Who doesn’t love receiving a gaily wrapped present? It speaks of thoughtfulness, and you know instantly that effort was put into your gift. For some, gift-wrapping is easy and fun, while for others (like myself) it is a torturous task best left for experts at wrapping shops.

We asked self-taught wrapster Giff Ricarte to share a few techniques that even clumsy novices like us can follow.

Think of a color scheme. Every year, Giff combines different colors of wrapping paper and ribbons in complementary shades.

Your paper is your canvas. Ricarte advises to keep your wrapping paper in plain colors or classic patterns. Veer away from overpowering prints to let your ribbons take center stage.

Choose complementary colors. Giff likes to combine maroon with gold or blue with silver. Even black wrapping paper can look festive if paired with the right shade of red and green and gold.

Choose the right ribbon. Cloth type ribbons with shimmer look festive, while ribbons threaded with wire are easier to form into desired shape.

Cloth type ribbons are best or ribbons threaded with wire for easy manipulation. Thread two ribbons together for a special touch.

Use secret support. To make your wrapped present look good, minimize the use of tape on visible areas and secure flaps instead using double-sided tape or a glue gun.

Wrapping a basic box:

1. Prepare the materials: you’ll need wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, scissors, and a glue gun.

2. Measure your box against wrapping paper. Cut to size (leave an allowance equal to at least 3/4 of your box).

3. Secure wrapping paper to the box with tape.

4. Secure visible edges using a glue gun.

5. Tape corner flaps neatly and flush against your package.

6. You can add depth to your package by attaching a strip of contrasting paper to the wrapped box.

7. Cut ribbon to size. A good allotment is 4 yards to a medium-sized box.

8. Wrap the ribbon around the box vertically then horizontally to cross.

9. Tie the ribbon in a knot to secure the style.

Cut the excess ribbon.

11. Use excess ribbon as an added filler to your ribbon loop this over and over and score the center with your scissors to create grooves, this will serve as the base for your petals. Tie your looped ribbon and knot along the grooves.

12. Separate the loops to create a flower shape

13. Trim the ends of the ribbon.

Furoshiki method: A green alternative

While most people pour so much effort into wrapping their presents, there are some who are extremely against the practice because of their concern for the environment. A great alternative to keeping your presents hidden ’til Christmas while not using paper and tape is the Japanese style of wrapping with scarves or square pieces of cloth called Furoshiki.

This method is perfect for eco-conscious people, as well as those who have no time to cut, tape and measure. Plus, your recipient can reuse the scarf for other purposes.

Wrapping Furoshiki-style is a no-brainer: simply put your gift item in the center of the square cloth (thin ones work best), make the ends meet and knot together. Do the same for the other side and spread the flaps to make sure the entire present is covered. Get creative with the knotting by looping it into big bows.

Wrapped up

Check these top sources for wrapping paper, ribbons and other gift fixings.

1. Wrap Shop (3/F Power Plant Mall)

The wrapping ladies at Wrap Shop are always unruffled and are willing to wrap any present, no matter how oddly shaped. For DIY people, they also carry boxes, pretty wrapping paper designed by them, gift tags, ribbons and other add-ons like twigs, berries and leaves.

2. Scribe (3/F Eastwood Mall)

One of our friends brought a present wrapped at Scribe and we fought over the pretty ribbon that came with the gift. Scribe has a classy selection of wrapping paper and ribbon that will delight your recipient.

3. National Book Store

Their wide array of wrapping paper, note cards, balloons and experts at the wrapping counter will satisfy your wrapping needs for all occasions.

4. Karton (2/F Greenbelt 5)

If you have no time to wrap, simply choose from Karton’s printed paper boxes in different sizes—the boxes can be used by your recipient after as a keepsake box.

5. SM

The store that’s got it all also has a varied selection of wrapping materials with services available.

6. Kultura

Kultura has Filipiniana wrapping accessories as well as inexpensive scarves that can be used for Furoshiki wrapping style.

7. Fully Booked

Fully Booked has unique wrapping paper in pretty patterns that aren’t too cutesy or tweetums.

8. Papemelroti

Those looking for a vintage brown paper and twine feel to wrapping should check out Papemelroti for their printed brown paper boxes and recycled wrapping paper.