Wrapping It Right: Gift Presentation Tips from Stepan, Founder of Canada’s Gift Baskets

Giving a gift isn’t just about what’s inside—it’s also about the presentation. The way a gift looks when someone first sees it can set the tone for the entire experience. A beautifully wrapped present says, “I put thought into this!” while a rushed, crumpled wrapping job says… well, maybe not quite the same thing.

Believe me, I’ve been there. Back in the early days of Canada’s Gift Baskets, I wrapped everything myself at our Toronto office. And let me tell you—some of those first attempts looked like I let my 4-year-old cousin do them! But over time, I learned a few tricks that turned my wrapping game from meh to masterpiece. Now, I’m sharing those tips with you so your gifts can make the same jaw-dropping impression. Let’s get started!

1. Choose a Wrappable Box

Picture this: you’re trying to wrap a stuffed animal, and no matter how much you try to fold, crease, or tape, it ends up looking like a lumpy burrito. We’ve all been there. That’s why step one is simple—put oddly-shaped items into a sturdy, square or rectangular box.

Why? Boxes make everything easier to wrap. They give you smooth surfaces and straight edges, which means less frustration and a more polished look. Bonus: the box can double as part of the gift, especially if you add a little tissue paper inside!

2. Wrap It Upside Down

Here’s a little pro-tip I picked up while prepping hundreds of corporate gift baskets for our customers: always place your gift upside down before you start wrapping. This way, the seam and tape end up on the bottom of the package, leaving the top looking flawless.

It’s a tiny detail, but trust me—details are what make a gift feel special. It’s like baking a cake: you wouldn’t leave the frosting lumpy, would you?

3. Corners: The Wrapping Nemesis

Ah, corners. They’re like the villains in every wrapping story, aren’t they? If you’re not careful, they’ll leave you with bulky folds or even—gasp—holes where the paper doesn’t quite meet.

Here’s my trick: make sure your paper is big enough! Leave about two inches of extra paper on each side, and fold it tightly around the edges like you’re tucking a baby into bed. If you want those crisp, sharp corners that scream “professional,” pre-fold the edges before you tape them down.

When I finally mastered this step, I felt like I’d unlocked a whole new level of gifting. Seriously, it’s a game-changer.

4. Turn Mistakes Into Masterpieces

Let me tell you a story. A few years ago, I was wrapping a gift for a close friend—a beautiful leather journal. I was almost done when, right at the last second, the paper tore. I didn’t have time to rewrap it, so I grabbed a strip of ribbon, tied it around the rip, and added a little bow. Guess what? My friend loved it and thought I’d done it on purpose!

The lesson here? Don’t stress over mistakes. Use ribbons, bows, decorative tape, or even an extra piece of wrapping paper to cover them up. No one will know, and your gift will look even more creative and festive.

5. Invest in Quality Wrapping Paper

Let’s be honest—wrapping with cheap, flimsy paper is like trying to build a house out of wet cardboard. It rips, it wrinkles, and it’ll leave you pulling your hair out. Thick, high-quality wrapping paper might cost a little more, but it’s so worth it. It’s easier to fold, holds its shape better, and gives your gift that sleek, polished look.

When I first started Canada’s Gift Baskets, I learned this the hard way. I used bargain wrapping paper to save money, and it tore on almost every single basket. That’s when I made the switch to premium paper, and let me tell you—it’s like wrapping with magic.

Why Gift Baskets Are the Ultimate Hack

Look, not everyone has the time (or patience) to master the art of wrapping. And that’s totally okay! That’s why I started Canada’s Gift Baskets in the first place—to take the hassle out of gifting. Every basket we create is wrapped with care, sealed in gorgeous cellophane, and finished with a stunning bow. It’s like getting a professional wrapping job without lifting a finger!

Whether it’s a basket filled with chocolates, premium wines, gourmet items or artisanal snacks, you can count on us to make your gift look amazing. And since we tailor our baskets to suit your recipient’s tastes, you’re guaranteed to impress.

Bring the Wow Factor to Your Gifts

At the end of the day, giving a gift is about making someone feel special. Whether you’re wrapping it yourself or letting us do the work for you, the key is to put thought into the details. With a little effort—or the help of Canada’s Gift Baskets—you can make every gift an unforgettable experience.

So go ahead, try out these wrapping tips this Christmas season, or let us handle the wrapping for you. Either way, your gift will be one they’ll remember!

Gift Wrapping FAQs

 

1. What if my wrapping still looks messy, no matter how hard I try?

We’ve all been there—it’s frustrating! If you’re really stuck, don’t stress. Try using a gift bag with some tissue paper for a quick and easy fix. You can even tie a ribbon to the bag handles for a little extra flair. And, of course, if wrapping just isn’t your thing, let us do the hard part with one of our professionally wrapped gift baskets. No judgment here—we’ve got your back!

2. How do I wrap something really small or tiny?

Tiny gifts can be tricky. My trick? Place the small item in a little box or tin first—it gives you a sturdy surface to work with. Jewelry boxes, for example, are perfect for this. And if you don’t have a box handy, wrapping it in tissue paper first can give you a smoother base for the final wrap.

3. What can I do if my wrapping paper doesn’t fit the gift?

This happens to the best of us. If your paper is too small, don’t panic! You can “patch” it by overlapping a strip of extra paper in a complementary color or pattern. It’ll look like you did it on purpose—trust me. Or get creative and use decorative tape or a strip of ribbon to cover the gap.

4. Can I personalize my gift basket order?

Absolutely! One of my favorite things about Canada’s Gift Baskets is that we can make them your way. Want to swap in your recipient’s favorite chocolates or add an extra bottle of wine? No problem! Just let us know what you’d like, and we’ll tailor it to make the perfect gift.

5. What’s the best way to deal with leftover wrapping paper?

Oh, I’ve been there, staring at those half-rolled sheets of paper wondering what to do with them! Here’s what I do: roll up the leftovers and secure them with a rubber band or clip. Store them in a tall container (like an umbrella stand) to keep them neat. Or, if you have small scraps, save them for wrapping tiny gifts or making creative gift tags. Waste not, want not!

6. Can I really hide a wrapping mistake with decorations?

Yes, yes, and YES! I’ve wrapped my share of gifts with accidental tears or uneven edges. A strategically placed bow, ribbon, or tag can work wonders. One time, I covered a bad seam with a strip of washi tape, and the recipient thought it was a design choice! So don’t sweat the small stuff—turn it into a creative opportunity.

7. What’s the best way to wrap a super large gift?

Large gifts can feel like wrapping a small car. When this happens, I suggest one of two things:

1. Use a large fabric like a festive blanket or tablecloth to wrap it—it’s eco-friendly and looks elegant.
2. Skip the wrapping entirely and add a big bow with a tag. Sometimes less is more, and a bold ribbon can still make it feel special.

8. Can I include a personal note with a gift basket?

Of course! We’ll even handwrite your message on a card to make it extra personal. Just let us know what you’d like to say when you place your order. Adding a heartfelt note is such a great way to make your gift even more meaningful.

9. How do I keep fragile items safe when wrapping them?

Ah, the dreaded “breakable gift” dilemma. Here’s what I do:

• Wrap the item in tissue paper or bubble wrap before placing it in the box.
• Make sure the box is sturdy and fits snugly.
• Add filler like shredded paper or foam peanuts to prevent it from shifting around.

For gift baskets, we handle this for you—every item is carefully packed to ensure it arrives safely.

10. What’s the best time to order a gift basket?

If you’re planning for a special occasion, I recommend ordering at least 3–5 days ahead of time to ensure it gets there on time, especially during busy holidays. But if you’re in a rush, we offer expedited shipping options. We’ll always do our best to make sure your gift gets where it needs to go!

11. What’s your favorite eco-friendly wrapping tip?

I love using reusable materials! One time, I wrapped a gift in a beautiful scarf, and the recipient loved it so much, they ended up using the scarf as part of their outfit! Other great options are kraft paper (it’s recyclable) or leftover newspaper for a rustic, vintage vibe. Pair it with twine and a sprig of greenery, and you’ve got yourself a stylish, eco-friendly package.

12. Can I send a gift basket directly to someone else?

Absolutely! We’ll deliver the basket straight to your recipient’s door, beautifully wrapped and ready to impress. Whether it’s for a holiday, birthday, or just because, we’ll make sure it arrives looking amazing.

13. What if I don’t know what kind of basket to send?

No problem—we’re here to help! Think about the recipient’s favorite things. Do they love chocolate, wine, or savory snacks? Maybe they’d appreciate a cozy coffee or tea-themed basket. We have options for every taste and occasion, and if you’re stuck, our team is happy to help you choose!