25 unique gift-wrapping ideas to make presents extra special

Why settle for the same old, store-bought wrapping paper when you can make your wrapping just as unique as your personalised gifts? Gift wrapping isn’t just the final step in gift-giving, it’s part of the magic (especially at Christmas)! 

Whether it’s a special Christmas photo gift, a thoughtful personalised birthday gift, or a gift for any other special occasion, wrapping your gifts in unique and creative ways will always show how much time and effort you've put into them. 

From adding personal touches to unusual wrapping techniques, let's unwrap 25 unique gift-wrapping ideas that are guaranteed to make your presents feel extra special!

1. Personalised photo wrapping paper

2. Photo gift tags

Instead of wrapping the entire gift in photos they love, you can be a tad more subtle and use a photo gift tag! This is a super easy, unique idea that you can add to all your gifts - whatever the occasion.

Simply order a photo print of a special memory between you and the recipient, and write your heartfelt message on the back. Punch a hole in the top, tie it on with some ribbon, and hey-presto - the perfect, personal touch, without breaking the bank (or your printer)!

7. Tissue paper flower wrap

For music lovers in your life, or perhaps just someone who holds a special tune in your heart, why not wrap their presents in old sheet music for a vintage, artistic look?

Whether it’s their favourite piece on the piano or a song that holds meaning between the two of you, either print sheet music off from the web or find vintage copies online to use as your wrapping paper, try not to rip or cut it though - as you could also suggest adding the music to a photo frame once they’re done with the wrapping! 

Want a music-inspired gift to go with the wrapping? Our music player photo block is the perfect way to add a personalised moment to their best-loved song or to go with their music-focused home decor.  

Remember how much we used to love “pass the parcel” at birthday parties? The excitement of not knowing what little gift comes next, and the realistic disappointment that it didn’t land on you or someone won something better. 

Make unwrapping a unique and fun experience for a recipient of any age, by creating layers upon layers of wrapping paper with small gifts inside each layer - before they unwrap the final, main present. 

Why not add this wrapping idea to a birthday gift for your best friend, and relieve the childhood memories and magic of all your years at each other’s hip? Let’s be honest - they’ll never see it coming, but it’ll be sure to get some laughs around the room at their surprise! 

Similar to surprise gift wrapping, instead of hiding gifts inside the layers of wrapping, why not hide a surprise message?

Write a secret message to your special someone on the inside of the wrapping paper, or create scratch-off panels for an interactive twist to traditional gift wrapping. This could be perfect if you don’t want your recipient to know straight-away who gave them the present, or if the physical gift has a secret meaning behind it! 

Carrying on with the surprise theme, have you ever considered turning your gifts into a countdown experience? 

If you’re giving multiple gifts to someone special this year, turn them into a homemade advent calendar for a Christmas gift for someone who has everything, or a unique and memorable birthday countdown. Wrap each present with a number and give a single gift each day leading up to the event - this keeps the excitement of the occasion building for days or even weeks! 

On quite the sustainability effort this year with your wrapping? There are so many ways to use recyclable and reusable materials when gift-giving, including DIY gift tags.

Create custom gift tags out of recycled materials, such as scrap pieces of cardboard, which will add a handmade feel to the wrapping. Draw on simple, festive designs or write a heartfelt message - or you could even cut out designs that are already on the material! 

Another way to be sustainable, and unique, with your gift wrapping is to repurpose old jars or containers. 

Perfect for smaller gifts, or handmade sweets, treats or even liqueurs, collect old jars and containers throughout the year (instead of recycling them) and give them a good wash and sterilise. Then, when gift-giving comes around, find the perfect size and fill them with whatever goodies you have. Top with a ribbon, bow, or even some twine for a more rustic effect and there you have it! 

Kraft paper is commonly used in gift wrapping, but let’s be honest - it can be a little boring!

No one said you have to keep your kraft paper plain, though. Give your paper a unique touch with hand-stamped designs and patterns to give it a personalised, homemade feel. This will show everyone just how much effort you put into gift-giving this year! 

For the nature-lover in your life, this unique gift-wrapping idea is sure to show them just how much you know them! 

Use simple, recyclable kraft paper to wrap your present, and then embellish it with sprigs of fresh or dried greenery, such as eucalyptus or pine. Then, tie it all together with some twine, for a rustic, natural look. It couldn’t be easier, but it is probably the perfect way to add some extra effort to your Mother’s Day gift ideas!

Ok. ok. Before you jump at us on this one - hear us out! Whilst a brown paper bag may be the last thing you want to give your gifts in, who said you had to keep it plain? 

Brown paper bags may be something you have an abundance of around the house, and they are an incredibly sustainable way to wrap your gifts. But don’t just leave it at that! Use seasonal stencils to create festive patterns or personalised messages that take your gift wrapping from zero to hero. 

Fancy yourself quite the artist? Get creative with your gift wrapping and paint your very own designs onto paper for an artistic, personal touch that no one else could replicate! 

Simply get your paints at the ready and get going! From festive designs to truly abstract prints, make your wrapping completely unique to you. Once fully dried, you’ve now got something super special to show everyone just how much they mean to you, with how much effort you’ve gone to. 

This unique gift-wrapping idea is also something super fun you can do with the whole family. Let the kids give the gift of their artwork to the special people in your life, whilst you go to the effort of actually buying them what they want!

Have a gift that you have not a single scooby on how to wrap? We’ve got you! 

Don’t just chuck it in a gift bag and be done with it! For awkwardly shaped gifts, you can layer tissue paper to softly wrap and protect the item - all whilst adding an elegant, textured touch. This will truly make your gift stand out from the rest, and show the thought and effort you put into wrapping it. 

Now, this wasn’t something new when Kim K wrapped her Christmas gifts in her clothes line’s fabric; Furoshiki is the Japanese tradition of wrapping gifts in fabric, that’s been around for centuries. 

Not only will fabric wrapping be a truly unique idea to someone who's never seen it before, but it’s also sustainable and provides another two-in-one gift! Check out thrift shops for a scarf or large clothing item (big enough to wrap the gift), wrap it around the present, and the fabric becomes part of the present itself! 

Can’t get a hold of enough fabric for a complete furoshiki effect? Use fabric scraps instead! 

Whilst this gift-wrapping idea won’t give you two presents in one, it’s still incredibly sustainable and completely unique and creative. Whether you have leftover seasonal prints from your Christmas crafts, or saw some smaller pieces at the hobby store you just couldn’t say no to, find new life for them in your gift wrapping.

Ribbons are stable in gift wrapping, but have you ever thought of using them to not just tie the gift, but to wrap the whole present? 

Instead of just one ribbon, use multiple layered ribbons in contrasting textures and colours to make the gift wrapping pop. You could use seasonal colours or ones that you know your special person would love - and they’re perfectly reusable if the present is for someone crafty in your life!

If you typically like to decorate your gift wrapping with ribbons and bows, why not get out of your comfort zone and try something a little more creative?

Adding pom-poms and tassels is a unique way to add a playful and colourful look to your gift wrapping - perfect for children’s presents and festive occasions. You could even hand-make the pom-poms and tassels with wool, if you’re feeling extra crafty, for a completely homemade and personal look.