National Wrapping Day

A person expertly wrapping a gift while wearing a colorful holiday sweater, surrounded by festive decorations and a cozy living room.. — National wrapping day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful world of National Wrapping Day! Get ready to unleash your inner gift-wrapping ninja and dive headfirst into the joyous frenzy of transforming presents into works of art. This special day celebrates the art of wrapping gifts, because let's be honest, a beautifully wrapped gift can make even the simplest of presents feel like a treasure.

When is Wrapping Day?

It's national wrapping day on the 7th December.

The Origins of National Wrapping Day

While the exact origins of National Wrapping Day are shrouded in mystery (and wrapping paper), it's clear that this festive day emerged as a way to recognize the time-honored tradition of gift wrapping. Humans have been exchanging gifts for centuries, but it wasn't until the invention of wrapping paper that the true magic of gift-giving was unlocked.

According to online records, National Wrapping Day gained significant attention and social media buzz on December 7th, 2015. That's the day when the internet collectively embraced the challenge of creating the most perfect gift wrap combinations.

Unleashing Your Inner Gift-Wrapping Guru

On National Wrapping Day, it's time to channel your creativity and take your gift-wrapping skills to the next level. Whether you're using traditional holiday-themed wrapping paper or going for a more unconventional approach, like wrapping presents in comic book pages or old maps, the possibilities are endless.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different textures, colors, and embellishments. From ribbons and bows to glitter and personalized gift tags, let your imagination run wild. Remember, it's the thought that counts, but a beautifully wrapped gift adds that extra touch of magic.

A Fun Fact About Gift Wrapping

Did you know that the world record for the largest wrapped present goes to Japan? In 2014, a team of dedicated gift-wrappers in Tokyo created a colossal present measuring a whopping 75 feet wide and 50 feet tall. Now that's what we call a statement gift!

History behind the term 'Wrapping'

1790

Early Beginnings

The practice of wrapping items can be traced back to the late 18th century. In 1790, the concept of wrapping originated as a means to protect delicate objects during transport. At this time, wrapping materials were primarily made from natural fibers such as cloth, paper, or straw. This early form of wrapping was primarily used by merchants and traders to safeguard their goods during long journeys.

1842

The Advent of Decorative Paper

The tradition of wrapping gifts with decorative paper began in the mid-19th century. In 1842, Sir Henry Cole, a British civil servant and educator, commissioned an artist called John Callcott Horsley to design the first commercially-produced Christmas card. Alongside the card, Sir Henry Cole also advocated for the use of decorative paper to wrap presents. This initiative sparked a trend, and soon decorative wrapping papers became more widely available.

1917

The Birth of Gift Wrapping Paper

1917 marked a significant development in the history of wrapping. It was during this year that Hall Brothers, a Kansas City-based stationery store owned by Joyce and Rollie Hall, introduced decorative gift wrapping paper. This innovative idea revolutionized the way people presented gifts, elevating the act of gifting to a more visually appealing and personalized experience.

1919

Introduction of Scotch Tape

The availability of transparent adhesive tape greatly influenced the art of wrapping. In 1919, Richard Gurley Drew, an engineer working for 3M, invented Scotch Tape. This innovative tape made it easier to secure and seal wrapping paper, replacing the traditional use of ribbon or string. With the introduction of Scotch Tape, wrapping gifts became more convenient and efficient.

1947

Department Store Wrapping Services

In 1947, post-World War II prosperity led to the rise of department stores, which offered an array of goods for consumers. One common practice among department stores was to provide complimentary gift wrapping services. By providing this convenience, stores aimed to attract more customers and enhance the overall shopping experience. Gift wrapping became a symbol of luxury and convenience during this era.