Pune: Gift wrapping in India has evolved from a perfunctory paper-and-tape task into a high-stakes art, blending sustainability with contemporary design. Across the country’s bustling metros, professional wrappers are no longer just concealing a present — they are transforming it into a design-led showpiece. Anita Chopra, a partner at The Wrapping Company India in Mumbai, noted that Christmas gifting has carved out its own unique niche, distinct from the corporate-heavy Diwali season. “Christmas gifting is deeply personal. Today, it transcends communities because the spirit of giving has become universal,” Chopra said.She observed that modern consumers are far more informed and discerning. “For Christmas, the demand is for specific themes and superior quality. Customers are explicitly asking for sustainable materials; they want to see kraft paper and twine, not cellophane,” she said. Professional wrapping has become a bespoke service where clients ship their gifts to studios to be curated. “Just as we use makeup to present our best selves, wrapping creates the first impression of the gesture itself,” Chopra added. In cities like Mumbai and Pune, practitioners are blending global aesthetics — ranging from the intricate Japanese furoshiki technique to the restrained elegance of European minimalism —with local sensibilities. As the 2025 Christmas season approaches, the rise of premium gift-wrapping workshops confirms a new consumer reality: the impact of a gift now begins well before the ribbon is untied.This level of artistry comes with a premium. While basic professional wrapping starts between Rs500 and Rs700, elaborate designs featuring trays, dried botanicals, candles, or layered textures can reach upwards of Rs 2,500. “This year, there is a massive craze for incorporating naturally dried flowers and leaves into the design,” Chopra said.Sustainability is perhaps the most significant driver of 2025’s trends. Pune-based interior stylist Suvarna Joshi highlighted the shift toward “zero-waste” aesthetics. “People want wrapping that doesn’t feel like a future landfill. Brown paper, fabric scraps, or even newspapers with sophisticated, intentional folds are popular because they feel thoughtful rather than disposable,” said Joshi. This eco-conscious shift has paved the way for furoshiki—the traditional Japanese art of cloth wrapping. “Fabric wrapping turns the packaging into a secondary gift,” says artist Mikhaila O’Brien. “During Christmas, bringing a bottle of wine wrapped in an elegant cloth tied with a simple ribbon elevates the entire gesture. One small, high-quality element can make a world of difference.” Social media—Instagram in particular—continues to dictate the “look” of the season, especially for younger demographics. Kolkata-based designer Ishani Das notes that the “clean aesthetic” is dominating feeds. “Neutral palettes, satin ribbons, wax seals, and handwritten tags are trending because they photograph beautifully and feel premium, yet are accessible enough to recreate at home,” Das said. This DIY movement focuses on “layered textures” and botanical elements that signal effort and care. The takeaway for this Christmas is clear: presentation is no longer merely decorative—it is an integral part of the gift. By choosing sustainable materials, ditching plastic, and adding a singular, strong design element, gift-givers are ensuring that the wrap reflects as much intent as the present inside.Pics courtesy: The Wrapping Company India
