What can you do if you were not born with the gene that produces fabulous packaging?
Well, there are two options to consider. One – you can accept your fate as a “packaging challenged” individual and resign yourself to reliving the scenario above. Two – you can overcome this challenge with a few simple adjustments to your gift giving process.
Quick Remedy Suggestions:
Find Your Style!
Consider your favorite stores and the gift wrapping options they offer. The paper and ribbons usually match the company colors and the packaging coordinates with their general style. However, if you look closely the packaging is not overly complicated. They keep it simple to ensure that they can quickly wrap items while still offering a great looking package. Take a cue from them and give just a few minutes of thought to your packaging selections. 
When you shop to stock your gift wrapping stash, consider the occasions for which you will be gifting and make selections accordingly. Resist the impulse selections and opt instead for items that have a common color scheme. With just a little extra effort you can find wrapping paper and bags for all gift giving occasions that fall within a selected color palette. Once you have the papers and bags selected you can purchase tissue paper and ribbon that work with all of the papers/bags. In the long run this extra time investment in the selection process saves you both money and time. The next time you have to wrap on the run, you have everything you need to quickly grab, wrap and go with a coordinated and stylish package in hand.
What I am about to suggest may seem ludicrous at first, but I ask you to let it sink in for a few minutes before writing me off as a crazy person. When it comes to purchasing packaging materials resist the multi-task urge to buy what is in stock at the local mega-store just because you can “get it done”. I know that they have some cute prints and good prices, but I am here to remind you that EVERYONE else you know is buying the same thing. If you succumb to the temptation, your packages will look like they are part of a family unit sitting on the gift table next to the five other items wrapped in the same paper or placed in the same cute bag. 
Instead of falling prey to the easy purchase option at the mega-store consider this option… The next time you log on to check your email take an extra 5-10 minutes to do a quick search surf for gift wrapping items. If you have a mobile device with web access, use your time in the doctor’s waiting room (or other time killing locations) to conduct a shopping search. Odds are that within 5 minutes you can find some unique items in the same price range as the mega-store options that will help you with your gift branding – and you get credit for multi-tasking!
Need some examples? Take a look at these fun options.
If you are like most people, there is a closet in your house where you stash your gift wrapping supplies. The paper rolls are leaning together in the corner while the bags and tissue paper are stashed on a random shelf. Somewhere in the mix are a handful of ribbons that you go digging for each time you have to wrap a package. Although there is something to be said for the excitement of rediscovering an item you forgot was in the closet, your wrapping exercise may take less of your time if the items you need lived together in harmony. Imagine going to your closet, opening the door and having everything at a glance. With the time you save not digging you could take a few extra minutes to re-evaluate your wrapping options - it may even feel like a whole new shopping experience as you select which paper and ribbon are best suited for this particular package. Not quite sure about this theory? Time yourself the next time you wrap a package – you might be surprised at how much time you spend on the hunt!
No comments:
Post a Comment