Our latest “Document of the Week” was chosen by our Editor, Nishah Malik. As we have reached December and the countdown to Christmas has begun, this week’s document brings a festive touch to our “Document of the Week” series. In the run up to Christmas, we will be going through our Illustrated London News collections and spotlighting some of the highlights in the dedicated Christmas issues produced by publications such as The Illustrated London News, Britannia and Eve, and The Sketch. This week, we are taking a look at an illustrated guide from Britannia and Eve that was published in 1931 and titled, “How to Pack your Christmas Gifts”.
Wrapping your Christmas gifts can be the biggest chore for some, or the highlight of the festive season for others. However, Britannia and Eve claimed that the “presentation of your Christmas presents” was “almost as important as their choice”. This guide beautifully demonstrates how much care and craftsmanship once went into the art of gift presentation, explaining how even the smallest of gifts should be “daintily wrapped”, especially if it is to be sent by post.
The document provides detailed steps for packing fragile items such as China and glassware. It recommends using a strong wooden box lined with corrugated cardboard and filled with a generous layer of wood shavings for cushioning. For items without a perfectly sized box, the guide suggests making a box from a larger one. Gifts should be wrapped in tissue paper before being placed into their protective packaging and tied securely with ribbon threaded through the box itself. Equally important was the personal presentation of the gift. Britannia and Eve recommended using gold, scarlet, and white papers so as to achieve a more modern look that went beyond traditional holly patterns.
This document from the 1930s is a reminder that long before the era of adhesive tape and Prime deliveries, gift giving was an art form that required patience, creativity, and attention to detail. The piece showcases how the presentation of our gifts is part of the sentiment itself. Perhaps this year, you might draw some inspiration from Britannia and Eve and bring some of the charm of traditional gift wrapping to your Christmas.
Where to find this document
It is from our collection, Britannia and Eve, 1926–1957, which includes over 38,000 images from 350 issues. Owned by The Illustrated London News, Britannia and Eve targeted a wealthy, conservative, and largely female readership. Throughout its existence, it maintained a particular emphasis on fashion, beauty, and the home. Visit the collection page to learn more.