Good things come in even better packages

Part of the fun of holiday gifts is wondering what’s under all those gorgeous wrappings. But for some of us, it’s wrapping the gifts in beautiful paper, ribbons and mystery that’s the best part of the exchange.

“I get very, very excited about it,” says Joanna Palmer, CEO of Creative Packaging, which has stores in Calgary, Edmonton and Burnaby and a lively online business at www.creativepackaging.ca. She’s not alone. “For many, wrapping gifts is a core tradition of the holiday season,” says Ray Camano, executive vice- president and chief general merchant at Indigo ( www. chapters. indigo. ca).

As with clothing and decor, though, there are fashions in gift wrap, both in terms of the type of wrapping and the colours and motifs it portrays. This year there are plenty of traditional holiday themes, but also an intriguing element of chic glamour and modern whimsy.

“It’s almost like Old World style meets New World charm,” says Jason Dyer, brand manager of Papyrus, which has stand- alone stores in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Ontario, plus online retail at www.papyrusonline.com.

The way Palmer sees it, the biggest trend right now is a passion for individual expression à la Lady Gaga.

“We feel people want to show their own creativity,” she says. “It’s about having that sense of personalized uniqueness when giving or receiving a gift and when gift wrapping.”

Feeling creative? Then get out your scissors and scotch tape and check out these top trends.

Luscious papers and ribbons

This season, it’s all about gorgeous wrapping paper in thick, crepe- y textures, shimmering foils, subtle details, rich colours and extravagant patterns. Gift bags also go for glam this year, and, Dyer says, “We’ve got amazing boxes that are as pretty as the actual gift.”

Look for luxe ribbons to go with those beautiful wrappings as well as dramatic, over- the- top bows, made even more extravagant with the addition of embellishments like the paper pinwheels and fans at Papyrus, sparkly birds at Indigo or candy- themed ornaments at Creative Packaging.

And don’t forget the gift tags. No longer an afterthought, these are now an important part of the overall presentation.

Tradition

Trends may come and go, but the holidays are always going to be about tradition. At Indigo, Camano says, the historic holiday hues of red, green and white are big this year, as are natural motifs like moose, trees and pine cones. Down- to- earth motifs are also big at Papyrus, which has a thing for owls this season, and at Creative Packaging, which interprets them with kraft gift bags and boxes, burlap ribbons, hues of green and gold, and a sleigh bell and pine cone embellishment.

Glamour

The same spirit of glamour that has infused the fashion runways the past few seasons is showing up in gift wrap, too. Think lots of gold and silver in both wrappings and ribbons, as well as baroque swirls and flourishes, and opulent details like jewelled ribbons and feather embellishments.

Whimsy

Those who want to make a really personal statement will love the season’s spirit of whimsy. At Creative Packaging it appears in the Willy Wonka-inspired lime and fuchsia gift wrap, the oversized candy- shaped embellishments and the brilliantly hued animal prints. At Indigo, it’s the penguinor owl- themed gift wrap. And at Papyrus, Dyer says with a laugh, “Our bestselling whimsical ornament is the Frog Prince.”

An appetite for food themes

“We have seen a huge trend around food- related gifts. People are being creative in the kitchen to showcase their uniqueness,” Palmer says .

So you will find candy bags and boxes, cupcake boxes, biscotti bags, tins for rubs, cones for dry ingredients like nuts or cake mixes, and bags for teas and coffee.