Personalized gift wrapping: DIY techniques and ideas
Giving a gift is a special moment, and the wrapping itself can become a creative project. Rather than choosing standard wrapping paper, explore simple and inspiring techniques to personalise your packages.
Here are seven creative ideas to transform your gifts into true works of art.
1 - "Artist's Canvas" wrapping
Transform your kraft paper into an artist's canvas using stamps, gold ornaments, and details created with acrylic markers. You can also carve your own designs through linocut printing to create unique stamps. A strand of wool completes the look and adds an artisanal touch.
Why we love it: The decorative ornament becomes a small gift in itself and can be kept as decoration.
Tip: Work with one or two ink colors to maintain beautiful visual consistency.
Materials: Kraft paper, gold leaf, acrylic markers, wool, mini decorative canvases, stamps, ink.
See the complete project: https://www.deserres.ca/blogs/all-articles/emballage-cadeau-artiste-en-toile
2 - Folded Gift Wrap
With a few simple folds, kraft paper transforms into graphic wrapping. The pleats create volume and can be used to tuck in small surprises: photos, cards, messages.
Why we love it: The texture adds character to the wrapping and immediately catches the eye.
Tip: Adjust the width of the folds to match the gift size for a balanced look.
Materials: Kraft paper, wooden embellishments, twine, hot glue, acrylic markers, scissors, bone folder.
See the complete project: https://www.deserres.ca/blogs/all-articles/enveloppe-cadeau-en-papier-plie
3 - Golden wrapping
For a chic and luminous style, add touches of gold with metallic leaf or paint. The contrast with kraft paper creates an elegant effect, perfect for a refined gift.
Why we love it: Gold catches the light and instantly adds a sophisticated touch.
Tip: Apply gold leaf in small areas to maintain a balanced design.
Materials: Wrapping paper, gold leaf, speciality glue, metallic paint, fine brush, stamps or stencils.
See the complete project: https://www.deserres.ca/blogs/all-articles/emballage-cadeau-dore
4 - Festive Pom-Pom Wrapping
Add colourful pom-poms for playful, textured wrapping. You can arrange them in simple patterns or create festive characters like a reindeer (red pom-pom for the nose) or a snowman.
Why we love it: Pom-poms bring volume, texture, and cheerfulness.
Tip: Combine different sizes and vary the colours to energise the composition.
Materials: Wrapping paper, assorted pom-poms, hot glue or liquid glue, acrylic markers.
See the complete project: https://www.deserres.ca/blogs/all-articles/emballage-cadeau-a-feuilles-de-houx
5 - Calligraphy wrapping
Personalise your paper by hand-writing sweet words, names, or festive messages. Then add wooden elements, wool yarn, or natural textures to enrich the design.
Why we love it: The white-on-kraft contrast is modern and graphic.
Tip: Practice a few times before lettering directly on the paper, and use varied nib sizes to create rhythm.
Materials: Kraft paper, acrylic markers, wooden letters, wool, strong glue, scissors.
See the complete project: https://www.deserres.ca/blogs/all-articles/emballage-cadeau-de-la-calligraphie
6 - Cut-out gift wrapping
Cut patterns into your paper to reveal a second colour underneath. Whether simple or complex shapes, this technique lets you play with light, layering, and contrast.
Why we love it: The cut-out creates delicate dimension and a very elegant graphic effect.
Tip: Choose contrasting paper underneath to make the cut-out shape stand out.
Materials: Kraft or cardstock paper, precision knife, cutting mat, ruler, pencil, coloured paper.
See the complete project: https://www.deserres.ca/blogs/all-articles/emballage-cadeau-decoupe
7 - Origami bow
Create an original origami bow to replace traditional ribbon. This fold adds volume and adapts to all colour palettes and textures.
Why we love it: A simple detail that completely transforms the sophistication of the wrapping.
Tip: Use slightly thick paper so the folds stay crisp.
Materials: Origami or cardstock paper, glue, bone folder.
See the complete project: https://www.deserres.ca/blogs/all-articles/origami-bow-presente-par-fabriano
Time to Get Creative
These seven projects show that gift wrapping can become a creation in its own right. Folding, calligraphy, gold accents, origami, or cut-outs: each technique brings its own personality and transforms the act of giving. Have fun mixing colours, textures, and materials to create wrapping that reflects your style and complements your gifts as beautifully as their contents.