It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I love wrapping gifts and making them look beautiful and festive. If you adore pretty wrapping paper, this curated collection of holiday wrapping paper—with a Parisian, Francophile flair—will inspire your gift giving. I enjoy adding a personal touch or choosing a theme for my wrapping each year; past themes have included stripes, bows, and polka dots. Below you’ll find a variety of elegant and whimsical designs, plus practical tips for wrapping and styling presents.
Wrapping paper for Francophiles
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The Holidays in a Paris Apartment Wrapping Paper
This Parisian apartment design captures the cozy charm of a city flat trimmed for the holidays. The pattern evokes warm lights, tiny trees in windows, and the quiet romance of Parisian streets in winter—perfect for someone who misses Paris or delights in French-inspired style. Use a muted ribbon and a kraft gift tag to keep the look classic and elegant.
Red and Pink Holiday Gloves Wrapping Paper
This elegant red-and-pink gloves pattern feels cinematic and nostalgic—think vintage window-shopping scenes and gloves carefully selected for a night out. The palette is refined and feminine, making it a lovely choice for delicate gifts, jewelry boxes, or smaller surprises. Pair with a velvet ribbon or a narrow satin bow to elevate the luxe vibe.
Christmas Wreaths (Watercolor)
A classic holiday motif rendered in soft watercolor tones, this wreath pattern balances tradition with an artistic touch. It’s ideal for presents that call for a timeless Christmas look but with a handcrafted aesthetic. Complement this paper with natural accents—think sprigs of evergreen, dried orange slices, or simple twine—to create a warm, artisanal gift presentation.
Blue Floral
A delicate blue floral design adds a fresh and feminine twist to holiday wrapping. This pattern works especially well for gifts that are elegant yet understated—think scarves, stationery, or kitchenware. Keep embellishments minimal: narrow ribbon, simple twine, or a small paper name tag will preserve the paper’s graceful look.
Blue Ballerinas in the Snow
This whimsical pattern—featuring blue ballerinas amid snowy motifs—feels playful and dreamy. It’s perfect for the young at heart, ballet lovers, or anyone who appreciates a touch of fantasy in their holiday wrapping. Add a soft ribbon and a handwritten tag to enhance the paper’s storybook charm.
Christmas Pâtisserie
Inspired by the elegantly decorated pâtisseries of Paris, this paper celebrates festive shopfronts, pastries, and seasonal display windows. It’s an especially delightful choice for anyone who loves French patisserie, tea parties, or culinary gifts. Pair with pastel ribbons or a small ornament shaped like a macaron for a cohesive, themed package.
Paris Maps Gift Wrap
A vintage-style map of Paris in soft pinks and greens creates a charming, travel-inspired presentation. This design is lovely for anyone with wanderlust or a fondness for the City of Light—use it for travel-themed gifts, guidebooks, or keepsakes. Combine with leather luggage-tag-style name tags or a stamped travel label for an authentic touch.
Macaron Gift Wrap
Macarons are iconic and adorable when translated into gift-wrap design. This cheerful pattern is ideal for gifts destined for bakers, dessert lovers, or anyone who appreciates the sweet details of French cafés. Accent with pastel baker’s twine or a glossy ribbon to echo the macaron colors.
Vintage Christmas Postcard Wrapping Paper
This nostalgic design, inspired by antique holiday postcards, is tender and charming. It evokes handwritten greetings, old-fashioned illustrations, and a sense of seasonal history. Use a wax seal, handwritten gift tag, or twine to enhance the vintage mood and create an heirloom-quality presentation.
More AHK Gift Guides
- Best Books About Paris (our favorite books about Paris)
- Best French Cookbooks (curated selections for home cooks)
- Unique Gifts for the Passionate Traveler
- French Pastry Tools
- Best Paris Books for Kids
- Best International Cookbooks
- Food Prints (beautiful French food art prints)
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Which holiday wrapping paper is your favorite?
I’d love to hear which design speaks to you—do you prefer classic wreaths, vintage postcards, Parisian maps, or playful macarons? Mix and match patterns with coordinating ribbons, tags, and small accents to create cohesive, memorable packages.
Tips for Beautiful and Sustainable Wrapping
- Choose quality paper: thicker stock lies neater and resists tearing.
- Mind the scale: large patterns suit big boxes, while small motifs are better for small gifts.
- Embellish thoughtfully: natural sprigs, twine, or narrow ribbon complement patterned paper without overwhelming it.
- Consider sustainability: reuse kraft paper, fabric wraps, or repurpose decorative paper to reduce waste.
- Personalize with tags: a handwritten tag or stamped label adds warmth and character.
First published November 20, 2020. Last updated December 10, 2024 with improved readability and additional tips.