For many in the UK, the joy of Christmas is marred by one dreaded task: wrapping presents. A new survey reveals that over half of Brits consider it their least favourite part of the festive season, with frustration setting in after just 16 minutes of battling with paper and tape.
The Scale of Festive Wrapping Frustration
According to the poll, a staggering 70% of people actively dislike the process of gift wrapping. Only one in five believes they have mastered the art. The study, highlighted in December 2025, found that 67% experience 'festive frustration' quickly, while 21% admit they simply cannot wrap presents at all.
Common grievances include the perennial struggle with sticky tape, with 51% unable to find the end and 39% dealing with it sticking in the wrong place. Other niggles are running out of paper (35%), cutting sheets too small (30%), and overusing tape until it vanishes (29%). Awkwardly shaped gifts cause stress for 60% of people, with one in five particularly hating round presents.
When things go wrong, reactions are extreme. 33% have torn up wrapping paper in annoyance, 28% have thrown the tape, 22% have shouted, and 13% have screamed. Nearly a quarter (24%) have given up entirely, refusing to wrap anything else.
A Royal Solution: The Car-istmas Drive-Through
In response to this national crisis of confidence, expert wrapper Jane Means has partnered with The Motor Ombudsman to launch a novel solution: the UK's first-ever Car‑istmas drive‑through wrapping service. Jane Means, who has wrapped for The Royal Household and celebrities, aims to ease the burden on the nation's 'present preppers'.
With drivers facing an average of 18 gifts to wrap before the big day, the service allows them to pull up, hand over their presents through the car window, and receive the 'royal treatment'. This innovative pit stop saves approximately 56 minutes of solo wrapping stress per participant. To complete the festive offering, mechanics are on hand to give vehicles a quick safety check.
Alex Lindley, CEO of The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Lindleys Autocentres, which hosted the launch, commented on the dual purpose: "Preparing your car for the road ahead is just as crucial in ensuring everyone and their gifts all arrive safely."
Jane Means' Top Tips for the Perfect Present
For those braving the wrap at home, Jane Means has revealed the common mistakes and her expert advice for a flawless finish. "Using too little or too much paper, folding it in the wrong places, and drowning it in far too much tape can make the process much more cumbersome and stressful than it needs to be," she explains.
Her top ten tips include:
- Use double-sided tape for a professional, seamless look on boxes.
- For awkward gifts, choose flexible materials like fabric or cellophane.
- Wrap large items in a paper tablecloth instead of joining multiple sheets.
- Use plain brown paper as a base for extra-large gifts, adding a decorative strip and ribbon.
- Write tags first and place them on the unwrapped presents to avoid confusion.
- Add personal touches like dried flowers or photocopied old photos for a 'wow' factor.
- Bulk buy supplies early, including non-Christmas wrap for year-round use.
- If short on time, bundle several gifts together in one stack.
- Make it enjoyable with a drink, music, or even a wrapping party with friends.
This unique collaboration between a wrapping guru and a motoring body highlights a creative approach to solving a genuine, if light-hearted, seasonal headache for millions across the UK.
