When it comes to gift-giving, presentation is just as important as the gift itself. Plain brown wrapping paper, with its rustic charm, provides a wonderful canvas for creativity.
By transforming this understated material into a beautifully wrapped gift, you can add a personal touch that reflects the thoughtfulness of your gesture. In this guide, we’ll explore various techniques and ideas for how to decorate plain brown wrapping paper, making your presents stand out and delighting the recipient even before they unveil what’s inside.
Benefits of Using Brown Wrapping Paper
Brown wrapping paper offers a multitude of advantages that make it an excellent choice for gift-wrapping. Firstly, its neutral tone allows for versatility, enabling it to complement any occasion, from birthdays to holidays. Additionally, brown paper is often more eco-friendly than glossy options, as it is typically made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable itself.
This choice aligns with sustainable practices, appealing to environmentally conscious individuals. Furthermore, its simple aesthetic provides a rustic charm that can enhance the perceived value of the gift. Finally, brown wrapping paper serves as a perfect backdrop for embellishments, allowing creative expressions through stamps, drawings, or fabric accents, thereby personalizing each gift for the recipient.
Types of Brown Wrapping Paper
When selecting brown wrapping paper, you’ll find a variety of options, each offering unique qualities to suit different styles and preferences. Here are some common types:
- Kraft Paper: This is the most popular option, known for its durability and strength. Kraft paper comes in various weights, making it suitable for both lightweight and heavier gifts, providing a reliable wrap that holds up well.
- Brown Butcher Paper: Often used in culinary settings, butcher paper has a smooth surface that allows for easy writing and stamping. It’s slightly thicker than regular kraft paper, making it a great choice for protecting fragile items.
- Recycled Paper: Eco-friendly and sustainable, recycled brown wrapping paper is made from post-consumer waste. This option is perfect for the environmentally conscious individual looking to minimize their impact while gifting.
- Brown Newsprint: This lightweight option is ideal for wrapping lighter items. While it may be less durable than other types, its versatility and affordability make it a popular choice for casual gifts.
- Textured Brown Paper: For those seeking a more sophisticated look, textured brown wrapping paper adds depth and elegance to your gifts. Variants include embossed patterns or crinkled effects that enhance the tactile experience.
Each type of brown wrapping paper offers different aesthetics and functionalities, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your gift-giving needs.
10 Methods How to Decorate Plain Brown Wrapping Paper
1. Add a Pop of Color with Ribbons
One of the simplest ways to decorate plain brown wrapping paper is by adding colorful ribbons. The contrast between the earthy tone of the paper and vibrant ribbons creates an eye-catching effect.
Choose a satin or grosgrain ribbon in a color that suits the occasion—red or green for Christmas, pastels for a baby shower, or gold for a luxurious touch. You can tie the ribbon in a traditional bow or get creative with layered loops, cascading tails, or even a double ribbon for added flair. This method is quick, easy, and adds a polished finish to your gift.
2. Incorporate Nature with Greenery
Bringing a touch of nature into your gift wrapping can add a refreshing and elegant feel. Simple elements like sprigs of pine, eucalyptus leaves, or dried flowers can be tucked under the ribbon or twine to enhance the rustic charm of the brown paper.
For a more festive look, consider adding small pine cones, cinnamon sticks, or holly berries. This method not only adds texture and a natural fragrance to your gift but also creates a beautiful, organic presentation that’s perfect for any season.
3. Stamp It with Personalized Designs
Stamps are an excellent way to add intricate designs to plain brown wrapping paper without much effort. You can purchase pre-made stamps with patterns, holiday motifs, or monograms, or even create your own custom stamps using potatoes or craft foam.
Choose ink colors that complement the brown paper—white or gold for a festive touch, or black for a minimalist, modern look. This method allows you to customize each gift, making it unique and special for the recipient.
4. Create Artistic Hand-Drawn Designs
If you enjoy drawing or painting, why not turn your wrapping paper into a canvas for your artwork? Using white, black, or metallic markers, you can draw intricate patterns, doodles, or personalized messages directly onto the brown paper.
For a more sophisticated look, try painting abstract designs with watercolors or acrylics. This method allows you to add a truly personal and artistic touch to your gifts, making each one a piece of art that reflects your creativity.
5. Embellish with Washi Tape
Washi tape is a versatile decorative material that can be used to add color, patterns, and texture to plain brown wrapping paper.
Available in a wide range of designs, from polka dots to floral patterns, washi tape can be used to create borders, stripes, or even geometric shapes on your gift.
You can layer different tapes for a more intricate design or keep it simple with a single strip down the center. This method is fun, easy, and perfect for adding a pop of color and pattern without much effort.
6. Personalize with Calligraphy or Lettering
Adding calligraphy or hand-lettered messages to your brown wrapping paper can turn it into a personalized gift that’s both thoughtful and stylish. Using a brush pen or marker, write the recipient’s name, a holiday greeting, or a special message directly on the paper.
You can also add decorative flourishes, such as swirls or stars, to enhance the lettering. This method adds a sophisticated and personal touch to your gift, making it feel more intimate and special.
7. Wrap with Fabric for a Unique Texture
For a more tactile approach, consider incorporating fabric into your gift wrapping. Wrap the brown paper with a strip of burlap, lace, or even a piece of an old scarf to add texture and interest.
You can secure the fabric with a ribbon, twine, or even a decorative pin. This method not only adds a unique and luxurious feel to your gift but also allows you to experiment with different textures and patterns, making each gift stand out.
8. Use Craft Paper Cutouts
Cutouts made from colored or patterned craft paper can be used to create custom decorations for your brown wrapping paper. Cut shapes like stars, hearts, or flowers, and glue them onto the paper in a pattern or as a focal point.
You can also create more intricate designs, such as paper snowflakes or silhouettes, to suit the occasion. This method adds depth and a playful element to your gift wrapping, making it more engaging and visually appealing.
9. Add a Touch of Sparkle with Glitter
For a bit of sparkle and glamour, consider adding glitter to your brown wrapping paper. Apply glue in your desired pattern—such as polka dots, stripes, or a monogram—and sprinkle glitter over it.
Shake off the excess, and you’ll have a shimmering design that catches the light beautifully. This method is especially effective for holiday gifts or special occasions where you want to add a festive touch. Just be sure to use fine glitter and secure it well to avoid excess mess.
10. Tie It All Together with Twine and Tags
Finally, finishing your brown paper-wrapped gift with twine and a custom tag can add a rustic, charming touch. Natural twine or baker’s twine can be wrapped around the gift in several loops, then tied in a bow or knot.
Attach a handmade tag with the recipient’s name or a short message for a personal touch. You can create tags from kraft paper, old maps, or even upcycled Christmas cards. This method is simple yet effective, giving your gift a cozy, homespun feel that’s perfect for any occasion.
Things to Consider When Wrapping Gifts
When it comes to gift wrapping, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure your presents look as good as they make the recipient feel. First, consider the occasion; different events may call for varying styles and materials, from festive wrapping for holidays to elegant options for weddings.
Second, think about the recipient’s preferences—knowing their favourite colours or themes can help tailor the wrapping to their taste. Additionally, be mindful of the packaging’s environmental impact. Opt for sustainable materials, such as recyclable paper or fabric wraps, to reduce waste. Lastly, pay attention to the size and shape of your gift; irregularly shaped items may require additional creativity in wrapping to achieve a neat appearance.
Conclusion
Incorporating unique wrapping techniques not only enhances the presentation of your gifts but also reflects the thought and care you’ve put into them.
From adding natural elements and personal touches with calligraphy, to using creative materials like washi tape and fabric, each method has the potential to transform simple brown paper into a stunning visual delight. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to decorate plain brown wrapping paper! We hope you found it helpful and informative.