Photos by Nicole roegner Paper Joy

Turn your present into a presentation with the help of three local shops selling unique gift wrap and accessories.

Paper Joy
4410 N. 40th St., Phoenix
602-667-6227
paperjoy.com

This postage stamp-sized “paperteria” specializes in stylish invitations and stationery but also offers thick, high-quality gift wrap ($4-$6 per roll). Let your inner Martha Stewart loose as you choose from patterns such as fleurs de lis, art deco designs, sentimental sentences, cheeky song lyrics, and holiday motifs like holly, mittens and poinsettias. Accessorize with ribbons in a pattern of, say, polka dots or martini glasses, and don’t forget the oversized, candy-colored gift tags and unschmaltzy cards. Also look for the Paper Joy kiosk at neighboring La Grande Orange Grocery.

Frances

Frances
10 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
602-279-5463 francesvintage.com

The selection is small, but if you’re seeking funky, retro gift wrap, you won’t find a higher concentration than at this funky, retro boutique. “Call off the dogs, the hunt is over,” you might exclaim as you sift through Curious George birthday paper, kitschy 1950s road trip wrap, odes to superheroes and cartoon characters, and vaguely Christmas-y prints (llamas wearing scarves can pass for reindeer, right?). Also, check out the gift-wrapping kits ($25), which come with confectionary patterned paper, gift tags, labels, ribbons and ties.

Do Me A Favor

Do Me A Favor
835 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 102, Phoenix
602-200-0190 favorfinegifts.com

The difference between a typical gift and this shop’s wrapped-up masterpieces is like the difference between a Safeway bakery bundt and the prizewinner on Ace of Cakes. The boutique features two wrapping paper libraries stacked with selections (starting at $3 a sheet) ranging from distinctly patterned to touchably embossed to “it could double as a duvet cover” embroidered paper. Gift wrapping classes are held monthly, and resident wrappers pride themselves on their creative inventions. “We’re all about accessorizing the packages,” co-owner Jennifer Benavidez says. Check out the “tuxedo,” a red carpet-ready wrapping style complete with buttons, ribbon bowtie and ruffled paper shirt. Or the “suitcase,” snazzy with faux crocodile leather paper and braided ribbon handle. Or more feminine packaging flourished with real flowers or ribbon bouquets. Or the tapeless origami-style, secured with a single wax stamp. In fact, the presents are so stunning it seems a crime to open them. And yet we must.