creativity with Diwali decorations. Everything from freehand designs to mini-cut diyas to glittery monograms look beautiful when the person receiving the gift realises the effort you’ve put into making it special for them. - Burlap ribbon {find as many styles as you can ~ mix different sizes and get at least 1 thin and 1 thick ribbon}
Curling ribbons are pretty, but we’ve all outgrown our fascination for those bouncy ribbons. Simplicity and functionality are on the vanguard now and the lattice design of burlap ribbons enables you to mail your gifts without worrying about losing the aesthetic beauty of the wrapping. - Glittery monograms
What could say Happy Diwali, while adding a little sparkle to the festivities, more beautifully than glittery monograms? They not only add colour and merriment to the gift wrap but also work perfectly as a tag. - Gift wrapping essentials
A ruler, scissors, pen/pencil, tape, and white ribbon. You can’t wrap gifts without these trusty items!
Tip #1: Set the mood
I’ve seen some surprised looks when I talk about my gift-wrapping mood… It’s when I play my favourite playlist on loop, light some scented candles {making sure to keep those flames away from my wrapping paper}, and keep my favourite snack close by before I begin my wrapping session.
My gift-wrapping corner is next to the living room bay-window from where I enjoy the view outside, tapping into my creativity with Louis Armstrong playing some delightful jazz in the background; my favourite wood and fig candles lit up in the opposite corner and a mochaccino {a chocolate-flavoured variant of a caffè latte} sitting temptingly on a coffee table next to me. *I set aside an hour or two on a comfortable day of the week or free day for my Diwali gift wrapping.
Tip #2: Precision is key
Getting down to the nitty-gritty… Neatly wrapped gifts are a joy. Remember I talked about being a little generous with patience? This is just the time when you will need it. From measuring the amount of paper that will be required for each gift, to the perfect creasing of the folds; every bit of your hard work will pay off when your gift looks beautiful in its wrapping.
I am a perfectionist and hence not a big fan of shabbily tucked edges. Once the wrapping is firmly taped on to the gift, I gently run my fingers around it to reinforce the folds and am pleased that my gift looks picture perfect!
Tip #3: Layer
Layers play a big role in beautifying things. Layers of cream on a cake, layers of clothing in winter, layers of net in a wedding lehenga… In my opinion, layering is always a great option. It helps you create depth and dimension and when the gift is unwrapped, you will be lovingly remembered for your thoughtful wrapping.
The best way to layer is to start with a thick ribbon as the base and then add a thinner ribbon on the top, as it usually adds a touch of contrast to the gift. And since Diwali beckons for some cheerfulness, I wrap my girly gifts in glitter ribbons. Although I must admit that burlap with its frayed ends is my current favourite, as it adds a little personality to the gift.
Tip #4: Add a Festive Touch
While burlap and ribbons are all nice, Diwali gifts need something more that spells out feStiVe! Decorate each gift a little differently ~ use glittery monograms or handcrafted cut-outs or mix and match to make your gifts truly special!
I love adding an unexpected element to my gifts. This year, my little surprise happens to be a paper-cut string of lights. I also like the idea of adding refreshing sprigs of green to beautify the gift and wish Diwali in a way that connects us back to the loveliness and bounty of Mother Earth. And, voila! A flawlessly wrapped Diwali gift {if I may say so myself}! Obviously don’t hesitate to switch up whatever you need to with a specific end goal to better suit your requirement!
To conclude: This post is solely to inspire each of you to take the time to make every one of those Diwali presents extra special ~ it’s really half the fun of gifting! Regardless of the possibility that you’re not quite a gift-wrapping enthusiast, use my simple tips to make that gift wrapping session really fun or if nothing else ~ somewhat more enjoyable.
Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy Diwali!
Do you love gift wrapping as much as I do? Which is your favourite way to wrap gifts this Diwali? I’d love to have you share your thoughts in the comments below!
These wrapping hacks are really imaginative and charming, Tanya. I love creating my own holiday gift labels at home, and I absolutely love this post! ❤️
Thank you for your valued appreciation, Malavika!
Thanks for all the holiday ideas, Tanya. Loving the strings and greens! Also, this influences me to make my own wrapping paper! ✨
Thank you so much for being present, Deepa. So glad you enjoyed this share!
Such amazing ideas! This should get my creative juices flowing this Diwali, and will cut my wrapping swearing down so much! Haha!!
So chuffed you like it, Sapna!
Definitely pinning. I like your suggestions… ❤️
Many heartfelt thanks, Riddhi. 🙂
Delightful ideas to assimilate without a moment’s delay! Unquestionably LOVE the concept of using strings. Thanks for sharing, gorgeous!
Always a pleasure, Indu.
If you try just one thing, make it… eco gift wrapping! ❤️ This is the reason I LOVE DIY projects! You get a chance to see the beauty in new things!
Thank you for your valued appreciation, Gauri. Have a wonderful weekend!
I adore the way you’ve wrapped up these presents! I haven’t done craft projects in quite a while, however I have to get down to this! ✨✨✨
Thank you, Chaithra. I think you’ll have fun with this one!
You are so inventive ~ these tips on how to wrap gifts in a way that’ll reduce our environmental impact are amazing! Consider me awed by the creativity! ❤️
Thanks so much sweet soul! Hope your week is going well.
Always love and look forward to your holiday posts, and these gifting variations are flawless! Furthermore, I can make this a fun activity for my kids too! Win! 🙂
Sending you great positive vibes, Kanchan!
These are such innovative and fun ideas! I would love to gift wrap presents like this. What’s more, every post you share never fails to surprise me, Tanya. ❤️
Thank you so much for the kind words and for dropping by. It means so much to me, Sujatha!
You make this seem so easy, Tanya! Fab ideas, yet by one means or another when I try to wrap gifts, they appear like a toddler’s work. Thank you for the tips, I really need this post! 🙂
My pleasure, Shalini. I’m glad you find these tips helpful.
Alright, I have a secret weapon I will impart to the Urban Diaries’ gang – I jump at the chance to discover insightful presents for friends/family focusing on what they follow and like on IG. Obviously, I assume this works best for people you’re close with to keep away from the creepy factor. 🙂
Great advice, Rajeshwari! 🙂
What! I love this! ❤️ Despite the fact that I most likely wouldn’t set aside the time to do this (haha)… I think the one with the cinnamon and orange looks wicked!
Thank you, Subadra. Love anything ‘wicked’! Haha!
Love these delightful hacks. ❤️ Wrapping gifts & I aren’t generally 100% on on the same team. I do need to figure out how to wrap presents better though. I will be saving this for later so I can return to this wonderful post!
Happy to have your warm appreciation, Meghna.
It is always an absolute pleasure to discover your ideas here. What’s more, may I say that I also enjoy your every word. Have an awesome creative day, Tanya!
Thank you so much, Astrid!
In love with your work! There is something sentimental and beautiful about wrapping what you made with all love and care… I can just imagine the reaction of the person opening my bundle of memories mindfully handcrafted for them. ❤️
Absolutely right you are, Gulnar. Thank you!
Little diyas to melt someone’s heart… Looks amazing! ✨ This simple style will prettify any plain wrap… Let’s together unwind the art of wrapping our handmade bundles!
Thank you very much for your affectionate appreciation, Shreya!
Now THIS is super cute! It’s so simple but it’s incredibly adorable!! ❤️ With a ton of customizable options, I am sure to find something special for everyone on my shopping list this holiday season!
Thank you for sparing your time and reading this, Vanshika!
This is stunning packaging ~ minimalist and pretty! ❤️ I have a memory box and I love collecting things… like a dried vintage leaf that I saved from one of my treks… perhaps I can send it along with one of my gifts…
Your feedback is much appreciated, Sneha!
Yes! Make your bundle a little more aesthetic using dried leaves and flowers…
Loving this! Will definitely try it out! ❤️ Just so you know, you always have a positive influence on me with your bright energy!
Aw ~ you’ve made my day, Shrutika. Thanks so much!
There is beauty in hardship… Simple brown paper, with a cute tag and some eucalyptus or rosemary, attached with twine does work so well! Then the receiver can keep their tag to hang on the tree or decorate the table for lunch! 🙂
So glad to hear this, Priya! Thank you very much for sharing my views.
Absolutely stunning! Gift wrapping made with nature + love. ❤️ And your photos are such a meditation, Tanya.
That’s so kind! Thank you, Hema. My favourite way is always a little gift, wrapped with love and attention to detail…
This is beautiful and elegant packaging! ✨ I love how they turned out!
This year I made myself a promise to get organised with my gifting list, so I took the day off last Saturday for gift wrapping… It’s such a relaxing way of spending the afternoon, especially when you’re feeling stressed.
Happy to have your lovely appreciation, Kalaiyarasi. I value it so.