As millions of Brits face the annual festive struggle with sticky tape and awkwardly shaped boxes, a professional who has wrapped for the Royal Family has stepped in to reveal where we are all going wrong. Jane Means, a wrapping specialist for royalty and celebrities, has outlined the most common errors and her expert techniques to ensure picture-perfect presents under the tree this Christmas.
The Most Common Christmas Wrapping Blunders
Speaking to The Motor Ombudsman, Jane Means explained that what seems a simple task is often a source of dread. The typical pitfalls include using an incorrect amount of paper, making folds in the wrong places, and over-relying on sellotape. "Using too little or too much paper, folding it in the wrong places, and drowning it in far too much tape can make the process much more cumbersome and stressful than it needs to be," she revealed. Other frequent frustrations, as reported by the Express, involve losing the end of the tape, running out of paper mid-wrap, cutting sheets too small, and the perennial nightmare of wrapping round gifts.
Professional Techniques for Every Shape and Size
The key to success, according to Means, is adapting your approach to the gift's form. For a standard box, using double-sided tape is her top tip for a seamless, professional finish without bulky excess paper. For those tricky non-box items, she advises ditching stiff wrapping paper altogether. "Using tissue, cellophane or fabric allows it to mould more easily around the shape," she recommends.
Her clever cost-saving hacks are particularly timely. For bulky presents, she suggests using a paper tablecloth as it's easier to handle and more economical. For extra-large gifts, use brown packing paper as a base, add a strip of decorative print across the middle, and finish with a ribbon. This method is far cheaper than covering the entire gift in patterned paper and creates a more striking visual impact.
Finishing Touches and Stress-Free Strategies
The final details make a gift special. Jane Means urges people to write gift tags immediately to avoid confusion later. To personalise presents, consider adding fresh foliage, baubles, feathers, or recycled decorations. For a truly unique touch, attach dried flowers or photocopied old photographs to the parcel.
Her overarching advice is to plan ahead to avoid last-minute panic. Buy materials in bulk as you'll likely need more than you think, and save any leftovers for next year. Bundling several smaller gifts together in one impressive parcel can also conserve supplies. Most importantly, she encourages everyone to enjoy the process. "Create a cosy atmosphere, put on some tunes, pour yourself a glass of vino, or even invite mates over and turn it into a fun-filled evening," she says, reminding us that gift-giving should be a joy, not a chore.
