The holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and the excitement of giving (and receiving) beautifully wrapped gifts. But amidst the ribbons, bows, and sparkly paper, it’s easy to forget that wrapping and unwrapping presents can come with hidden risks. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can help keep your celebrations merry and safe.
Here are some important gift-wrapping safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
- Choose eco-friendly options. Consider reusable gift bags, recyclable wrapping paper, or even fabric for a safer and more eco-conscious alternative.
- Use child-safe tools. If kids want to help, give them safety scissors or let them handle tasks that don’t require sharp tools, like sticking on bows or adding name tags.
- Create a designated wrapping station. Keep scissors, tape, paper, and bows in one spot, rather than spreading supplies across the house. This helps prevent misplaced sharp tools while also keeping the mess contained.
- Pace yourself. Gift-wrapping marathons can cause strain to your back, neck, or wrists. Make sure your workspace is at table height and take breaks to stretch.
- Avoid over-wrapping. Excessive tape, paper, and ribbon can make packages frustrating (and even hazardous) to open. Instead, aim for simple, neat wrapping that’s easy to unwrap.
- Lift packages carefully. Large or heavy boxes can strain your back or cause falls if not lifted properly. Remember to bend at the knees, not the waist, and ask for help if a package is too big.
- Stay fire smart. Seasonal candle scents are a holiday staple, but they need to be kept far away from wrapping supplies. Wrapping paper, tissue paper, and ribbon are highly flammable, so designate a wrapping area away from open flames and space heaters. (BONUS: Read our blog posts about candle safety and space heater safety.)
- Take your time while unwrapping. Excitement can lead to hurried ripping and tearing, but moving too quickly can cause accidental cuts. Remind kids and adults alike to unwrap with care.
- Avoid slippery floors. When paper, ribbons, and plastic wrap end up scattered across the floor, they can create slip-and-fall hazards. Encourage everyone to clean up as they go or set up a designated bag or bin for trash and recycling.
- Don’t burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. Did you know tossing used wrapping paper into the fireplace can be dangerous, as many papers contain dyes, inks, or metallic materials that release toxic fumes when burned? Wrapping paper can also ignite suddenly, creating large, unpredictable flames.
- Watch out for choking and strangulation hazards. Ribbons, bows, and other small decorative items can be tempting to curious children and pets, creating a risk of accidental ingestion or choking. Similarly, gift bag handles, string, and twine can pose strangulation hazards. To keep everyone safe, keep these items out of reach and cut down handles or ties before disposing of them.
- Be mindful when disposing of packaging. Smart disposal wraps up this list of gift-wrapping safety tips, and it helps keep your home secure. To protect your privacy, don’t leave packaging for expensive gifts visible at the curb. Instead, consider cutting boxes down so brand names and product details aren’t visible.
The bottom line: Safety doesn’t have to spoil the fun. With these gift-wrapping safety tips, you can protect your family, pets, and home – all while keeping the holiday spirit bright.
P.S. If you’re giving or receiving valuable gifts this season, it’s a good time to review your insurance coverage. Check out our guide on updating your policy after receiving new valuables to make sure your holiday treasures are fully protected.
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