Shrink wrapping can be the piece that makes or breaks your basket design. A great-looking basket is less attractive with improper wrapping. b+B offers wholesale rolls of polypropylene, bulk shrink-wrap sheets, domes, and shrink wrap basket bags. All of these can be used to create the beautiful finishing touch on a gift basket assortment. The type you choose will depend on the size of your gift arrangement and personal preference.
If you're unsure of which bulk shrink wrap materials to choose, contact customer service. Whatever method you choose, be sure to plan ahead before you wrap, so that you can get the coverage you need without excess waste. All of the supplies you need for shrink wrapping can be found on our General Wholesale Supplies page. Scroll or filter until you see the items you need. Check out the video below to start learning the basics of shrink wrapping.
What is shrink wrap?
Shrink wrap for baskets comes in a couple of forms: "domes" for large gift arrangements, and shrink wrap bags. The film, bag, or dome is placed around the gift arrangement or wrapped around it. When heat is applied, the wrapping forms to the shape of the arrangement. Not only does it look professional on a retail gift basket, but it's also suitable for holding gift assortment items in place on retail shelves and during times of transport before it is opened.
Does cellophane shrink with heat?
Yes, it does. That is why heat cannot be applied to any one spot on the shrink wrap basket bags for too long because it will melt and cause a hole to form.
How To Professionally Shrink Wrap a Basket or Gift Arrangement:
1.) Place the entire gift arrangement inside the shrink wrap material. If you're using a shrink wrap dome or a shrink wrap bag (the most common way to shrink wrap), make sure the opening of the bag/dome is at the bottom of the arrangement. Make sure the seam of the bag/dome is along the handle of the container (if it has one). You want to make sure the bag/dome you choose is large enough to tape at the bottom of the arrangement (clear packaging tape is best).
2.) Place the covered arrangement on a turntable or another surface that allows you to easily turn the arrangement while heat is being applied. If you do not have a turntable available, a large ceramic plate will work.
3.) Using a heat gun, quickly run the heat gun over the surface of the shrink wrap material, quickly turning the arrangement as you go. The heat will cause the material to conform to the shape of the gift arrangement. Keep the heat gun at a safe distance from the material. Start the heat application on areas of the arrangement with edges or sharp corners, as these items have the highest risk of creating holes (examples: box edges or teapot spouts). Work slowly into the arrangement as you become more familiar with the process and see how quickly shrink wrapping occurs with heat. Do not point the heat gun at the same area for an extended period. It will melt the wrap, causing holes to form. Any ripples you observe in the wrapping mean heat can still be applied in that area.
4.) To finish the bottom, lay the arrangement on its side. Seal the bottom with packaging tape, and apply the heat gun. This will ensure air does not work its way back into the arrangement before it is ready to be opened.
5.) Put the finishing touch on the arrangement by adding a ribbon bow. Choose a ribbon made of a soft material to avoid punctures in the shrink wrapping (avoid wired ribbon and burlap ribbon). You will want to wrap the ribbon under the bottom, and over the top, with the bow being in the "front" of the arrangement. Make sure you cut enough ribbon off the spool to tie an adequate bow. You want to avoid wasting materials, but excess can be cut off at the end. Check out b+B's selection of wholesale ribbon to coordinate ribbon colors with the items in the arrangement or the arrangement theme. If you'd like, cellophane sheets can be used to enhance ribbon bow fixtures (the video below provides directions for this step). Lastly, add 1 more piece of tape to the bottom of the arrangement to keep the ribbon in place, and you're done.
For our visual learners, watch the shrink-wrapping video below to learn how to professionally shrink-wrap gift baskets and arrangements.
Handle With Care
Keep your hands away from the front of the gun as you turn the basket. The heat gun uses extreme heat and could cause severe burns. Large shrink wrap bags may require slightly more heat.
Can you shrink-wrap baskets with a hair dryer?
Ultimately, yes, you can, but it is not recommended. A heat gun is a lot more efficient for gift shrink wrapping. You can find heat guns on b+B's General Wholesale Supplies page, which is linked above.
For those out there who aren't comfortable with shrink wrapping with a heat gun, you can also wrap gift baskets and arrangements with cellophane. Be sure to check out our last video on the proper way to professionally cello wrap gift baskets.
Become a b+B retail partner today and create a wholesale account. Besides excellent customer service and fast shipping on all your shrink wrap supply orders, you always get access to FREE industry education.
