In the final countdown to the holidays, the art of the presentation has taken center stage. For 2025, ELLE’s Sarah Maberry has curated a guide that transforms the humble act of gift wrapping into a high-fashion statement. The secret, according to the editors, is moving away from the “generic and trite” in favor of curated palettes that mirror the season’s biggest runway trends—from the prep-heavy aesthetic of Ralph Lauren to the cozy, intricate patterns of Fair Isle knitwear. By utilizing clever Amazon finds, these themes prove that a well-wrapped gift is more than just paper; it is a “holiday experience” that makes a $20 token feel like a $100 heirloom, ensuring your contributions are always the first to be picked from the pile.
The Ralph Lauren Aesthetic: Heritage and Teddy Bears
For those who lean into the “Old Money” charm of the holidays, the Ralph Lauren-inspired theme is the gold standard. This look is anchored by high-quality Hallmark tartan and plaid wrapping paper rolls, which provide a sturdy, traditional base. To elevate the heritage feel, ELLE suggests swapping standard plastic bows for a rich velvet ribbon set in deep forest green or navy. The texture of the velvet adds an immediate sense of weight and luxury to the package.
The “pro move” for this theme is the addition of a functional decorative element: the mini plush bear ornament. By tying a tiny, classic teddy bear into the ribbon, you aren’t just decorating the box; you are giving a second, smaller gift that the recipient can immediately hang on their tree. This layered approach to gifting reflects the thoughtful, lived-in luxury that has defined Ralph Lauren’s brand for decades, turning every box into a piece of festive decor.
Merlot Monochrome: A Rich Alternative to Red
In a departure from traditional bright “Santa Red,” 2025 has embraced the deeper, more sophisticated tones of Merlot and Burgundy. This monochrome palette creates a sleek, unified look under the tree that feels modern and expensive. The key is to play with textures rather than colors. ELLE recommends starting with water-resistant matte gift wrap in a rich wine hue and layering it with burgundy velvet Christmas tree bows.
To break up the solid color without losing the “mood,” incorporate assorted velvet ornaments as gift toppers. These add a three-dimensional, tactile quality that catches the light differently than the paper. Finishing the look with an embossed Christmas greeting card in a matching shade ensures the presentation remains seamless. This “tonal” approach is a favorite for those who want their holiday display to feel like a curated art installation rather than a chaotic pile of paper.
Fair Isle-Inspired: Cozy Knits for the Soul
Reflecting the surge in “sweater weather” fashion, the Fair Isle theme brings the warmth of traditional Scottish knitting to your gift pile. This theme utilizes vintage sweater pattern wrapping paper or reindeer and snowflake motifs to evoke a sense of fireside nostalgia. However, the real innovation here is in the “ribbon.” Instead of traditional fabric or plastic, ELLE suggests using fuzzy chenille yarn to tie your packages.
This yarn-centric approach is perfectly complemented by knitted bow ornaments. These small, soft accents can be repurposed by the recipient after the big day—used as holiday decor, pinned to a hair clip, or even hung from a handbag. It is a “fashion-forward” way to wrap that celebrates the cozy, artisanal spirit of the season. This theme is particularly effective for soft gifts like clothing or blankets, as the texture of the wrapping matches the softness of the contents.
Olive Green: The New Seasonal Neutral
For a fresh take on green that feels more “interior design” than “Christmas tree,” the olive and sage palette is the 2025 breakout star. This theme relies on sage green kraft paper bags and assorted green tissue paper for a look that is earthy, calm, and incredibly chic. To add a touch of sophistication, use a leaf-pattern jacquard ribbon, which introduces a subtle, intricate texture that standard satin lacks.
The “functional” highlight of this theme is the use of faux leather luggage tags as gift labels. Not only do these look far more permanent and high-end than paper tags, but they also serve as a practical gift for the recipient to use on their travels throughout the coming year. This theme appeals to the “quiet luxury” enthusiast who values subtle details and high-quality materials over flashy, glittery finishes.
Silver and Gold: The Timeless Modernists
When in doubt, the “Silver and Gold” theme remains a fail-safe way to ensure a dazzling display. However, to keep it from feeling dated, the 2025 version focuses on matte finishes and “glitter star” accents. Using matte silver wrapping paper provides a sophisticated, non-reflective base that feels modern and architectural. Layering this with a gold satin and organza ribbon set creates a “mixed metal” look that is currently trending in both jewelry and home decor.
To finish the look, ELLE recommends adding mini Christmas ornaments or sparkly baubles directly to the center of the bow. These small pops of light add a “celebratory party vibe” that makes the gift feel like a central part of the festivities. By gathering these metallic gifts together under the tree, you create a cohesive, shimmering focal point that feels both classic and undeniably current.
The Smaller the Better: Trinkets and Crackers
Finally, for those gifting jewelry, cash, or gift cards, the “Smaller the Better” theme addresses the challenge of making tiny items feel substantial. Instead of a simple envelope, ELLE suggests using a stuffed bear gift card holder or a festive trinket box ornament. These containers act as a “first gift” that builds anticipation for the “main event” hidden inside.
For a truly British-inspired holiday experience, small items can be packaged inside Christmas cracker kits. This adds an element of play and “theatre” to the gift-giving process, as the recipient has to pull the cracker to reveal their treasure. By elevating the packaging of small items, you ensure that even the most modest token is received with a sense of grandeur and delight.
