Does Amazon Wrap Gifts In 2022? (You‘ll Be Surprised...)

As the holiday season approaches, many shoppers turn to Amazon to quickly and conveniently buy gifts for their loved ones. With Amazon‘s massive selection and fast shipping, it‘s easy to fill your cart and check everyone off your shopping list.

But once those gifts arrive on your doorstep, you‘re left with the time-consuming task of wrapping them all up nicely before sending them on their way.

Wouldn‘t it be great if Amazon could just send your gifts pre-wrapped and ready to go under the tree?

Here‘s a detailed look at Amazon‘s gift wrapping services to see if they live up to the hype.

What Is Amazon Gift Wrap?

Amazon offers gift wrapping services on select items fulfilled directly by Amazon or participating 3rd party sellers.

When you select gift wrap at checkout, your item will be wrapped in festive paper and placed in a decorative box or gift bag sized to fit the product. The package is finished off with a bow and gift tag with your personal message printed on it.

It‘s meant to provide the same kind of special wrapping you would do at home so gifts arrive looking festive and holiday-ready.

An example of an Amazon gift wrapped book. (Source: Amazon)

Not all products are eligible for gift wrap due to size, weight or packaging constraints. But most smaller items like toys, books, clothing and electronics can typically be wrapped.

If an item can‘t be wrapped, you may still see the option to ship in an Amazon box to conceal the contents.

How Much Does Amazon Gift Wrapping Cost?

The price of Amazon gift wrapping varies depending on the size and shape of the product being wrapped. On average expect to pay between $3-$6 per item for gift wrap services.

Larger or oddly shaped items that take up more wrapping paper and materials will be on the more expensive end. Smaller gifts like a book or coffee mug may only cost an extra $3-4 to wrap.

When you select the gift option at checkout, it will display the gift wrapping fee so there are no surprises.

Amazon Prime members do not receive any discounts on gift wrapping services.

What‘s The Difference Between Gift Wrap And Amazon Boxes?

When finalizing your order on Amazon, you may notice two different gift options:

Gift wrap – This wraps your item in decorative paper and includes a gift tag with your message.
Ship in Amazon box – Your item is concealed in a plain Amazon branded box.

The main difference is that gift wrap provides decorative packaging with holiday paper and ribbons, while an Amazon box simply hides what the gift is without any wrapping frills.

An Amazon box is free and available on more items. Gift wrap has a fee but creates a festive package. Choose based on your needs and budget.

Gift wrap includes decorative paper and ribbons. (Source: Amazon)

Can You Customize or Personalize Amazon Gift Wrap?

While you don‘t get options to choose the style of wrapping paper or ribbon, there are some ways to personalize gifts wrapped through Amazon:

Gift message – You can type in a short message to print on the gift tag, like "Merry Christmas Grandma!".
Hide item price – This removes the pricing information from the packing slip so the gift recipient doesn‘t see the cost.
Gift receipt – Include a gift receipt with your personal message and the order details.

Is Amazon Gift Wrap Available for Christmas?

Amazon gift wrap is available year-round, but it really shines during the holiday season. The packaging features colorful Christmas paper designs and ribbons that make gifts festive and santa-ready.

Up to 80% of holiday shoppers wait until the last 2 weeks before Christmas to buy gifts. Amazon gift wrap makes it possible to still send perfectly wrapped presents despite the late start on shopping.

Toys, clothes, jewelry, gadgets, and stocking stuffers are among the most commonly gift wrapped Amazon purchases this time of year.

Amazon gift wrap uses festive Christmas paper and ribbons. (Source: Amazon)

Gift wrap for Christmas is available up until the last order date to receive items before December 25th (see Amazon‘s holiday calendar for exact deadlines).

Pros of Amazon Gift Wrapping

Why might you want to outsource your gift wrapping to Amazon? Here are some of the biggest benefits:

Saves time – No need to run out and buy supplies, carefully wrap, then package up fragile gifts for shipping. Amazon does it all for you!
More affordable – For only $3-$6 per item, Amazon gift wrap provides materials and labor at a great value.
Reduces waste – Get exactly the amount of wrapping paper needed, rather than dealing with half-used rolls after the holidays.
Ships directly – Presents can ship straight to the gift recipient instead of sending to yourself first for wrapping.
Convenient – The last minute time crunch of wrapping all your online purchases is eliminated!

Cons of Amazon Gift Wrap

The service isn‘t perfect though. Here are some potential downsides to consider:

Limited selection – Not all items are eligible based on size, weight and packaging limitations.
No customization – You don‘t get to pick the wrapping paper style or colors.
Added cost – It tacks on an extra fee to your order, from $3 up to $15+ for large items.
Packing errors – Occasionally gifts are wrapped improperly or damaged during the packaging process.
Sustainability concerns – Excessive packaging materials used for wrapping small items.

When Does Amazon Gift Wrapping Make Sense?

Gift wrap from Amazon is best for these situations:

You need gifts shipped directly to the recipient‘s address
It‘s a last minute gift purchase close to the holiday
You want festive packaging but don‘t have time to wrap
You need just a few small gifts wrapped
As a backup option for oddly sized items you can‘t wrap yourself

For gifts being shipped to your own address or non time-sensitive items, doing it yourself may be the better call. But Amazon takes care of the hard part when you‘re in a jam!

How To Get Amazon Gift Wrapping

Getting your Amazon purchases gift wrapped is quick and easy:

Find a gift wrap eligible item – Add it to your cart from Amazon‘s website or mobile app. Most products sold directly by Amazon that are under 50 lbs can be wrapped.
Select "This is a Gift" during checkout – Pick gift wrap or an Amazon box to conceal the contents.
Enter gift options – Add a gift message, gift receipt, and select to hide the price.
Complete checkout – The gift wrapping fees will be added automatically based on the item size.
Share tracking – Let your gift recipient know their present is on the way!

Fun Alternatives To Amazon Gift Wrap

If you want something beyond the standard wrapping paper, bows and gift tags, here are some creative ideas to jazz up your Amazon gifts:

Use a gift box or gift bag instead – These let you control the theme and decorations.
Tie on balloons or stuff with tissue paper for bonus flair.
Pop it in a reusable gift sack or cute tote they can use again.
Wrap item in a bandana, tea towel or fabric with a unique print.
Opt for gift bags to see the present inside – then it‘s ready for a reusable bag!
Tie twine around boxes or jars for a rustic, craft look.
Use washi tape, stencils, or rubber stamps to customize brown kraft paper.
Top with greenery, pinecones, or other seasonal embellishments.

A little creativity goes a long way if you want gift wrapping with extra personality!

Where To Buy Gift Wrap For Amazon Presents

Don‘t have any supplies on hand for custom wrapping your Amazon gifts? Here are some great places to shop for gift wrap and packaging materials:

Dollar stores – For cheap wrap, bags, ribbon, tissue paper and more.
Craft stores like Michael‘s – Fun prints, gift bags and boxes, embellishments.
Walmart, Target, department stores – Affordable wrapping paper, bows and supplies.
Etsy – Unique handmade and custom gift wrap from independent sellers.
Eco-friendly brands – Try Treezero, EcoSilk, and EcoWrap for sustainable plant-based wraps.
Kitchen and home shops – Tea towels, aprons, oven mitts to wrap kitchen gifts.
Online specialty shops – Wrappily, Paper Source, and Paper Mart have tons of options for gift wrap.

Creative Ways To Wrap Large, Oddly Shaped Gifts From Amazon

Big, bulky or oddly shaped presents can be tricky to wrap neatly and cleanly. Here are tips to wrap them beautifully using materials you probably have around the house:

Use a bedsheet or shower curtain liner as neutral wrap.
Wrap smaller boxes in newsprint or comics for a fun printed effect.
Disguise shape in a pillow case or reusable bag tied with ribbon.
Conceal in a gift basket or storage bin decorated with ribbon and greenery.
Wrap item in packing paper or kraft paper secured with twine or washi tape.
Pop inside a box slightly bigger than the item, stuffed with tissue.
Top with a large gift bow to hide messy edges or gaps in wrapping.

Can You Ship Wrapped Gifts Through Amazon?

If you want to wrap gifts yourself before shipping via Amazon, it is possible in most cases. Here are some tips:

Wrap tightly in bubble wrap first to protect from damage.
Place wrapped gift inside an Amazon box or sturdy shipping box.
Use packing tape or shipping tape to securely seal box.
Pad inside box with bubble wrap, newspaper or packing peanuts.
Choose gift options to hide price and include gift message.
Select gift receipt to include with order.
Insure package in case damage occurs during shipping.

Fragile or very large wrapped presents may still arrive pre-unwrapped in Amazon packaging. But most standard sized gifts can ship securely wrapped inside Amazon‘s boxes.

Can I Gift Wrap and Send Food Through Amazon?

Sending tasty treats is a thoughtful gift idea! Here are some tips for gifting food items purchased on Amazon:

Select shelf-stable items like baked goods, candy, sauces, jams, cookies, nuts, jerky, or dried fruit.
Check expiration date to ensure freshness through shipping.
Choose gift options like gift message and hiding price.
Pick faster shipping so food is delivered quickly.
Pack in small gift boxes or gift bags to protect items.
Include scoops or spoons if sending baking mixes or spices.
Write heating instructions on tag or gift note if needed.
Add a bow, ribbon or greenery to dress up gift bags.

While you can‘t gift wrap perishables like fresh fruit or melted chocolates, you can still send delicious edible surprises through Amazon!

Creative Gift Wrap Ideas for Amazon Wedding Registry Presents

Newly engaged couples often register for gifts on Amazon to outfit their homes. Here are unique ways to beautifully wrap and present wedding registry items:

Wrap smaller gifts like kitchen tools in tea towels and aprons with a cute bow.
Place items like picture frames inside gift bags lined with lace or tulle.
Tie up bath towels or linens with a satin ribbon and wedding charm.
Disguise odd shapes like appliances in a storage bin wrapped in white paper and ribbon.
Set up a gift basket filled with related registry items themed by room or use.
Top wrapped gifts with wedding-colored accents like flowers, bells or bows.
Include a heartfelt gift tag with marriage advice or congratulatory note.
Pop champagne, candles or other celebratory items inside for an extra festive touch.

Thoughtful wrapping and personal messages make your wedding gifts special keepsakes they‘ll treasure.

Conclusion

At the end of a long day of holiday shopping, the idea of wrapping a pile of gifts can be daunting. With Amazon‘s gift wrapping services, you can easily ship presents directly to recipients with festive packaging.

For a small fee starting at $3 per item, Amazon provides decorative paper, ribbons, and a enclosure that fits the product. A personalized gift message and hidden pricing make it feel special too.

Gift wrap is available for many smaller Amazon fulfilled items under 50 pounds, besides oversized or oddly shaped products. It‘s a convenient time saver during Christmas but works great year-round too.

While you don‘t get total control over the styling, it takes care of the busywork so gifts arrive ready for giving. Consider Amazon gift wrap when you need convenience, time savings and affordable packaging.