Updated October 25, 2017

Editor’s note: Thanks for sharing your feedback about the new gifting options. We’ve updated the tool so you can choose whether or not to accept gift messages and have updated this Site Update to reflect that change.

When holiday shoppers are busy checking items off their to-do lists, having gifts arrive already wrapped goes a long way (especially when it means they can ship them straight to recipients). That’s why we’re giving you an easier way to offer gift wrapping services to your customers.

If you choose to offer gift wrap, customers will see the option to add it to their order for an additional fee. They'll also have the option to add a gift message to their order at no charge. You can set up your gift wrap options now, but shoppers won’t start to see them for a few weeks.

3 reasons to offer gift wrapping services

1. Attract last-minute shoppers

More than half of Etsy buyers we surveyed told us they’re interested in having gifts shipped directly to recipients. By offering the option to have an item gift wrapped and shipped directly to the recipient, you're more likely to attract those procrastinators.

2. Boost your revenue

Charging a few dollars for gift wrap services will increase the value of those orders. You can decide what price makes the most sense for your shop, but keep in mind that we asked Etsy shoppers how much they'd be willing to pay for gift wrapping and many of them told us that $4 was the sweet spot. Consider buying wrapping supplies in bulk and getting creative with DIY options like stamped paper and festive yarn pom-poms to keep costs down.

3. Make a lasting impression with wrapping that reflects your brand

A beautifully wrapped package will stand out from the plain janes under the tree, setting you apart from the competition. In a recent survey, 65% of Etsy shoppers said that gift wrapping makes it easy to add a personal touch to a gift. Use colors and textures that reflect your brand to make your gift even more memorable.

How to offer gift wrap on Etsy

• Turn on gift wrap: When you turn on gift wrap in your shop, it will apply to every listing (except for digital downloads, those would be hard to wrap). Turn on gift wrap in your shop.
• Set your price: Choose how much you’ll charge for gift wrap. Your gift wrap fee will be applied to each order, not each item in the order. You might be asked to gift wrap multiple items in a single order, so think about the different kinds of materials you might need to purchase, including gift boxes, bows, or larger gift bags. At this time, there’s no option to offer free gift wrapping using this tool.
• Describe what your gift wrap looks like and upload a photo: Be specific and include a photo to show shoppers what their gifts will look like. Show off your creativity with gift wrap options that will appeal to any shopper and be appropriate for any holiday or occasion. (Think festive colors and shiny textures, instead of Christmas trees or tiny dreidels). Larger items, like a vintage lamp, might get a festive bow, while smaller items could be packaged in a box and wrapped in sparkly paper.
• Start wrapping: When a customer pays for gift wrap at checkout, you’ll see a small gift box icon on the order page so you know to wrap the gift.

Including gift messages in your orders

We’ve also added the option for shoppers to include a free gift message with their order (even if they don’t pay for gift wrap). If they include a gift message, all you need to do is print the packing slip, which has been redesigned to look like a small card, and tuck it into the box. The gift packing slip you print will include the shopper’s custom message, your shop name, and the item purchased. Consider including a coupon code as well to encourage the gift recipient to visit your shop. If you already send a coupon code to buyers after they make a purchase (also known as a thank-you coupon), that same coupon code will appear on your gift message.

If including a gift message packing slip won’t work with your current processes, you can choose not to accept gift messages by disabling them in your Shop Options.