GB2528715A

GB2528715A - Gift wrap and method of forming such

Info

Publication number: GB2528715A
Application number: GB1413465.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Anton Kocerhan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-30
Filing date: 2014-07-30
Publication date: 2016-02-03
Also published as: GB201413465D0

Abstract

It is possible to provide a preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve 10 for receiving a gift and which is not a postal envelope, comprising a body portion 12 formed of giftcote wrapping paper material having an exterior bleached and ceremonially coloured surface 32, the body portion 12 defining a cavity 28 and an access opening 30 for insertion of a gift into the cavity 28. A closure element 22 is also provided for closing the access opening 30, the body portion 12 and closure element 22 together conveying a hand-wrapped appearance. Opposing sides of the body portion may be pre-pleated (156, 158, fig 4) to accommodate gifts of different thicknesses. The sleeve may include an adhesive element 26 for adhering the closure element to the body portion. A gift tag (34, 36, fig 2) may be provided and an outer enclosure may surround a plurality of sleeves.

Description

Gift Wrap and Method of Forming Such The present invention relates to a preformed gift-wrap sleeve formed of giftcotc-weight wrapping paper for a gift. The invention further relates to a gift-wrap package and gift wrap system, a method of forming such a gift-wrap skeve. and to a method of wrapping a gift using such a gift-wrap sleeve.

Gifts cxchanged between individuals, typically for birthdays or other celebrations. are generally wrapped in thin, typically translucent or semi-translucent disposable, ceremonially decorated wrapping paper so as to conceal the identity of the gill until the recipient opens the wrapping. This maintains an element of suspense during the giving of gifts, which can be exciting for all parties involved.

Such gifteote wrapping paper can be difficult to use, however, since it is often particularly light weight, easily folded, creased andlor torn, and can be difficult to wrap in a neat manner by an unskilled individual. Given that gifts are often given as an indication of affection or respect, an untidily wrapped gift can undermine the sentiment associated with the giving of said gift.

Furthermore, giftcote wrapping paper must be typically cut to the size of the gift, and sealed in some manner, typically with adhesive tape. This again can be troublesome, since the scissors and adhesive tape must also he procured before the gift can he wrapped, which can be challenging if time is limited, or if the giver is travelling, for instance.

Solutions to these problems include the use of aesthetically pleasing gift bags, such as wine bags, or semi-rigid patterned gift boxes, both of which are typically formed from heavier weight thin paper cardboard and not giftcote. Whilst these solutions negate the requirement for scissors and tape, it is clear in both cases that. the gift has not been hand-wrapped, and in the case of the gift bags, the gift is visible from the top, destroying the element of surprise.

The present invention seeks to overcome all of these problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve for receiving a gift and which is not a postal envelope, comprising a body portion lormed ol giltcote wrapping paper material having an exterior bleached and ceremonially coloured surface, the body portion defining a cavity and an access opening for insertion of a gift into the cavity and a closure element for closing the access opening, the body portion and closure element conveying a hand-wrapped appearance.

It is an object of the invention to provide a gift-wrap sleeve which simplifies the wrapping of gills whilst retaining the appearance of having been hand-wrapped.

Giftcote is the material of choice for wrapping gifts; however, it is easily torn or damaged, and therefore the material of choice for preformed gift. bags has typically been more durahle kraft paper or cardboard.

A major disadvantage with a cardboard gift box, gift bag or non-giftcote envelope is that it is clear that the person wrapping the gift has not hand-wrapped it. This may manifest in the disappointment of the recipient; unwrapping ceremonially-decorated wrapping paper from gifts is a pleasurable experience which is not replicable with a cardboard box. By providing a gift-wrap sleeve which is pre-lormed from giftcote wrapping papcr, this excitemcnt can be restored, and the giver is able to appear as though they have spent the time hand-wrapping the gift.

By providing a preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve, it is possible to insert a gift into the sleeve and use the closure flap to endose it therein, without the need for scissors or adhesive tape. Such a giftcote sleeve is capable of being transported from supplier to the user with nrinimal risk of damage to the sleeve in transit. This enables the user to give the appearance of having hand-wrapped the gift, since the gift will be wrapped in giftcote.

Preferably. the closure element may be a substantially quadrilaterally shaped hap.

adding to the hand-wrapped appearance, and preferably the flap may have parallel sides.

Still preferably, the body portion may be at least substantially quadrilateral shaped.

Utilising a substantially quadillaterally-shaped gift-wrap sleeve reduces the likelihood of damage to the sleeve in transit, since it can be packaged more easily. Since giftcote is readily torn, it is highly advantageous for the gift-wrap sleeve to be formed in an easily transportable form, thereby avoiding significant damage to the look of any eventually wrapped gift.

Preferably, opposing sides of the body portion maybe pre-pleated to accommodate gills of different thicknesses.

As an alternative to the standardised rectangular gift-wrap sleeve, the body portion may be provided such that there is a degree of variability in its volume, in order to accommodate a variety of sites of gift. A fully cuhoidal sleeve could he provided. ii a board game, for instance, were being given. Alternatively, an item of unusual dimensions could be wrapped by providing a gift-wrap sleeve which could be expanded or contracted as necessary.

To permit this expansion or contraction, the body portion of the gift-wrap sleeve could be pleated or gusseted. allowing the gift-wrap sleeve to concertina like a bellows. The gift-wrap sleeve can then be tensioned by the positioning of an adhesive portion, with excess wrapping paper being folded over. Not only does this achieve a tight wrap about the gift. but the gift-wrap sleeve then automatically achieves a hand-wrapped aesthetic.

Preferably, the preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve may further comprise an adhesive element for adhering the dosure element to the body portion. the adhesive element having a longitudinal extent which matches or substantially matches an extent of the access opening.

For speed of wrapping, it is highly advantageous to provide the body portion with a closure means inbuilt to the gift-wrap sleeve. An adhesive portion attached to a closure flap beneficially allows the user to fold the wrapping paper over for tension, and then seal it in place with the minimum of effort.

Preferably, the giftcote wrapping paper material may have a basis weight which is less than kraft paper, and still preferably, the giftcote wrapping paper material may have a basis weight which is great than tissue paper.

By using kraft or tissue paper for a gift-wrap skeve, it becomes more apparent that the giver has not hand-wrapped the gift, since giftcote is the ubiquitous standard for wrapping gifts.

Preferably, the exterior surface of the giftcote wrapping paper may include at least one of a lou. iridescent, pearlescent. or flocked finish.

Wrapping paper is typically coloured, patterned or otherwise embellished so as to he aesthetically appealing, particularly for children. This is a further benefit over cardboard boxes, which are typically dull and visually unappealing.

Preferably, the giftcote gift-wrap sleeve may further comprise an indicium portion on or at the body portion. onto which a user can write a message. Preferably, the indicium portion may be a gift tag.

When giving a gift, the giver typically at least signs their own name as an indicator of where the gift has originated, and usually the giver will write a further message of goodwill. It is therefore advantageous to provide the gift-wrap sleeve with an indicium portion in which such a message can be written. Typically, gift tags are used for this purpose, and one may be beneficially included with the gift-wrap sleeve, either separately or integral with the extenor surface finish.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a gift-wrap sleeve package comprising a plurality of preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeves according to the first aspect of the invention, and an outer enclosure surrounding the plurality of preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeves.

It is beneficial to provide a plurality of gift-wrap sleeves together, thereby allowing a giver to wrap multiple gifts simultaneously. Providing the gift-wrap sleeves within an outer enclosure protects the gift-wrap sleeves from damage, which is a primary concern for giftcote-based products.

Preferably, the preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeves may have different exterior surfaces, and preferably at least two of the plurality of preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeves may be different.

By providing different gift-wrap sleeves, it is possible for a user to be able to wrap a variety of different sizes and shapes of gift, and, if the external surfaces of the giftcote gift-wrap sleeves are patterned in different fashions, to further enhance the appearance of having spent signilicant time and ellort hand-wrapping the gills individually.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a gift-wrap sleeve system comprising a preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve according to the first aspect of the invention, and a postal envelope dimensioned to accommodate the preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve having a gift therein, the postal envelope enabling passage through a postal system.

Many gifts arc transported via the postal network, and since this process can he rough for delivered packages, it is likely that a giftcote-wrapped gift will suffer damage. It is therefore advantageous to provide a postal envelope dimensioned for the gift-wrap sleeve to enable safe passage via the postal system.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preforming a giftcotc gift-wrap sleeve in accordance with the first aspect of the invention which gives a hand-wrapped appearance. the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a pre-formed non-rectangular 2-dimensional giftcote blank formed from giftcote wrapping paper having a bleached and coloured cxterna surface; h] folding the giftcote blank into a 3-dimensional closable slccvc for a gift having an access opcning at one side for receiving a gift and an access flap at or adjacent the access opening for closing the access opening; and ci sealing the sides of the closable sleeve other than the access opening, thereby forming a preformed giftcotc gift-wrap sleeve.

It is understood in the technological field of the invention that gift-wrap is a bleached coated or coloured unpadded wrapping paper supplied in two weights called giftcote, and excludes heavier kraft paper, and lighter tissue paper. Postal envelopes, being padded and unpadded. are not formed of gificote, and are thus excluded from the scope of the current invention.

One of the main difficulties with using standard giftcotc wrapping paper is that, in order to successfully wrap a gift, the user must have adhesive tape and scissors on hand. The present invention neatly circumvents this problem by providing a gift-wrap sleeve which is pre-formed. such that the user can simply insert, their gift, seal the sleeve, and be ready to hand over the gift in moments. Advantageously, such a gift-wrap sleeve is able to he used on the move, when a user may not have scissors or adhesive tape to hand, hut may still need to wrap a gift.

Furthermore, the wrapping of gifts is much simplified by utilising the present invention.

In situations where a large number of presents may need to be wrapped, the present invention can greatly reduce the time spent wrapping. Particularly during a festive period, such as Christmas or birthday. time is a valuahie commodity, and therefore any reduction in the time spent wrapping gifts can be otherwise used in a more efficient manner.

Preferably, the blank may be substantially cruciform.

A cruciform blank advantageously folds in a straightforward manner. This limits the probability of the gift-wrap sleeve being damaged prior to use, or being constructed incorrecfly, shouki the gift-wrap sleeve he provided to the end-user as a blank.

Preferably, the 3-dimensional package-like sleeve may be rectangular and substantially planar once assembled, and preferably still, the 3-dimensional sleeve is sized so as to snugly accept a keepcase or container of an optical storage medium.

Some gifts are more commonly given than others. In particular, CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray RTM discs are routinely given as presents, being low-cost and plentiful sources of entertainment. As such, the keepcases of such items have standardised dimensions, and this may be reflected in the construction of the gift-wrap sleeve.

Preferably, the blank may be formed such that the sides of the 3-dimensional sleeve are pleated, once constructed.

By providing the Hank with pleats, thc sides of the fully constructed 3-dimensiona' sleeve will be capable of expanding or contracting, thereby permitting the enclosure of gifts of different sizes and/or shapes.

Preferably, a closure flap may be provided as part of the 2-dimensional blank, allowing the user to close the single opening following insertion of a gift into the 3-dimensional sleeve. Preferably still, an adhesive portion may he provided on the dosure flap to permit the user to seal the 3-dimensional sleeve.

The closure flap may be integrally provided with the sleeve, in order to facilitate closure of the gilt, whilst maintaining the look of having been hand-wrapped.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of wrapping a gift comprising the steps of: a] inserting the gift into a preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve according to the first aspect of the invention; and b] sealing the gift-wrap sleeve.

Utilising a gift-wrap sleeve in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention advantageously accelerates the process ol wrapping a gift. particularly if the gilt has relatively standard dimensions. By providing such a gift-wrap sleeve, the giver can save significant amounts of time and effort when attempting to wrap a present in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first side of a first embodiment of a gift-wrap sleeve, in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second side of the gift-wrap sleeve of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a 2-dimensional blank used to create the gift-wrap sleeve ol Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a first side of a second embodiment of a gill-wrap sleeve in accordance with the second aspect olthe invention; Figurc 5 shows a pcrspective view of a second side of the gift-wrap sleeve of Figure 4; and Figure 6 shows a plan view of a 2-dimensional blank used to create the gift-wrap sleeve of Figure 4.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a first embodiment of a gifteote gift-wrap sleeve 10 formed from giftcote wrapping paper, into which a gift can be placed, with the resultant appearance ol the gift having been wrapped by hand.

The sleeve 10 comprises a body portion 12 which is suhstantialy planar iii this embodiment, having top and bottom rectangular sides 14. 16 identically sized, and affixed to one another along three of their edges 18. Extending from the unsealed edge is a closure element, in this case being an integrally formed rectangular closure flap 22 which is hinged or pivotable ahout the unsealed edge 20.

Preferably running substantially along the length of an inner surface 24 of the closure flap 22 is an adhesive portion 26 which allows the user of the gift-wrap sleeve 10 to easily seal the body portion 12. The adhesive portion 26 may typically be an adhesive strip having a peelable tab to prevent accidental sealing before the gift has been inserted.

The pedable tab can then he removed to uncover the adhesive as required.

Between the top and bottom sides 14, 16, there is therefore defined a cavity or recess 28 into which a gift can be placed, and access to said recess 28 is via an access opening 30 along the unsealed edge 20. The outside of the body portion 12 is therefore defined as the external surface 32 of the gift-wrap sleeve 10.

The body portion 12 is formed from giftcote wrapping paper in order to give the appearance of the gift having been wrapped by hand, this being standard bleached and ink-print coated wrapping paper. Typically this will be brightly coloured and/or patterned at least on the outer exterior surface, resulting in a visually impressive external surface 32 of the body portion 12. The giftcote has a weight which may result in the material being translucent or semi-transluccnt. The giftcote is also preferably disposable, and of a weight which is not intended to be sent through a postal service. As such, the giticote wrapping paper utilised is intended to be received within a postal envelope or postal package is it is to he mailed. Consequently. the giftcote preferably has a base or basis weight which is less than that of postal envelopes or of kraft paper, but greater than that of tissue paper An indicium portion 34 may also be provided with the gift-wrap sleeve 10; this may merely be a designated area of the external surface 32, but more likely is a gift tag 36 affixed to one corner 38 of the body portion 12.

To create the 3-dimensional body portion 12. a non-rectangular 2-dimensional blank 40 of single ply giftcote material is therefore provided. This will typically he a cruciform blank having a central portion 42. a lower portion 44 sized to match the central portion 42, two lateral wing portions 46, and an upper portion 48.

To form the 3-dimensional body portion 12, the lateral wing portions 46 are folded along ateral folding lines 50 such that their lower surfaces (to (lie rear of Figure 3) contact the lower surface of the central portion 42. The lower portion 44 may then he folded upwards along a lower folding line 52, such that the lower surface of the lower portion 44 contact an upper surface 54 of the lateral wing portions 46. The upper surfaces 54 of the lateral wing portions 46 are coated in adhesive to seal.

The central portion 42 therefore forms the top side 14 and the lower portion 44 the bottom side 16 of the body portion 12. The upper portion 48 thus becomes the closure flap 22, and can be folded along the unsealed edge 20 as detailed above.

Typically. this first embodiment of the gift-wrap sleeve 10 is sized so as to be able to accept a standard keep case of an optical storage mechanism, such as a compact disc or digital versatile disc, since these are common gifts of a known volume. This enables the gift-wrap sleeve 10 to be substantially planar before insertion of the gift, reducing the likelihood of damage to the wrapping paper.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 4 to 6, which is designed for gifts of a less standard volume. Like references refer to parts which are similar or identical to those of the first embodiment, and therefore further detailed description is omitted.

This giftcote gift-wrap sleeve 110 is also formed having a body portion 112 with top and bottom rectangular sides 114. 116. but connecting these sides 114, 116 are three further sides 156, 158 each oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the planes of the top and bottom sides 114, 116, two of which being in parallel with one another 156, and the third being additionally orthogonal 158.

A closure flap 122 which, similarly to the first embodiment, extends along or substantially along an entire edge ol the sleeve lit) is again provided, also having an adhesive portion 126 extending preferably substantially along the length of the closure flap 122. The closure flap 122, as before, is preferably integrally foirned with the body portion 112 of the sleeve 110 and hinged or pivotable about an unsealed edge 120 of the 3-dimensional body portion 112.

The three further sides 156, 158 may he pleated so as to provide a degree of adjustability of the volume of the body portion 112, in a concertina-like or gusseted fashion. This not only allows for larger items to be wrapped, but also to be able to wrap or accommodate non-cuhoidal or irregular gifts more easily.

If the full volume of the cavity 128 were to be filled, it will be evident that the resultant gift-wrap sleeve will he cuhoidal. Therefore, the sleeve will have a rectangular profile when viewed from the top or bottom sides 114, 116, and also from either of the parallel further sides 156.

However, if a smaller gift were provided, the pleating of the further sides 156. 158 allows for one end 160 of the body portion 112 to he wider than the other 162, resulting in a substantially triangular or trapezoidal profile when viewed from either of the parallel further sides 156.

This adjustability is achieved when sealing the gift-wrap sleeve 110; depending upon how far down the bottom side 116 the adhesive portion 126 of the closure flap 122 is adhered.

To form this second embodiment of the invention, a further 2-dimensional non-rectangular blank 140 of, preferably single ply, giftcote is provided. Again, this will be generally cruciform, albeit with a greater number of folding lines 150. 152, 162, 164, 166. The upper portion 148 is substantially similar to that ol the first embodiment.

The central portion 142 will again form the top side 114 of the 3-dimensional body portion 112. However, the lateral wings 146 have a more complex profile, since these will form the two parallel further sides 156 of the 3-dimensional body portion 112. Each lateral wing 146 includes a lateral and a lower adhering flap 168, 170 having an upper surface 172, 174 to which adhesive can be applied.

The lower portion 144 of the 2-dimensional blank 140 comprises a top and bottom portion 176, 178 which will respectively form the third IurtFer side 158 and (he bottom side 116 of the body portion 112.

To form the 3-dimensional body portion 112. the lateral wings 146 are folded along lateral folding lines 150, and the adhering flaps 168, 170 are folded along the lateral and lower flap ft)lding lines 162, 164. The lower portion 144 is then folded along first lower folding line 152, adhering to the lower adhering flaps 170 in the process. and is then folded along second lower folding line 166 to adhere to the lateral adhering flaps 168.

The body portion 112 can then be concertinaed into a planar sheet, ready for use. A gift can then be inserted into the recess 128 of the body portion 112, and the closure flap 122 pivoted such that its adhesive portion 126 is brought into contact with the bottom side 116 of the body portion 112. thereby sealing the gift-wrap s'eeve 110.

it will be appreciated that the giftcote gift-wrap sleeve would be provided either in its fully constructed format, such that a user only needs to insert their gift and seal, or as the 2-dimensional blank, if so desired. If the blank is provided, then peelable tabs covering adhesive portions could be provided on either the ateral wings of the first embodiment, or the adhering flaps of the second embodiment.

Alternatively, the adhesive portion of the closure flap could be dispensed with, allowing the user to use standard adhesive tape to seal the 3-dimensional sleeve, thereby enhancing the hand-wrapped appearance of the gift-wrap sleeve.

Beneficially, it. is preferable that a plurality of the giftcote gift-wrap sleeves is provided within an exterior wrapper, container or package, simplifying transportation and/or storage. The sleeves may have the same or different exterior surface decoration, preferably being a festive or ceremonial decoration and/or may include a foil, iridescent, pearlescent, or flocked finish, for example. The interior surface is preferably bleached and plain or uncoloured.

The plurality of giftcotc gift-wrap sleeves may have the same dimensions. Alternatively, at least two of the sleeves within the exterior wrapper, container or package may have dilTerent dimensions to accommodate dilierent sizes of gilt.

Furthermore, die or each gilicote gill-wrap sleeve may he used in conjunction with an outer postal envelope, thereby allowing safe transit through a postal system without or without substantial damage to the giftcote gift-wrap sleeve therewithin.

It is therefore possible to provide a pre-foimed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve which has the appearance ol (lie gilt having been hand-wrapped from wrapping paper. whilst significantly reducing the time investment required to wrap said gift.

This is achievable by providing a 3-dimensional sleeve formed from giftcote wrapping paper, into which the gift can be placed, slid or inserted and sealed, thereby eliminating the need for scissors and adhesive tape.

The words comprises/comprising' and the words having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

it is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversdy, various features of the invention which arc, for brevity, descnbed in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve for receiving a gift and which is not a postal envelope, comprising a body portion formed of giftcote wrapping paper material having an exterior bleached and cercmonially coloured surfacc. the body portion defining a cavity and an access opening for insertion of a gift into the cavity and a closure element for closing the access opening. the body portion and closure element conveying a hand-wrapped appearance.
2. A preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure element is a substantially quadrilaterally shaped flap, adding to the hand-wrapped appearance.
3. A preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flap has parallel sides.
4. A preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body portion is at least substantially quadrilateral shaped.
5. A preformed giftcotc gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein opposing sides of the body portion are pre-pleated to accommodate gifts of different thicknesses.
6. A preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adhesive clement for adhering the closure element to the body portion, the adhesive element having a longitudinal extent which matches or substantially matches an extent of the access opening.
7. A preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the giftcote wrapping paper material has a basis weight which is less than kraft paper.
8. A preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the giftcote wrapping paper material has a basis weight which is great than tissue paper.
9. A preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exterior surface of the giftcote wrapping paper includes at least one of a foil, iridescent, pearlescent, or flocked finish.
10. A preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an indicium portion on or at the body portion, onto which a user can write a message.
11. A preformed giltcote gilt-wrap sleeve as claimed in claim 10, wherein the indicium portion is a gift tag.
12. A preformed gifteote gift-wrap sleeve substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures ito 3, or Figure 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
13. A gift-wrap sleeve package comprising a plurality of preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeves as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and an outer enclosure surrounding the plurality of preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeves.
14. A gift-wrap sleeve package as claimed in claim 11. wherein the preformed 1 5 giftcote gift-wrap sleeves have different exterior surfaces.
15. A gift-wrap sleeve package as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12. wherein at least two of the plurality of preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeves are different.
16. A gift-wrap sleeve system comprising a prefoimed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of claims I to 12. and a postal envelope dimensioned to accommodate the preformed giftcote gift-wrap sleeve having a gift therein, the postal envelope enabling passage through a postal system.
17. A method of preforming a gificote gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of claims I to 12 which gives a hand-wrapped appearance, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a pre-formed non-rectangular 2-dimensional giftcote Hank formed from giftcote wrapping paper having a bleached and coloured external surface; b] folding the giftcote blank into a 3-dimensional closable sleeve for a gift having an access opening at one side for receiving a gift and an access flap at or adjacent the access opening for closing the access opening: and ci sealing the sides of the closable sleeve other than the access opening, thereby lorming a prelormed gilicote gilt-wrap sleeve.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the blank is substantially cruciform.
19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the 3-dimensional skeve is rectangular and substantially planar once assembled.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, whcrcin the 3-dimensional slecve is sizcd so as to snugly accept a keep case of an optical storage medium.
21. A method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18. wherein the blank is formed such that the sides of the 3-dimensional sleeve are pleated, once constructed.
22. A method as claimed in any one of daims 17 to 21, wherein a closure flap is provided as part of the 2-dimensional blank, allowing the user to close the single opcning following inscrtion of a gift into the 3-dimensional sleeve.
23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein an adhesive portion is provided on the closure flap to permit the user to seal the 3-dimensional sleeve.
24. A method of wrapping a gift comprising the steps of: a] inserting the gift into a preformed giftcotc gift-wrap sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12; and b] sealing the gift-wrap sleeve.