Some argue that the best gifts come in small packages, while others claim the most memorable presents come under gigantic bows. One thing’s for certain—when it comes to holiday gift giving, presentation matters. Which is why we turned to professional gift wrapper Amber Blakley, founder of Westfield Wrapper, for her tips on making your holiday gifts stand out this season.
Stock a Wrapping Station
Prepare a designated space for wrapping, and stock it with quality tools. “The essential tools are very sharp scissors, double-sided tape and wire-edged ribbons,” says Amber. “The thickness of the paper is important as well. You don't want it to be too thin or too bulky—find something in the middle.”
Adorn Packages with Embellishments
Next, think about attaching surprising decorations to the outside of packages. For the holidays, Amber recommends adding sprigs of greenery, flowers or berry stems. “Where I go above and beyond is with the embellishment,” she shares, a signature secret. “I’ve used dried orange slices, lace or even pockets cut from jeans—all custom touches I like to do.”
Save the Scraps
Don’t toss your snippets—keep a box of wrapping scraps to craft special decorations for packages. “You can do so many things with paper scraps—fans, bows, pinwheels, gift tags,” Amber offers. “I also make what I call ‘Rip Wraps’ … pieces of paper sewn together into custom gift bags. They can be any shape or size.” And make a perfect patchwork parcel.
Know Your Audience
Kids, spouses, neighbors—each relationship requires a unique gifting look and approach. Amber admits her best ideas come from learning about the gift receiver—knowing their favorite colors and styles gives her a unique insight into creating a delightful package tailored just to them.
“I have the recipient in mind,” she explains. “I'm not just churning out the same thing over and over again. I want to make sure it’s something special. For instance, for small kids, I use less and more visible tape to help them open quickly.”
But from Amber’s perspective, it’s all about the spirit of giving. “As long as you wrap with love, that’s what really matters,” she adds with a smile.
All About the Pro
Amber is a professional gift wrapper for hire with a year-round menu of custom services. She wraps personal, corporate and bulk gifts, arranges client appreciation gift-wrapping stations as well as decorative displays for businesses. She also offers special events, parties and team-building workshops.
Amber thoughtfully considers each gifter and receiver, working to match the occasion, theme and color scheme with a delightful wrapping that makes each present special.
“I’m a helper at heart,” Amber admits. “I enjoy doing anything I can to lift a burden from someone who either doesn’t have the time or can’t do it, but still thinks it’s important.”
Amber’s woman-owned small business, Westfield Wrapper, blossomed during the isolation of the pandemic days, helping people connect and celebrate with loved ones. But her skills gained national recognition when she competed on QVC’s Ultimate Gift Wrapping Challenge in 2023. Her pretty packages are worth the look (and the holiday inspiration) online.
Westfield.Wrapper@gmail.com | @Westfield.Wrapper