Gift Wrapping Etiquette for Tags

Gift tags may be formal or informal, depending upon the occasion.

A beautiful presentation can transform a mundane trinket into a delightful gesture, and the proper gift tag puts the perfect finishing touch on a beautifully wrapped gift. Gift tag etiquette follows the same general rules as invitation etiquette. Both the address and the type of tag itself depend upon the occasion and the relationship between the gift giver and the recipient.

One-on-One

For a one-on-one get-together with a close friend or relative, a gift tag is unnecessary unless the gift will be opened at another time. If, for instance, the gift giver and the recipient meet for lunch and the gift is given and opened at that time, it is impossible to mistake whom the gift is for or from.

Casual Party

For a casual party where the gift giver and recipient are very close friends or relatives, a simple "Dear Mary, Love Jane" will suffice. The tag itself can be as simple as a small piece of wrapping paper folded in half, or an adhesive tag. The object here is simply to distinguish the giver and recipient of the gift. The tag should, however, match or at least be complimentary to the gift wrap or bag.

Office Party

Most office parties are the halfway point between casual and formal. In a small office where the employees are all well acquainted and on a first-name basis, "To Fred, From Bill" is sufficient if the giver and recipient are of equal status in the workplace. In a larger office where employees may not be as familiar with one another, especially during random holiday gift exchanges where the two people may not be acquainted at all, the preferred address is "To Fred Jones, From Bill Smith". If the recipient is a supervisor of the giver, "To Mr. Jones, From Bill Smith" is preferred. If the recipient is an employee of the giver, "To Bill, From Fred Jones" is allowed. The tag itself should be made of card stock or heavy paper, large enough to read easily, and in a shade complimentary to the gift wrap.

Formal Parties

For formal events, such as landmark birthdays or anniversaries, the gift tag should made of card stock or heavy linen paper in a neutral color like white or ecru, and should be a folded card. If the giver and recipient are very well acquainted, "Dear Fred, From Mary and Bill" is acceptable. If the giver and receiver are acquaintances or colleagues, the address is "To Fred, From Mary and Bill Smith."

Weddings

For formal weddings, the gift tag should be made of heavy linen paper or other very high quality heavy paper. It should be either white or ecru, unless it matches the bride's colors exactly. The tag should be a folded card. If the giver is very well acquainted with both recipients, "Dear Jane and Fred, Love Mary and Bill", with a short note of congratulations is acceptable. If only one of the recipients is known to the giver, the proper address is "To Jane and Fred, From Mary and Bill Smith." If the giver is not very well acquainted with either of the recipients, the tag should read "To Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jones, From Mary and Bill Smith."

References

• Emily Post
• Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior

Resources

• Emily Post