The festive season is a time in which all we seem to do is shop. Not only do we need to buy essentials such as exciting dinner ingredients and Custom Christmas Ornaments but we are also required to purchase myriad gifts for our friends and family.

More labor intensive even than the shopping this requires, however, is the business of wrapping that comes after it. Individually gift wrapping an entire pile of festive trinkets is nothing to be sneezed at, especially if some of these are not exactly regularly shaped.

Indeed, it is worth your while to have your purchases wrapped for you in-store if you can. This way, you will save yourself a significant amount of time and – if the service is free – money as well. Your gifts will also look very professional and uniform which will add a little something to the recipient's experience of opening it.

If you can't have the gifts wrapped for you, but you are keen to minimise the time you spend slaving away with ribbons and sticky tape, it might be a good idea to consider purchasing a few gift bags and boxes. Simply place the presents inside these wrapped in decorative tissue paper – this looks attractive and takes almost no time at all to achieve.

In short, if you can, avoid the business of wrapping your gifts in the traditional way. It takes hours, can be very frustrating, and often, in the end, looks a little shabby.