How to Make the Perfect DIY Gift Wrapping Station
Wrapping holiday gifts can be fun, but if your gift wrapping station is disorganized (and the wrapping paper constantly rolls off the table and disintegrates), it can also be tedious. That’s why investing the extra time in setting up the perfect and functional gift wrapping station is well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you succeed this holiday season.
Select and prepare a surface for gift wrapping
The first thing you’ll need is a surface large enough to unfold, preferably one that fits comfortably in a standing position. The kitchen table is the perfect choice for many, but it’s also outdoors (where gift recipients might bump into you) and this can be uncomfortable if the family eats most of their food. A less-used dining table might be an option, a portable folding table installed in the guest bedroom, or even a temporary surface made from two trestles and a piece of plywood is also a solution. Whichever you choose, you’ll need a space wide enough to hold paper, boxes, tape, scissors, and various gift wrapping accessories such as ribbons and bows.
To avoid clutter, wrap a table or temporary work surface in brown or meat paper. Use blue masking tape to press the paper against the underside of the table edges to make it easier to remove the paper. This way, you don’t have to pick up the scraps and remove the scraps of tape from the table when you’re done – just peel off the paper and dispose of it.
Organize your newspaper
If you have a lot of gifts to wrap and you really want your station to look like a professional one, it might be time to consider buying a wrapping paper dispenser . This not only prevents the paper from rolling off the table, but also has a tear-off strip for easy (and straight) cutting.
Another way to store gift wrapping if you have multiple different rolls is to make a set of PVC pipe cubes. For this to work, the PVC needs to be cut up to 18 inches – you can cut it at your local hardware store, or you can cut it yourself with a cut-off saw, saw, or other saw with a suitable blade. After your PVC is cut, glue it together with a pyramid shaped all-purpose PVC cement . The great thing about this storage solution is that you can use it horizontally or vertically. For the vertical storage method to work best, you need to attach a square of plywood or other sturdy board to one end of your PVC pyramid with glue.
Organize your feed
For tape dispensers, PVC can again be useful. A small piece of PVC, four or five inches in diameter, with a one-inch slot at one end is great for feeding tape. Thread the tape through the slot and place the PVC slotted side down on the table to prevent the rolls of tape from tangling.
A plastic food container with a slot or hole is also suitable for tape. Drop the spool into a container and thread the end through the slot. Place the lid on the container and you have a great dispenser. You can also use a metal paper towel dispenser that attaches to a wall or under a shelf for multiple tapes. These dispensers are also suitable for baking twine and twine. Keeping the tape on the spool and away from the work surface until you need it will help reduce the clutter of the packing space.
Organize your tools
Using a desktop tool organizer, or a homemade version made from tubes of paper towels cut in half and glued to sturdy cardboard or small pieces of wood, with scissors, pens, and markers, is a great way to keep your work surface organized and clutter-free. You can also use these smaller organizers to pile on gift tags and decorations. Another alternative to small tool storage is a perforated board or pencil cases – these options will keep your tools within reach, but not on your desk or to the side.