Custom vs Standard Wrapping Paper: Which One Should You Choose

Understanding the Difference

Before wrapping both papers it's essential to understand what both papers are and what actually they offer.

Standard Wrapping Paper

It’s a ready made paper that comes in widely available and generic designs, patterns, or plain formats. They don’t offer creativity but blend well with general gift wrapping, low volume packaging, or short-term retail needs.

Custom Wrapping Paper

As the name suggests, it is specially designed for brands and businesses. It has wide customization options where any logo, color, pattern, or messaging can be printed. Apart from that these also offer personalized variations in GSM and materials make the whole packaging experience perfectly adjusted to the brand’s ideas or needs.

If you are new to wrapping paper terminologies, types, and materials our Guide to Wrapping Paper would be a good start to build a strong foundation and understanding before making a decision.

When to Use Standard Wrapping Paper

Not every business is looking to give a creative touch to their brand and rather wants a safe, secure, and affordable option that gets the job done and brings convenience. Some advantages may include;

• Quick accessibility with no production wait
• No design approvals or lengthy design procedures
• No minimum order quantities
• Easy to switch between papers according to need, season, or occasion

A typical standard wrapping paper ranges from 60-100 GSM with matte or gloss finish with light coating. It’s available in pre-cut sheets and rolls for maximum convenience.

It is ideally used for personal gifting, seasonal promotions, short-term events, small scale, or occasional packaging. It's the best paper and smart choice if branding is not a priority. If brands want speed and quick deliveries, standard wrapping paper is the best go to option.

When Custom Wrapping Paper is the Best Choice

This is the best choice when brands want every eye to turn towards their brand. Their brand is all about identity and intention. It is best for the businesses that view packaging as part of their brand experience.

The key advantages for custom wrapping paper may include;

• Cohesive and professional look
• Brand recognition
• Customization options crafted for specific uses
• Enhances unboxing and customer experience

The thickness for a custom wrapping paper ranges from 7–150 GSM, food-safe inks are used for printing and custom sizing is also available for alignment with brand needs.

Brands need to consider that minimum order quantities might apply for custom orders. The production takes time and often takes 2-6 weeks for approval with upfront planning.

It's beneficial for businesses like e-commerce, food, or retail brands where presentation is everything and directly affects customer perception.

Cost and Value - Does They Vary?

In most cases a standard wrapping paper does seem like an economical option especially for short-term or low-volume use. But the bigger picture is a little different and cost alone doesn’t tell the full story.

Standard Wrapping Paper

Has lower entry and cost but fails to offer any long-term branding benefit

Custom Wrapping Paper

It can be little expensive but it offer much better value per unit and stronger brand recall

For businesses comparing multiple options, they can take advantage from our resources like best wrapping paper packaging to understand how performance and value differ by application

Customer Experience and Branding

Packaging is all about physical interaction the customers have with the brand and later they associate the best experiences with the brand in the most healthy and beneficial way. Custom name wrapping paper can build trust and recognition, signal professionalism, and can increase perceived product value.

On the other hand, a standard wrapping paper doesn’t communicate the brand story or identity in the same way. For businesses that are focused on growth and differentiation, this distinction holds importance.

Practical Factors on Display

Standard Wrapping Paper

• Ready to be used immediately
• Easy to replace and designs are interchangeable
• Ideal for short-term needs requiring no storage commitment

Custom Wrapping Paper

• Requires a lot of planning and forecasting beforehand
• Offers a long-term consistency
• For bulk quantities it does require enough space for secure storage

Sustainability - For Both

A standard wrapping paper and custom food paper sustainability depends on material choice. Nonetheless for eco-friendliness both shall be;

• Lightly coated or uncoated
• Plant-based coatings
• Compostable materials
• FSC certified paper sources
• No plastic laminations

No matter, you are packing your food or gifts, a sustainable paper makes a lot of difference.

A Quick Glance

All Sealed and Sorted

There is no universal answer that among the two which one is a better choice. It mostly comes down to the purpose, scale, budget, and goals of the businesses. It highly depends on their choice, what they are seeking and what they want to offer to their brand. Standard wrapping paper offers flexibility and convenience while custom wrapping paper delivers branding power and brand recognition. By understanding them both, the best choice can be made.

If you are still weighing the options and want a detailed breakdown of the materials, GSM, finish, and uses, you may find which wrapping paper is best? very helpful. It dives deeper into specifications and comparisons for buyers who want to make a correct choice.