These wrapping ideas make gifts look spectacular, and the gift-giving experience more memorable.

LONDON, Ont. – November 11, 2008 – Everyone wants to make holiday gift giving more enjoyable – for the giver and receiver. This year, exceptional gift wrapper, Melissa Caria, helps make your gifts look extra special and stand out.

"We're always told how important first impressions are. Similarly, how a gift is wrapped is just as important as what is inside," explained Caria. "The time and care put into the present's appearance is a direct reflection of you, and builds anticipation for the perfect gift inside."

Try some of Caria's gift wrapping techniques and add flare to your presents.

Accordion Fold
If you find yourself with a bit of excess gift wrap, think of it as an opportunity, not waste. Take that "scrap paper" and accordion fold it several times, then wrap it around the box slightly off-centre. Tape it in place with a piece of Scotch Double Sided Tape.

Theme Wrap
Choose a colour scheme and stick with it such as metallic gold wrap with red ribbons or solid brown paper with teal ribbons. If you're wrapping a larger gift, and also giving something smaller, make sure you use contrasting colours on each present.

Weave
Wrap the gift in a solid colour, then take contrasting strips of paper and weave them in and out. It helps to use Double Sided Scotch Tape to hold the initial pieces in place. After weaving the paper under, then over, each other, tape down the remaining ends and you've got a creative looking gift with an interesting, textured surface.

Overlap
This is great to make your gift stand out. Choose two contrasting pieces of wrapping paper. After you wrap the first layer, take a smaller square to cover one corner. You can get creative and do layers of wrap.

Patchwork
If you don't have enough of one kind of paper for a gift, make it look like you meant to wrap it that way. Cover the bulk of the gift with a large piece of paper, then fill in the gaps with smaller pieces.

Shapes
Putting cut-outs on wrapped presents add texture and finesse. Don't feel limited to using designer paper – try printed digital photos, fabric or even plastic. You will need a glue stick or hot glue depending on the material you choose.

Tape with Elegance
The new Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser is a stylish way to make wrapping fun, and a practical desktop accessory after the holidays are over.

Caria reminds wrappers to:
- Choose higher quality paper to avoid small rips while wrapping, travelling or giving and ensure the gift isn't visible through the wrap.
- Crease your paper before you fold the ends in for a straight, clean look.
- Use Scotch Double Sided Tape for a professional appearance.
- Always run your fingers around the box to make each side appear crisp.
- Try using ribbon in different ways. Instead of the traditional "t" pattern, run ribbon along alternate corners, use layers of ribbon (thin on thick) or spiral the ribbon down a package.
- Cut paper straight and fast with a Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter. Its built-in ribbon curler is also helpful for finishing touches.
- Save wrapping paper after the presents are open to use next year in fun ways.

Step-by-step instructions for each stylish wrapping technique are available online at Scotchtape.ca.

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For more information:
Melissa Caria
Marketing Supervisor, Scotch Brand
3M Canada
519-452-6035
mecaria@mmm.com

Jacqui Newell
Public Relations Coordinator
3M Canada
519-451-2500 ext. 2564
jnewell@mmm.com