Which Gift Ribbon Should You Buy?
Gift ribbons tend to be an afterthought, after we’ve picked out the perfect gift and chosen the most decorative wrapping paper. But, the ribbon is what ties the whole look together, and can make or break the final visual effect that you’re going for. When shopping for gift ribbon, here are the things that you should consider.
#1: Color
Of course, color is important. And, with color, there’s a lot to consider. One is whether or not it matches the wrapping paper – not necessarily being identical in color but complementing it in some way. In fact, a ribbon that complements but contrasts the wrapping paper can have a beautiful effect – think a dark gold wrapping paper with a pale blush ribbon, or a natural oatmeal-colored paper with a deep red and green ribbon for the holidays.
#2: Width
The width of the ribbon matters, mainly for aesthetics, but also if you plan on tucking something underneath the ribbon, like a decorative fern or a card. There’s no ideal width for gift ribbon, because it comes down to aesthetic choice. But, consider different widths before settling on the first one, envisioning how it will look.
#3: Material and Finish
The material of the ribbon also matters. For instance, you wouldn’t put a rustic linen ribbon over a metallic rose gold wrapping paper, nor would you want to put a metallic ribbon over a rustic natural paper wrapping. Make sure that the material and finish reflect the aesthetic of the recipient while complementing the wrapping paper itself.
#4: Pattern
You can also find gift ribbon in various patterns like different stripes, polka dots and various themed motifs. Consider choosing a ribbon if you have a solid-colored wrapping paper, as mixing patterns can clash and make the gift look “busy.” And, choose a pattern that reflects the occasion – for instance, you wouldn’t want to put a ribbon featuring snowmen on a gift given in the summer.
#5: Edges
Another detail to pay attention to is the edges of gift ribbon. Straight edges make for a clean and polished look, while frayed edges have a more rustic quality. There are also scalloped edges, as well as fringed edges, which are more whimsical and festive. Again, the key is creating a cohesive look with the ribbon, wrapping paper and any other embellishments that you may have in store.
#6: Cost
Of course, cost has to come into play. Depending on how much ribbon you need, you may need to be more budget-conscious. At the same time, ribbon makes an important enough impact on the final result that it can really be worth it to splurge and use sparingly. For example, if you’re giving multiple gifts together wrapped in the same paper, you can bundle them together with a single piece of ribbon if they’re stackable, rather than using ribbon on each individual package.
#7: Eco-Friendliness
Finally, we always recommend choosing eco-friendly ribbon that’s made from natural, biodegradable and recyclable materials, since most commercial gift ribbon contains plastic derivatives and other synthetics that never fully break down into the environment.
Choose the Right Ribbon for All of Your Gift-Wrapping Needs at Waterleaf Paper
At Waterleaf Paper, you can choose from a large selection of high-quality gift ribbons in various colors, patterns, widths and finishes, all of which are fully recyclable and biodegradable to be as eco-friendly as possible. We have gift ribbon for all of your gift-wrapping needs, so explore our collection today to find the perfect complement to your gift-giving occasion, all while being environmentally responsible in the process.
