My very first job was wrapping Christmas presents in my small Alabama hometown, and I still get a thrill today making fancy bows atop pretty paper. Whether readers prefer to wrap their own gifts or hope someone else steps into the fray, everyone’s main goal is to entice the recipients each time they view their presents under the tree.
Statistically, Americans spend about three hours papering, boxing and tagging gifts. While some retailers wrap for free, others have discovered paid wrapping can be a pretty nice revenue source; consequently, shoppers aren’t always certain beforehand which type of service they’ll receive.
The following is a partial list compiled by Consumer Reports and other sources to help make up your mind whether to buy a lot of gifts at a particular store for this free service or, perhaps, just one or two that cost extra and may provide more punch.
(NOTICE: Each December, volunteers wrap gifts at Hamilton Place mall to benefit Chattanooga’s Kids on the Block, a local charity that uses puppets to empower special-needs children and teach them the skills to stay safe and healthy. Monetary tokens of appreciation award the shopper with beautifully wrapped gifts, a big smile – look for mine at Hamilton Place Mall on Dec. 23 – and warm fuzzies for your heartstrings as you drop your contributions into the donations jar.)
Freebies