Gransnet forums

Chat

Christmas wrapping and b****y selotape!!!

(103 Posts)
Luckygirl Sat 12-Dec-15 12:39:51

How I hate present wrapping! I have just spent at least 20 minutes of the wrapping job trying to find the end of the selotape; and watching the darned stuff split lengthwise and result in a microscopic tail end to find. I even have a dispenser, but still it happens! Grrr! angry

GrandmaH Sun 13-Dec-15 13:57:25

Magic tape every time!! Low resolution so if it goes wrong you can peel it off & the paper doesn't tear.

I HATE present wrapping but then I still haven't bought them all yet so it's not yet time to worry! I usually sit on floor in sitting room surrounded by them all & put a good film on TV while I do it- then they can just go straight under the tree. It costs a fortune in paper & it all just gets slung out on the day- such waste but what is the alternative?

nanasam Sun 13-Dec-15 14:18:43

I've done all my wrapping, nearly 40 presents in about an hour! I just happened to flick on to QVC when they were selling bags - www.giftmatebag.com/ Wow, so quick and easy, just put the present in the bag, write the tag and tie a bow in the top. No sellotape to worry about. The best thing is, we can save and use them for next year wink

Alea Sun 13-Dec-15 14:28:14

I wouldn't really want paper round a bouquet, would you? Big leaves and greenery so much nicer, but I honestly cannot remember if there was a sheet of cellophane or tissue round the bouquet.

hapgran Sun 13-Dec-15 14:32:34

Good idea, nanasam - also re-usable as you say. I use my faithful DH - seems to work year after year!

Elrel Sun 13-Dec-15 15:34:15

Alea - Buying a last minute toy at Pisa airport I was surprised and delighted at the care and skill put into the wrapping and beribboning.
My son's partner, sent a book from Persephone when she was a bit low, declared it the best present she had ever received. This was not just the book but the lovely giftwrapping, bookmark etc.

Irenelily Sun 13-Dec-15 17:45:54

Wrapping has been much easier since I started using double sided sellotape. A bit more expensive and you have to track it down. Comes in a dispenser with serrated edge to tear it. It's 4.29 at Staples - just a small roll, but you don't use so much. Even I can make neat parcels now!

apricot Sun 13-Dec-15 17:51:07

I've wrapped up everything, bought much of the Christmas food and have polished the brass. I am super efficient and organised and smug
BUT I cannot find the remaining cards after writing and posting a batch.
I've searched twice, so, WHERE ARE THEY?
Suggestions please.

Ana Sun 13-Dec-15 17:58:28

You have posted them, along with the ones already written! tchgrin

NemosMum Sun 13-Dec-15 18:12:56

I've given up on Sellotape and just get those little sticky spots on a roll from Lakeland (other brands are available). Saves my sanity!

Granny23 Sun 13-Dec-15 19:40:29

Although I am a dab hand at wrapping and decorating parcels and even enjoy it, for quickness and odd shaped presents I use gift bags, mostly carefully saved from last year (or the year before). My best tip is to use red pillowcases (2 for £2 from ASDA) for large, awkward, heavy things. Pop in the item, gather the top and tie round with ribbon. Easy peasy and the fabric last for years.

Ana Sun 13-Dec-15 19:50:54

Great idea, Granny23! I think I'll copy that...tchgrin

eccentric Mon 14-Dec-15 15:27:11

I always put a button on the end of the tape!

eccentric Mon 14-Dec-15 15:31:46

As for wrapping presents, I help myself to ikea Brown paper roll. Every Christmas present wrapped in that, with red ribbon or this year red check ripped fabric bows. Birthday gifts same but with pretty 're usable ribbon.
Red check fabric was ikea also left over from my check curtains.
Pretty

Luckygirl Mon 14-Dec-15 15:32:23

Good idea Granny23 - I do like lateral thinkers! smile

loopylou Mon 14-Dec-15 15:36:50

Brainwave....I've bought lovely reusable hessian carrier bags from Waitrose for DCs presents, instead of usual paper/card gift bags. Ok, a bit more expensive but far more useful ??

apricot Mon 14-Dec-15 18:11:51

Thanks Ana for the one suggestion of where I've put my cards. I'd send you a card if I could find them.

rosesarered Mon 14-Dec-15 19:56:00

I don't mind wrapping presents, and like to make them look pretty, the trick is to have a large table with all your stuff on and sit comfortably while you wrap.I use a paperweight to pop on top and keep the wrap in place while you put sellotape on.I bought some strong sellotape this year and it is a lot better, no tearing like the usual stuff.

Ana Mon 14-Dec-15 20:09:58

Magic tape, by any chance roses? tchgrin

rosesarered Mon 14-Dec-15 20:26:39

Well, is it? It doesn't actually say magic tape, just Sellotape ( or strong Sellotape) I shall have to look at it again.

Ana Mon 14-Dec-15 20:29:37

No, the Magic tape is Scotch tape - it's just that a few of us on this thread have recommended it and I just wondered...tchwink

rosesarered Mon 14-Dec-15 20:38:09

Scotch tape, another brilliant product from North O' The Border, along with Scotch broth ( yum] and just.... Scotch, with a dash of water.

Ana Mon 14-Dec-15 20:40:31

Scotch mist has that indefinable quality as well...tchgrin

rosesarered Mon 14-Dec-15 20:44:46

Forgot that one! ?

marionk Tue 15-Dec-15 16:42:16

Does anyone else have a Christmas Wrapping Fairy or is it just my bad luck. I never see her but she loves to hide the scissors/sellotape/pen/ribbon roll that I have JUST used so that I spend more time searching for it than actually wrapping! tchangry

jimorourke Tue 15-Dec-15 18:55:05

I have spent a lot of time sticking down Christmas Cards with sellotape and I don't understand why the envelopes just will not fasten with the sticky substance provided. Goodness only knows what they are using as glue to stick down envelopes but its no good my wife insists I use the sponge to wet them. She has also found a sellotape dispenser that you hold between your fingers and I must say its very effective esspecially for people like myself with arthritis in the hand/fingers .