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    Learn More About Bows

    Once the crowning glory of any package, gift bows have been part of gift wrapping since the mid-20th century. A few decades earlier, brothers Joyce C. and Rollie Hall began to sell the French paper that lined envelopes as an alternative to brown packaging paper. Gift wrapping quickly became a celebrated skill, reaching elaborate heights as extra adornments emerged.


    Gift bows, ribbons, tassels, and tags added excitement and a touch of drama to gift-giving. Today, bows still add that final pop and pizzazz to a well-wrapped gift.

    Bows come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and embellishments, from vintage to modern. Below are some of the most popular:


    • Classic: The classic bow style features one large, double-loop bow, another ribbon wrapped around the middle, and extending tails. Extra-large classic bows earn their spots on oversized or extravagant presents.
    • Layered: The layered bow style expands on the classic by combining multiple sizes of double-loop bows stacked on one another. These bows are lovely on sophisticated packaging, wreaths, windows, and doors.
    • Mum: Reminiscent of the flower, the mum gift bow style features long loops that cross and meet in the middle. The simple, circular design looks particularly striking with vibrant or interesting ribbon patterns.
    • Pom-pom: Pom-pom bows—often seen as Christmas bows on holiday gifts—feature several loops centrally gathered to create a dome shape. Pom-poms in bright colors work equally well on wrapped and unwrapped presents to add a dash of excitement.

    Sellers on Etsy make it easy to up your gift-wrapping game with everything you need to create one-of-a-kind bows from scratch. Bow-making kits help you learn the process without missing a step. Grab sets of ribbon, burlap, or other bow materials to set yourself up with the right supplies.


    Craft scissors, rulers, and double-sided tape will help you create a masterpiece. Whether you’re a beginner or a gift bow pro, sellers on Etsy have the supplies, accessories, and DIY inspiration you need to make the prettiest package on the gift table.