You finally found the perfect gift of jewelry — the gift that’s sure to elicit ohh’s and ahhh’s from your special someone. The work is not quite over, though. Instead of just handing over the jewelry box or wrapping it in store-bought wrapping paper, get a little creative in your presentation. Try a new way to wrap the present, or make the presentation a show that ends with excitement over your thoughtfulness. If you’re not sure how to make your jewelry gift stand out, check out our creative ways to give a gift.
1. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt turns the gift-giving occasion into a memorable activity, with the option to include special locations to make an even bigger impact. This presentation idea does take a little more prep work because you have to decide on the various stopping points and make up clues for each location. When planning a scavenger hunt, decide between a small-scale scavenger hunt around the house or a larger hunt that takes the recipient around a particular neighborhood or city. Home scavenger hunts are typically easier to coordinate and don’t take as long, but city-wide events let you highlight several important places. If you send your significant other around the city, hold on to the clues and hand out the next one when you get to each stop. If you leave the clues unattended in public areas, they may not be there when you arrive. Another option is to have family or friends positioned at each stop with envelopes giving the next clues. Choose spots with significance, whether funny or sentimental. The scavenger hunt can be a walk down memory lane when the stops are chosen strategically. Once you have the locations and the order of the stops decided, you can create the clues. Scavenger hunts typically use a series of riddle-style clues that hint to the next location without giving it away explicitly. Your clues don’t have to rhyme. Have fun with it, but don’t spend too much time worrying about creating the perfect clues. On the day of the hunt, hand over the first clue. You might share a special moment at each stop, reminiscing on why that location is important to you or the recipient. When the recipient reaches the final stop, present the jewelry gift as the reward.2. Hidden Gift
A different take on the scavenger hunt idea is to hide the gift and have the recipient find it. You might give verbal clues or give a general location. For example, announce that something special is hidden in the Christmas tree area or somewhere in the kitchen. Add a high-tech twist by texting written or picture clues to the recipient. Another option is to play the hot-cold game to let the recipient know when they are close. Finding the gift is entertaining on its own, but seeing what’s inside makes the game even more fun.3. Surprise Timing
When you have a prime gift-giving occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary or holiday, your significant other probably knows a gift is coming. To throw off that expectation, change up the timing of the gift giving. For example, if you normally exchange gifts with your spouse at a special dinner on your anniversary, present them with their anniversary jewelry gift first thing in the morning. The timing of the surprise present catches them off guard and makes the gift more exciting.
4. Misleading Packaging
Jewelry boxes are usually easy to recognize when presented in wrapping paper. A misleading package presentation keeps the recipient in suspense a little longer. If the recipient has a good sense of humor, try wrapping the jewelry inside a larger box for a mundane item, such as a new toaster or a pair of shoes. It’s okay if the initial reaction is one of disappointment. Once the box comes open and the real gift is revealed, their disappointment will quickly be replaced with joy and excitement. A similar idea is to use a plain gift box that is much larger than the jewelry packaging. Build suspense even more by using four or five boxes that get gradually larger. Wrap the jewelry in the smallest box, place it in the next size box, and wrap that. Continue with the remaining boxes.5. Special Location
Make the jewelry presentation more meaningful by taking the recipient to a location that has special meaning. This could be the recipient’s favorite spot, such as a scenic overlook or a favorite coffee shop. Another option is to choose a location where you previously shared a special memory. You might go back to the place where you had your first date or the place where you got married. Make the presentation even more memorable by talking first about why the place is special. When the moment is right, pull out the new piece of jewelry you selected. Now the location has even more significance to both of you.6. Holiday Ornament Presentation
If you’re gifting a necklace or bracelet at the holidays, present the jewelry inside a clear glass ornament. You can find plain ornaments at many craft stores. Slip the hanger top off the ornament to slide the jewelry inside. The opening is usually small, so this idea only works for small, thin jewelry pieces. Add a little fake snow or confetti in the bottom of the ornament for added color.
7. Hiding in Plain Sight
Instead of presenting the jewelry yourself, leave it in a spot so the recipient stumbles upon it naturally. Think about the activities your significant other does during the day. Place the jewelry in one of those spots. For example, replace their favorite mug with the jewelry, so they find it when they go to pour coffee. Or put it next to the remote control on the table by the couch.8. Inside Another Gift
One gift is great, but two gifts are even better. Instead of just giving a piece of jewelry, buy another gift to go along with it. The gift can be related or just make a good holder for the jewelry. The recipient opens the outer gift, expecting that there’s nothing else. When they open the gift, though, they get the second surprise, which is your so thoughtfully selected piece of jewelry.
- A jewelry box: Your significant other’s new piece of jewelry needs a permanent storage spot to stay safe and clean when they’re not wearing it. Buy a pretty wooden jewelry box as the outer gift. Tuck the jewelry inside the jewelry box, with or without the packaging from the jewelry store.
- A stuffed animal: If your significant other thinks stuffed animals are adorable, get them a new one to serve as the larger gift for the jewelry presentation. Tuck the box with the jewelry inside on the stuffed animal’s lap for the grand reveal. Another approach is to place the jewelry on the stuffed animal so it looks like the animal is wearing it.
- A box of chocolates: Jewelry and chocolates make a classic combination. If the lucky recipient loves chocolates, buy a big box of chocolates. Remove a few of the chocolate candies to make room for the jewelry. Put the jewelry in the spot, and close the box so it looks like new. When your sweetheart goes to choose their favorite chocolate, they’ll get an even sweeter surprise.
- A decorative jar: Nestle the jewelry inside a decorative opaque jar with a lid. Once your recipient opens the gift, they can place the jar on a shelf. Each time they see the jar, they’ll remember your thoughtful gift.
- A plant: Brighten your spouse’s day with a bouquet of flowers or a beautiful houseplant. Make that plant even more attractive with the piece of jewelry tucked down into it. Nestle the entire box down between the stems of the plant or hang the jewelry itself around a stem. If you do go this route, it’s a good idea to tie the jewelry to the stem with ribbon so it doesn’t get lost.
- A handbag: Any woman can use an extra purse in her accessories collection. Buy your significant other a new purse, and leave the jewelry inside the gift. When she checks out all of the pockets and other features of the purse, she stumbles across the jewelry. You get bonus points if the jewelry coordinates with the handbag you choose.
- A gift you know they’ll love: This presentation option is very flexible. Think of gifts you know the recipient would like. Is there one that would work well for hiding jewelry inside for the gift presentation?
9. Special Delivery Person
A gift directly from you may be expected, but you can make the gift giving special and surprising by sending someone else to deliver the jewelry. One option is to have your child be the delivery person. If you don’t have kids of your own, enlist the help of a niece or nephew. Some people use a pet as a delivery method. If you choose this option, make sure you secure the jewelry well so it doesn’t fall off. Also make sure your pet is a willing and obedient participant. You don’t want him to run away when you try to take off the jewelry. Another option is to choose someone completely unexpected. You might ask your significant other’s boss to deliver a “package” at work, for example. Their boss likely doesn’t have a significant role in your relationship, but the boss does have regular contact and would be completely unexpected as an accomplice in the jewelry delivery.10. On a Platter
How many movies show someone popping a ring in a glass of champagne, a dessert or another food item? While this idea does fit into a romantic evening, it’s a potentially dangerous option, especially if the jewelry goes unnoticed right away. Instead, put the jewelry in the box on a platter or plate. Write a message around the outside of the tray using icing or melted chocolate. Present the plate as-is or cover it with a dome cover to build anticipation. This presentation fits in with the dinner theme and is more creative than simply handing the jewelry across the table — but it won’t result in any chipped teeth or swallowed jewelry.11. Creative Wrapping Ideas
The way you wrap the present is another way to make the jewelry stand out. Anyone can put jewelry in a gift bag. Taking the time to use a creative gift wrap option, however, shows you put even more thought into the gift.
- A map of your favorite place: Use a paper map of a special place as the wrapping paper. Ideas include your favorite trip together, a city you used to live in, the place where you met or the location of your honeymoon. Circle spots on the map where you shared a special moment.
- Fabric: Instead of thin paper, use fabric to wrap the gift box. Choose something functional, such as a kitchen towel or cloth napkin with a fun pattern, so the wrapping can be used afterward. An easy way to wrap the gift in a piece of square fabric is to position the gift in the middle. Tie opposite corners together on top of the box. Repeat the process, tying the remaining two corners in a single knot. Bring the two corners from the first knot back to the top, and tie them a second time to keep the knots secure.
- Take-out box: Craft and gift stores sell take-out style boxes designed for gift giving. These boxes come in a variety of colors and patterns.
- Chalkboard look: Start with a roll of black paper. Wrap the gift like normal. Use a white paint pen to draw images on the black paper to look like a chalkboard design that won’t wipe off like regular chalk. This is an easy way to customize the wrapping paper. You can even give hints to the contents of the package with the decorations you draw.
- Hand decorated box: A plain white gift box creates the perfect palette for a custom design. Use stamps, stickers or decorative washi tape to create designs on the box. Doodle little images or special messages with colored markers. Glue pompoms, bows or confetti onto the box for three-dimensional decorations. For a simple option, get a wide roll of colorful tape. Stick the tape around the box to look like a ribbon. This option takes little effort but makes a big impact.
- Calendar pages: Old calendars provide colorful images, making them a suitable alternative to traditional wrapping paper. Save last year’s calendar and wrap jewelry and other gifts in it for a thick, heavy wrapping.