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GIFT PACKAGING › WRAPPING GIFTS
WRAPPING GIFTS
Paper, ribbon and bow that belong together
A gift makes its impression before it is opened. Three things decide that, and none of them is effort: the paper, the ribbon and the tag. Plus one rule we apply every day: one of the three leads, the other two hold back.
Aubergine grosgrain ribbon with a second bow in pink organza.
What matters
Boldly patterned paper gets a plain ribbon.
Quiet paper, on the other hand, can carry a ribbon in sequins, velvet or organza. When paper, ribbon and tag agree, no extra decoration is needed. Everything else we would rather show than describe.
Four steps on film
Four short films, each under two minutes. They answer the questions that come up most often while wrapping. All five films on this page are spoken in German.
Narrow grosgrain ribbon with saddle stitch on cream paper.
Einfach einpacken (in German)The straight way: lay on the paper, break the edges, fold the corners.
Rund einpacken (in German)Tins and anything without edges. The paper is folded in pleats towards the centre.
Schleifen veredeln (in German)How a bow turns into a finish that sits.
Geschenke veredeln (in German)The last step, with tag, seal and a second ribbon.
A second ribbon in silver over berry coloured silk.
The full instructions
Nine minutes in which every step can be seen.
Lay on the paper, break the edges, fold the corners, run the ribbon, tie the bow. The film shows the order that matters and the points where most parcels go wrong. Spoken in German.
Tips and tricks for wrapping gifts, spoken in German.
The ribbon
More than ninety ribbons, from 3 to 100 millimetres wide.
The material decides more than the colour. Organza is sheer and light, so the paper underneath still has a say. Satin lies flat and shines. Velvet is matt and soft and looks particularly calm on plain paper. Grosgrain and cotton are firm and have grip, which is why every bow holds in them. Ribbons with a lurex thread or sequins set the shine.
A checked ribbon, in pink and black for instance, works as the only pattern on completely plain paper. Two patterns side by side get in each other's way.
Taupe organza with silver dots, tied into a bow.
CLASSIC & PLAINPlain ribbons in satin, grosgrain, velvet and organza. The group most parcels take their ribbon from.
ROMANTIC & FLORALOrganza in pink, pale blue, lilac and moss, with fine satin and floral designs.
GLAMOUR & METALLICSequins, metallic and gold. Meant for a quiet paper that carries the shine.
There are also ribbons for a new baby and for Christmas and winter. See all ribbons
Box, carton and bag
Not every gift can be wrapped in paper.
Soft things, bulky things and anything without straight edges are better off in a folding carton or a box than in paper. A gift bag is the choice when the gift is handed over the same day, or when several small things belong together.
Black gift box with houndstooth ribbon and a bow in glitter ribbon.
BOXES & FOLDING CARTONSFolding cartons that arrive flat and stand up in one movement, and firm boxes with a lid.
GIFT BAGSPaper bags with a cord, plus a clutch in soft paper and a linen pouch.
TAGS, STICKERS & SEALSThe last step. A tag or a seal closes the parcel and carries the name.
If you would like us to wrap
Simply add the gift wrap service to your basket.
The shop has an item called GIFT WRAP for this. It costs nothing and applies to every item in your order. Preferences for paper, ribbon, bow or occasion go in the order notes.
Common questions
How much ribbon do I need for one gift?
As a rule of thumb we lay the ribbon once around the parcel in each direction and add another 40 to 50 centimetres for the bow. Allow a little more with wide ribbon, because a wide bow takes up more length.
Which ribbon suits which paper?
Either quiet paper and a striking ribbon, or striking paper and a quiet ribbon. Both at full strength at once looks restless. With patterned paper we pick up one colour from the pattern and carry it on in the ribbon.
How wide should the ribbon be?
The ribbon follows the size of the parcel. On a small box a narrow ribbon of 3 to 10 millimetres looks more precise, on a large parcel a ribbon of 38 millimetres and up carries the surface. Our ribbons run from 3 to 100 millimetres.
Why does my bow not hold?
Usually it is the material. Satin and organza slip, while grosgrain, cotton and velvet grip. If you like working with smooth ribbon, tie the first knot twice and pull it tight before you make the bow.
Can I also wrap round tins and bottles?
Yes. Round shapes are not wrapped with straight edges. Instead the paper is folded in pleats towards the centre. Our short film Rund einpacken shows every step, spoken in German.
Which colours work together?
The quietest result comes from one shade in two tones, for example taupe on cream. Tension comes from the material rather than the colour: matt paper with a shiny ribbon, or smooth paper with a cotton ribbon.
Would you like the gift itself to carry initials? Our page on embossing on leather and paper shows how we emboss in Hamburg, in which foil colours and with which motifs.
YOUR QUESTION
Not sure which ribbon suits your paper, or looking for a colour you cannot find?
Write and tell us what it is for. We will say which width and which material fit, and whether we have the colour in stock.
ASK A QUESTION