How to Wrap Gifts Without Hurting Your Back! 6 top tips from a chiropractor

Eve Cale
Dec 12
2 min read

If you’ve ever finished a gift-wrapping session feeling stiff, achy, or like you’ve been folded up tighter than the present you’ve just wrapped… you’re definitely not alone.

In my recent Greener Gifting Gang podcast episode, I chatted with Ruth Matthews from Key Wellness - a chiropractor and yoga teacher who sees first hand what our bodies go through when we’re hiding away presents or wrapping them.

Ruth shared some simple, practical tweaks we can all make to protect our posture, reduce strain, and actually enjoy our wrapping time. Here are her top tips.

1. Warm Up First!

Before you reach for your scissors, reach for the music. Ruth suggests having a quick kitchen disco and doing a few gentle stretches to get your body moving.

Just like any repetitive task, wrapping is easier on your muscles when they’re warm and loosened up. A wiggle, a sway, a shoulder roll… it all helps.

2. Stand to Wrap

It’s so tempting to sit or kneel on the floor surrounded by paper and ribbon, but Ruth says that’s one of the biggest causes of aching backs. Standing stops you from rounding your shoulders or twisting awkwardly.

3. Choose a Firm Surface

A bed or carpet may seem convenient, but your back will complain later. Use a solid table or countertop that allows you to keep your arms and spine in a comfortable, neutral position.

4. Your Secret Weapon: An Ironing Board

This was one of Ruth’s favourite hacks and it's something I love to share too!

An ironing board is ideal because: ✔️ It’s firm ✔️ It’s wide enough for most gifts ✔️ And most importantly… it’s height adjustable

You can set it at a level that lets you wrap without bending or stretching. Genius.

5. Break It Up Into Short Sessions

Marathon wrapping sessions might feel productive, but they’re often the culprit behind sore backs and shoulders. Ruth encourages wrapping in shorter chunks, with movement breaks in between. It’s better for your body and your focus.

6. Be Mindful of Where You Hide Presents

This one made me laugh — because it’s so relatable! Reaching into awkward cupboards, climbing onto chairs, twisting into loft spaces… we all do it. But those odd angles can cause strains before you’ve even started wrapping.

So, stash gifts somewhere easy to reach — your body will be grateful.