Paying extra for gift wrapping -- or using an
online coupon to get it for free -- can be a smart move.
For years, the Web's most popular online shopping destinations offered gift box & gift wrap services. These options usually appear as an up-sell during the checkout process. Prices range from "free" to about $6.00 per package. You may be hesitant to pay extra for gift-wrapping because there's always the worry about what the package is really going to look like when it arrives ... What kind of wrapping job are they going to do? Is it going to look chintzy?
The good news is e-tailers have been upping their game in this area. Many now offer more upscale gift wrapping services & broader choices. We're seeing more attractive, higher quality paper & ribbons + heavier weight boxes. Sites are finding customers are willing to pay a few extra bucks for something that looks good and makes a nice impression. The art of gift-giving;)
Below you'll find results of a recent scan of gift wrapping options from some of the Web's most popular shopping destinations. We'll post updates as we get closer to the holiday shopping season -- when many sites roll-out expanded gift packaging options.
Banana Republic
For $5.00 per package, Banana Republic offers premium gift-wrapping (seen on the left). It includes a designer box, with tissue paper and ribbon. If you prefer to wrap the gift yourself (the option on the right), you can select a complementary, unassembled gift box with tissue.
RedEnvelope
One site really got this right from the beginning ... RedEnvelope.com. For $4.95, each gift comes in their signature red gift box, tied with an ivory grosgrain ribbon and French blue tissue paper inside. Add a free personalized message on a gift card which will be tucked inside a red envelope. Think of it as the Tiffany's of the Internet.
Crate&Barrel
Crate&Barrel offers a two-tone gift box with grosgrain ribbon. One Box for Each Item ($5.50 per box) or One Box for All Items ($5.50). Adding a gift message is free.
Sephora
Sephora offers one free gift box or "gift satchel" per order. The gift box isn't bad, but it doesn't include gift wrap or a bow. The black satchel may could be fun/useful & if you're wrapping it yourself, you could always add some more dramatic ribbon at the top. I always by tons of ribbon when it's on sale at Michaels.
JCPenney
JCPenney has what they call a "gift wrapping wizard." You'll find it on the Order Summary page, where you can choose from the selection of gift boxes pictured below. Prices are as follows: $5 per package for gift bags; $6 per package for gift boxing & bow; or hand wrap service which is $8 per package. The gift boxes look decent, but any over-sized items or those weighing over 11 lbs., must go the way of the "gift bag" ... It looks more like a gift sack.
JCPenney has what they call a "gift wrapping wizard." You'll find it on the Order Summary page, where you can choose from the selection of gift boxes pictured below. Prices are as follows: $5 per package for gift bags; $6 per package for gift boxing & bow; or hand wrap service which is $8 per package. The gift boxes look decent, but any over-sized items or those weighing over 11 lbs., must go the way of the "gift bag" ... It looks more like a gift sack.
If you still prefer to do your own wrapping, with a little online help you can become a master gift-wrapper:
VideoJug: How To Wrap A Box With A Square End
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Comments
redenvelope.com online gift wrap is the best. I love it!
I have always heard that if you use more than three pieces of tape to wrap a present, then you have done it wrong. I usually tape till there is no tomorrow.
That is something I have to work on for my online store.