Gift Wrapping: Strategies for Life, Living Well with Vision Loss
Mary Beth Caruso, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
December 1, 2009
Welcome to the “season of giving”. For many, this also means the “season of wrapping” which can bring on added stress. Relax; this month’s column shares helpful hints and alternatives to make wrapping easier for individuals with vision loss.
Taking the time to get organized can make the wrapping process trouble-free from start to finish. Will the work area be space that can be set up until wrapping is finished or shared space that needs to be cleared for dinner? If sharing space, be sure to schedule adequate time to wrap without distractions. A good light that can be directed onto the work area is critical in either space.
It is important that everything have a place to “live”: a low sided small baking pan, lined with non slip shelf paper, to hold tape, pen and labels; a tall sturdy waste basket to hold rolls of paper; a small plastic basket with ribbon threaded through an opening so the end does not get lost; and a container for trash. Wrapping on a high ironing board is easier on the back. A bureau top has the added benefit of being a hard, wider surface. Wrapping paper can be placed inside the top drawer and unrolled from there. Or the tube can hang from a hook or knob by ribbon attached at both ends of a rod placed inside.
High quality paper holds a crease better and is less likely to tear. Solid color paper is less visually confusing. Consider a color that contrasts with the work surface. Foil can be used for unusual shaped packages and often doesn’t require tape. Use ribbon rolls that have only one color. Twist ties can hold together “bows” made from ribbons, yarn or raffia and taped onto the tops of packages. Pipe cleaners come in fun colors and are easy to shape and attach.
Tape in a heavy dispenser is more efficient than a small roll that must be picked up. The new wristband tape dispensers, especially those that automatically pop up one inch pieces, are effortless. Before the hand held, slide paper cutters were available, some used a pizza cutter and a yard stick to cut paper. The yard stick can also be used to rip paper along a fold. Scissors that fit one’s hand and are sharp can also be used to cut along a fold.
Alternatives to wrapping include paper bags in various sizes and colors, cloth bags with ribbons attached, Christmas stockings and a range of colored boxes. Stick-on bows, raised stickers, bells, lace or small ornaments can be decorative.
Be sure to attach labels securely and use a bold dark waterproof pen for labeling. Large sticky notes in bright colors, big shipping labels, index cards with stickers and the fronts of old cards can be functional yet pretty.
Are there several families to bring gifts to? Jumbo festive bags can serve as a decoration until delivered. Label the bag and then as packages are wrapped, place them in the appropriate bag. When wrapping is complete, some bags may need to be reorganized to balance the weight.
Congratulations, the shopping is finished and the wrapping is done. So sit back, relax and have some fun. Best wishes to all for a happy holiday season!
Perkins Outreach Services for Ages 55 and Older, Outreach@Perkins.org, 617-972-7643.
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