Is paying extra for online gift wrapping worth it?

HOUSTON – If you're shipping presents this month, you may be debating whether you should splurge and pay for the retailer to wrap the gift. Consumer expert Amy Davis is showing you your options and what you get with some of the most popular retailers. 

We discovered that a lot of stores don't even offer gift wrapping anymore. Walmart, Kohl's and JC Penney have all canceled the option for online orders. 

Here are what other retailers charge and what they give you for your money: 

Banana Republic
In-store: Free for a gift box that you can wrap and assemble yourself.
Online: Free for a gift box but $5 for a wrapped box with tissue, ribbon and a gift card.

Barnes & Noble
In-store: Free.
Online: $3.99 per item.

Bed Bath & Beyond
In-store: Free gift wrapping station complete with boxes, wrapping paper, scissors and tape!
Online: $3.99 per order. Larger or prepackaged items come in a plastic gift bag.

Brooks Brothers
In-store: Nope.
Online: Free.

Gap
In-store: Free for a gift box that you wrap and assemble yourself.
Online: Free for a gift box, but $5 for a wrapped box with tissue, ribbon and a gift card.

Jared
Online: Free gift message. No Wrap.

JC Penney
In-store: Free box but no wrapping paper.
Online: Not available

Jonathan Adler
In-store: Free!
Online: $5 per box. Gift messages are free.

L.L.Bean
In-store: Free gift boxes.
Online: Not available. 

MAC Cosmetics
Online: Free gift wrapping.

Nordstrom
In-store: Free boxes and paper are available, but only the cosmetics department offers actual gift wrapping.
Online: $5 for a gift box, tissue paper, bow and card; $2 for an easy-to-assemble gift box with tissue paper, a bow and blank gift tag; or opt for a short gift message for free.

Pottery Barn
In-store: Free.
Online: $6 per package, plus a free personalized message.

Ralph Lauren
In-store: Free.
Online: Get a gift box for $5.

Saks Fifth Avenue
In-store: Nope.
Online: Free gift box with holiday bow; $6.50 for a white or black professionally wrapped box with a ribbon.

Sephora
In-store: Free. Just ask for gift boxes or bags when you check out.
Online: $3 for a gift satchel and $5 for a gift box.

Tiffany & Co.
In-store: Free.
Online: Free. All purchases come in the signature Tiffany Blue Box tied with a white satin ribbon.

Tory Burch
In-store: Free.
Online: Free.

Williams-Sonoma
In-store: Free box, paper and ribbon.
Online: $5.95 per wrapped box, which includes a ribbon.

Stores With Paid Gift Wrapping Services

Amazon
Online: $3.99 for a reusable cloth gift bag.

Apple
Online: $5 for signature gift wrapping, and you can engrave a message on the back of devices for free!

Best Buy
Online: Gift box is $4.99.

Dillard's
Online:$6 per gift box-wrapping not included.

Macy's
Online: $6 for a gift box, tissue paper and ribbon.

Old Navy
Online: $5 for a box with ribbon, tissue and a card.

Sur La Table
In-store: $5 per item.
Online: $5 per item.

Target
In-store: None.
Online: $5.99 per item.

Victoria's Secret
Online: $6 for gifts packed in the signature pink box with a ribbon and card, or pay $3 for the aforementioned supplies-only you'll need to do the wrapping!

Walmart.com
Not available.
 


About the Author:

Passionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries.