Presentation is everything when it comes to gifting, and you want to get it just right with gift baskets made for that special birthday, holiday gift, get well soon, corporate gift, or token of appreciation. A glossy layer of shrink wrap upgrades a lovely gift basket to something truly special. But which shrink wrap is best for gift baskets? Get Folene Packaging’s expert recommendations on choosing the right shrink film for gift baskets to create the ultimate gifting experience.
Why use shrink wrap for gift baskets?
Tight, neat fit and glossy finish increase shelf appeal and sales
Keeps gift basket contents in place
Protects gift items from dust, dirt, and contaminants
Preserves freshness of food items in gift baskets
Makes gift baskets shipping-ready as they can ship in their own container (Although depending on how fragile the gift baskets’ contents are (think wine bottles that can crack), it may be prudent to include a secondary layer of packaging for extra protection.
Are Shrink Wrap Bags or Shrink Wrap Rolls Better for Gift Baskets?
Both gift basket shrink bags and shrink wrap rolls will produce an excellent end product as long as they are made from high quality materials. This decision mainly depends on the shrink equipment you have available, the shape and size of the items in the basket, and the volume of gift baskets you are wrapping.
Shrink bags can be easier to work with on a smaller scale, as you can simply slip the gift basket into the shrink bag, fold the end or secure it with tape or other adhesive, and apply heat with a manual shrink gun to shrink the bag and seal it. It takes minimal effort to ensure that the basket is entirely enclosed.
However, you will need a much larger-sized bag (account for at least 1/3 larger than the size of the basket) for a perfect fit. It can be challenging to find an economical shrink-bag solution for very large or oddly shaped baskets. Furthermore, a single item sticking out of the basket can mean you’ll have to opt for a much larger bag size than you may have anticipated.
The bags also must be compatible with your shrink packaging equipment- an important item to check on the technical data sheet before purchasing. While a manual shrink heat gun will always be compatible with any bag size, it can be a tediously slow packaging process if you produce many gift baskets.
Shrink wrap rolls, on the other hand, are much better suited to large-quantity production and are more flexible in providing full coverage to gift baskets of all shapes and sizes. Although you may need a few test runs to perfect the packaging operations, shrink wrap rolls are often a more practical and economical solution for packaging gift baskets at scale.
Which type of Shrink Film is Best for Wrapping Gift Baskets?
Ultimately, the type of shrink film you’ll need will depend on the items you place in your gift basket. Here are Folene Packaging’s top picks for gift basket packaging:
1. Best for Multipurpose Gift Baskets: Flxtite® AP-1 Film
This high-quality polyolefin film boasts exceptional gloss and shine, making it a perfect choice for elevating a gift basket of any size. Its subtle glossy finish and smooth edges instantly increase shelf appeal and add that finishing touch to the gifting experience. Great for gift baskets containing anything from chocolates to cosmetics and teddy bears to fuzzy slippers. Explore AP-1 Film by clicking the image below.
2. Best for Eco-Friendly Gift Baskets: Ecolene® 100% Biodegradable Shrink Film
Preparing a gift basket for an eco-conscious recipient means that the entire gift, including the packaging, should align with their values. With Ecolene® 100% Biodegradable Shrink Film, you don’t need to compromise on appearance to make your gift basket eco-friendly. Ecolene® boasts superior clarity, gloss, and shrink properties while maintaining full biodegradability.
3. Best for Fresh Food & Beverage Gift Baskets: Flxtite® XF Anti-fog Film
A fresh food gift basket needs special film to avoid fogging, particularly if the food needs refrigeration (think cut fruit or vegetable platters, iced coffees, etc.) Luckily, Folene Packaging offers a specialized anti-fog shrink film specifically made for packaging fresh or frozen food items with full visibility. Flxtite® XF not only presents the food beautifully but also preserves the freshness for longer, extending the gift basket’s shelf life.
4. Best for Specialized Heavy-Duty Item Gift Baskets: Flxtite® AP-XH
Gifting something unusual, heavy, oddly shaped, or sharp-edged? Flxtite® AP-XH is perfect for wrapping gift baskets containing heavy toolkits, pocket knives, or other oddly shaped gifts. Its extra strength provides high tear resistance without sacrificing appearance, so you get the best of both worlds when gifting heavy-duty items.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Shrink Film for Your Gift Baskets
Using shrink film to package gift baskets is an excellent decision that enhances both the presentation and protection of your gifts. The tight, glossy fit not only increases shelf appeal but also keeps the basket’s contents secure and safe from dust and contaminants and helps preserve the freshness of food items. Whether you opt for shrink bags or rolls, the choice you make should align with your specific needs—be it a small-scale effort or large-quantity production. With top-quality options like Flxtite® films and eco-friendly solutions, Folene Packaging provides everything you need for an exceptional gifting experience.
Don’t wait to elevate your gift baskets—contact Folene Packaging today to place your order for the best shrink wrap available!
