The Best Ways to Store Gift Wrap and Bows

Gift wrap and bows can be quite expensive, especially when considering that most of them end up in the trash. Why throw away perfectly good wrapping paper and ribbons? Open gifts with care, and save and reuse gift wrap and bows. In any case, it is important to store wrapping supplies in ways that prevent wrinkles, tears and other damage. Even the most inexpensive present can look like much more when it is beautifully wrapped.

Like many others, I reused wrapping paper, bags and bows, but I have very little available space to store it all. I take pride in the appearance of wrapped presents, and I also take pride in my home. I had to devise a few storage solutions for my new and used wrapping paper, bags and supplies. I came up with a number of great ways to store gift wrap, bags, ribbons and bows. Use my creative storage ideas, and keep your wrapping supplies in top notch condition without creating a mess in the home.

Hold Open Rolls of Gift Wrap in Place with Cardboard Tissue Paper Tubes

After using gift wrap on rolls, do not tape the edges to prevent the wrapping paper from unrolling. Try to peel it away and the tape will pull off the top layer of paper. Leave the tape in place, and it will show unless the edges are folded under. Rubber bands can also cause rips and tears. The best way to store rolls of gift wrap is with tissue paper rolls. Turn ordinary tissue paper rolls into a gift wrap clips by slitting them down one side. Place the cardboard tubes around the rolls. They will work as sleeves to hold the paper securely in place.

Store Rolls of Gift Wrap in a Special Container for Wrapping Paper

After securing the rolls of gift wrap with cardboard sleeves, store them in a container that was designed especially for rolled wrapping paper. They can be found in most discount stores. The handy containers take up very little space, and the rolls stay protected from humidity, insects and anything else that could cause irreparable damage. Some are designed with flip tops that can be used to store scissors, tape, cards, ribbons and more.

Store Folded Gift Bags Inside of a Larger One

I save gift bags when they are in good condition, but I do not store them in the container that holds the rolls of wrap. To keep the bags in good condition, I carefully fold them at the seams, and I store them inside of a larger bag. They are easy to thumb through while searching for just the right one. Store them on the floor and they are sure to get smashed. Instead, store them on a closet shelf above the wrapping paper container or a on a freestanding shelf unit. In any case, you will know where to look when bags or wrapping paper and bows are required for gift giving occasions.

Use a Large Popcorn Tin to Store a Variety of Bows

Popcorn tins are popular around the winter holidays, and they are great for more than just holding snacks or trash after the treats are gone. I use a popcorn tin to store bows for decorating gifts. I store my tin of bows in the closet next to my container of wrapping paper and gift bags. If I stored the bows with the wrapping paper rolls, they would most certainly end up crushed.

Store Sheets of Gift Wrap in a Special File Box

Folded sheets of gift wrap also require a safe storage spot to avoid becoming damaged. I keep my sheets of gift wrap in a plastic file box. Whether opened or unopened, they are sorted according to occasion and color. Using a file box to store sheets of gift wrap make it easy to find exactly what I want. I also use the file box to store sheets of tissue paper for the gift bags. Everything that I need to wrap gifts for any occasion is contained in a very small area, and they are all in excellent condition and ready to use when needed.

Source: Personal and Professional Home Design and Organizing Experience