There are so many gift subscription services out there, but this is the first one I’ve heard for wrapping gifts — and I am definitely intrigued! Just launched in May, each box from Gift Horse & Co. is packed with a lavish selection of coordinated wrapping papers, ribbons, gift tags, cards, embellishments and the occasional surprise.
But the boxes are more than just carefully curated product — they can help turn amateur wrappers into masters of the craft. Founder Corinna vanGerwen is a gift stylist who blogs at Corinna Wraps. Her posh presents have appeared in film, online and in magazines such as Canadian Living and Food & Drink. She has demonstrated wrapping techniques in videos for Indigo and Style at Home, and has taught private and corporate classes.
“In my experience, I’ve found that there are two main things people struggle with: finding beautiful, quality products and putting together a look,” she told me. “Outside major urban centers, there can be a lack of choice. It can be hard to find unique papers, small-shop cards and ribbons. And finding extra-special embellishments takes creativity and practice. People enjoy working with quality materials, but trying to find them online can be daunting — where does one begin to look? I want to introduce people to all the amazing gift wrapping products out there while supporting small-shop makers.”
Once you’ve got premium materials that are themselves presented beautifully, an included info card suggests how to use each item and provides inspiration, pro wrapping tips and instructions.
The boxes are shipped to subscribers every other month (January, March, May, July, September and November). The deadline to subscribe to the first box is June 22; it arrives on subscribers’ doorsteps mid-July.
Gift Horse & Co. subscriptions are $37 Canadian per box (about $34 American), plus shipping and handling. That is a flat fee of $18 Canadian: for U.S. subscribers, that’s about $16.50.
