6 Designer Gift Wrapping Ideas

Whether you’ve left all your wrapping to the last minute or are already planning your holiday theme for 2025 (this year’s batch of decor will be on sale within a few days’ time), we’ve got you covered with these inspiring gift wrapping ideas from WL issues past. Scroll through to see how some of the West’s best designers have packaged up their presents.

Lean into traditional colours and patterns

Red, green and white are classic Christmas colours for a reason, so go ahead and embrace them. That’s what Jillian Harris and designer Francesca Albertazzi did, and look how good it turned out! The presents complement a collection of wooden ornaments and vintage toys, giving this family room a nostalgic feel. See how else this Vancouver heritage home was decorated for the holidays.

Invest in some high-quality ribbon

Designer Stephanie Brown’s seasonal decor may be subtle (“I have minimalist tendencies,” she says), but that doesn’t make it any less special. Take these beautifully wrapped presents, for instance. While the paper is simple and neutral, the gifts still look glam thanks to the addition of peach satin and brown velvet ribbons. Step inside this dreamy Christmas loft.

Add a few natural elements

If you’ve run out of Christmas bows and don’t have time to dash to your local craft store, this gift wrapping idea will save you! The holly and evergreen that you see on these presents were gathered from the trees that surround this West Vancouver home, decorated for the holidays by designer Gaile Guevara. Learn how to infuse your seasonale style with sustainability.

Opt for reusable fabrics

Take a cue from designer Ami McKay and wrap your presents in tea towels, cloth napkins and linen—and then embellish with a small ornament. This not only gives your stack of gifts a more natural, textural feel but also cuts down on a lot of waste. Check out the rest of this modern Whistler holiday home.

Go dark and dramatic

At first glance, black wrapping paper may not feel very Christmassy—but with a few white and metallic ribbons, it can be oh-so-festive. The best part? You can use this colour of wrapping paper for other occasions rather than shoving it to the back of your closet until next year. See more of this non-traditional holiday look from designer Karin Bohn.

Use matte paper and string

Instead of shimmering patterns and glitzy bows, Tanya Krpan used kraft paper, twine and fresh fir sprigs to give her presents a rustic, handmade look—one that’s perfectly in line with her nature-inspired holiday design theme. Explore this warm, cozy and white Vancouver home.

This story was updated and originally posted December, 2024.