The ultimate Christmas gift wrapping guide
Make your presents magical with our round-up of the best Christmas wrapping paper
Style and variety: Choosing Keeping
1 Tower Street, London WC2H 9NS
When it comes to shopping for wrapping paper, few shops make the experience quite as enjoyable as Choosing Keeping in Seven Dials. From the presentation of papers hanging on wooden rails, to the tables hoarding a treasure trove of playful and quirky Christmas decorations, browsing here is sure to spark joy. The wrapping papers themselves are far classier than the knick-knack decorations and there’s ample choice, whatever your taste: from geometric shapes and 70s pastels to silk screen prints and Georgian decoupage.
Brown paper packages: John Lewis
We buy our hemp twine at Muji. And then, we might get distracted and pick up various trimmings en-route to buying our simple, sturdy Kraft paper at John Lewis.
Graphic: Esme Winter
Esme Winter's range of 'Patterned Papers' are the perfect solution to festive but sophisticated gifting. Her Red/Fuchsia 'Dancers' paper look like something out of a Doctor Seuss story and is sure to make an impression under the tree. If fuchsia's not your colour, there's also different styles in mustard, teal and mauve. Discover the rest of her hypnotic range here.
Arty: Cambridge Imprint
The trio behind Cambridge Imprint comprise of painter Claerwen James, textile artist Jane Powell and ceramicist Ali Murphy who all translate their artistic influences into their products. We love their original designs for their printed papers which channel an irresistible Mattise-like aesthetic. Shop their Christmas range here
Elaborate: Paper Tree Nook
Paper Tree Nook is an endless treasure trove for exquisitely patterned wrapping paper. We love the swirling designs of their Florentine range and the goldfish and cranes motifs of their Japanese Chiyogami Paper collection. Whether you're into fleur-de-lys, tessellated, paisley, or marbled prints, Paper Tree Nook have something to fit every mood. Shop their range here.
Christmas cats and dogs: Chase and Wonder
For some, Christmas paper is just another canvas to show off their worrying obsessions with their favourite furry friends. This year, Chase and Wonder are catering to the crazy cat and dog people out there with their 'Aristocratic' cat and dog wrapping paper. Both beautiful and wacky, intricate illustrations of aloof felines and posh pooches are coupled with hilarious names like Lady Ruby Wagtail and the Rt. Hon. Tom Kat. Discover their barking mad collections here.
Personalised: wrap.me
Christmas hack alert: this nifty website not only allows you to create wrapping paper out of your own photos, but also doubles up as a gift wrapping service with free delivery. Give your gifts that personalised touch by immortalising some recent holiday spam, or, you know, just use it as another excuse to print more photos of your cat. Visit their website here.
Double-sided: Not on the High Street
Christmas toppings: VV Rouleaux
102 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2QD
For ribbons and crafts to top your presents, there is nowhere in London better than beloved ribbon shop VV Rouleaux on Marylebone High Street. They have a special Christmas section on their site for ribbons: far more soothing browsing than elbowing parents in Hamley's. With ribbons in satin, velvet, tartan and glorious gingham, you can loose yourself amongst the reels for hours.
Washi Tapes: The Fox and Star
Sure, Sellotape is practical, but why not opt for super cute Japanese washi tape instead to give your presents that extra pizazz. Online stationers Fox and Star have a delightful range of sticky reels from the Japanese bran MT Masking Tape in any colour your heart could desire, including lavender, salmon pink, and pastel lemon. They also a festive range so you can smother your packages with snowy scenes. Shop their collection here.
Gift wrapping services: That's a Wrap
If you simply don't have the time to spend on carefully wrapping your presents, then don't panic. All major department stores offer in-house wrapping services. That's a Wrap also offer gift-wrapping services (with a minimum order of 15 gifts) across London. Make an enquiry here.
Of course, finding the perfect present and paper is one thing, wrapping them like an expert is another. Read our guide to wrapping hacks to make sure you don't get yourself into a bind.
