Some argue that the best gifts come in small packages, while others claim that the most memorable presents come under gigantic bows. When it comes to holiday gift-giving, presentation matters. We turn to professional gift wrapper Amber Blakley, founder of Westfield Wrapper, for her tips to make your holiday packages shine this giving season.
Stock a Wrapping Station
Prepare a designated space for wrapping and stock it with quality tools.
“The essential tools are sharp scissors, double-sided tape and wire-edged ribbons,” says Blakley. “The thickness of the paper is important,” she adds. “You don't want it to be too thin or too bulky—find something in the middle.”
Adorn Packages
Attach surprising decorations to the outside of packages. For the holidays, Blakley recommends adding sprigs of greenery, flowers or stems of berries.
“Where I go above and beyond is with the embellishment,” she says. “I’ve used dried orange slices, lace or pockets cut from jeans—those are all custom touches I like to do.”
Save the Scraps
Keep a box of wrapping scraps to craft decorations for packages.
“You can do so many things with paper scraps—fans, bows, pinwheels or gift tags,” says Blakley. “I also make what I call ‘Rip Wraps,’ pieces of paper sewn together into custom gift bags. They come in any shape or size.”
Know Your Audience
Kids, spouses, neighbors—each relationship requires a unique gifting look and approach. Blakley’s best ideas come from learning about the gift receiver—knowing their favorite colors and styles gives insight into creating a delightful package.
“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 that it's something special. If I'm wrapping for small kids, I use less and more visible tape to help them open quickly,” she says.
Blakley circles back to the spirit of giving for perspective.
“As long as you wrap with love, that’s what really matters,” she says with a smile.
About the Pro
Amber Blakley: Westfield Wrapper
Amber Blakley, owner of Westfield Wrapper, is a professional gift wrapper for hire with a year-round menu of custom services. She wraps personal and corporate gifts and arranges gift-wrapping stations and decorative displays for businesses. She also offers wrapping parties and team-building workshops.
Blakley thoughtfully considers each giver and receiver, matching the occasion, theme and color scheme to personalize each gift.
“I am a helper at heart,” Blakley shares. “I enjoy doing anything I can to lift a burden from somebody that either doesn't have time to wrap, or can't do it, but still thinks it's important.”
Blakley’s small business blossomed during Covid, helping people connect and celebrate loved ones. Based in northern Indianapolis, she has family ties to Cincinnati, and enjoys working throughout the Tri-State area. Blakley’s skills gained national recognition when she competed on QVC’s Ultimate Gift Wrapping Challenge in 2023. Find her and more of Westfield Wrapper’s pretty packages online.
Westfield.Wrapper@gmail.com | Instagram @Westfield.Wrapper