Christmas wrapping and b****y selotape!!!

Or a paperclip works OK.

I sympathise. I have been using a freebie pen which is completely smooth all over shaped like a rolling pin and, yes, it has rolled off my table eight times today. Thank goodness my wife and I have pickers but I will stick to ridged biros that sensibly are designed not to roll away.

I have spent a lot of time sticking down Christmas Cards with sellotape and I don't understand why the envelopes just will not fasten with the sticky substance provided. Goodness only knows what they are using as glue to stick down envelopes but its no good my wife insists I use the sponge to wet them. She has also found a sellotape dispenser that you hold between your fingers and I must say its very effective esspecially for people like myself with arthritis in the hand/fingers .

Does anyone else have a Christmas Wrapping Fairy or is it just my bad luck. I never see her but she loves to hide the scissors/sellotape/pen/ribbon roll that I have JUST used so that I spend more time searching for it than actually wrapping!

Forgot that one! ?

Scotch mist has that indefinable quality as well...

Scotch tape, another brilliant product from North O' The Border, along with Scotch broth ( yum] and just.... Scotch, with a dash of water.

No, the Magic tape is Scotch tape - it's just that a few of us on this thread have recommended it and I just wondered...

Well, is it? It doesn't actually say magic tape, just Sellotape ( or strong Sellotape) I shall have to look at it again.

Magic tape, by any chance roses?

I don't mind wrapping presents, and like to make them look pretty, the trick is to have a large table with all your stuff on and sit comfortably while you wrap.I use a paperweight to pop on top and keep the wrap in place while you put sellotape on.I bought some strong sellotape this year and it is a lot better, no tearing like the usual stuff.

Thanks Ana for the one suggestion of where I've put my cards. I'd send you a card if I could find them.

Brainwave....I've bought lovely reusable hessian carrier bags from Waitrose for DCs presents, instead of usual paper/card gift bags. Ok, a bit more expensive but far more useful ??

Good idea Granny23 - I do like lateral thinkers!

As for wrapping presents, I help myself to ikea Brown paper roll. Every Christmas present wrapped in that, with red ribbon or this year red check ripped fabric bows. Birthday gifts same but with pretty 're usable ribbon.
Red check fabric was ikea also left over from my check curtains.
Pretty

I always put a button on the end of the tape!

Great idea, Granny23! I think I'll copy that...

Although I am a dab hand at wrapping and decorating parcels and even enjoy it, for quickness and odd shaped presents I use gift bags, mostly carefully saved from last year (or the year before). My best tip is to use red pillowcases (2 for £2 from ASDA) for large, awkward, heavy things. Pop in the item, gather the top and tie round with ribbon. Easy peasy and the fabric last for years.

I've given up on Sellotape and just get those little sticky spots on a roll from Lakeland (other brands are available). Saves my sanity!

You have posted them, along with the ones already written!

I've wrapped up everything, bought much of the Christmas food and have polished the brass. I am super efficient and organised and smug
BUT I cannot find the remaining cards after writing and posting a batch.
I've searched twice, so, WHERE ARE THEY?
Suggestions please.

Wrapping has been much easier since I started using double sided sellotape. A bit more expensive and you have to track it down. Comes in a dispenser with serrated edge to tear it. It's 4.29 at Staples - just a small roll, but you don't use so much. Even I can make neat parcels now!

Alea - Buying a last minute toy at Pisa airport I was surprised and delighted at the care and skill put into the wrapping and beribboning.
My son's partner, sent a book from Persephone when she was a bit low, declared it the best present she had ever received. This was not just the book but the lovely giftwrapping, bookmark etc.

Good idea, nanasam - also re-usable as you say. I use my faithful DH - seems to work year after year!

I wouldn't really want paper round a bouquet, would you? Big leaves and greenery so much nicer, but I honestly cannot remember if there was a sheet of cellophane or tissue round the bouquet.