Customizable gift wrap
In an embodiment, a gift wrap is provided with a graphic. The user may customize the graphic with designs such as stickers, stencils, and stampers as well as with writing instruments. The user may also customize a design prior to placing the design on the gift wrap. The completed gift wrap can provide an educational experience for the person customizing the gift wrap while providing the recipient with a memorable package that a portion of which may be saved as a keepsake.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of gift wrap, more particularly to the field of customizable gift wrap.
2. Description of Related Art
Gift wrap has been used for some time in conjunction with the giving of presents. Gift wrap, such as wrapping paper, decorated bags and boxes, allows the individual giving the gift to ensure the gift remains a surprise until opened. Gift wrap also allows the gift giver to make a statement based on appearance.
While most people enjoy receiving gifts, children are especially enthusiastic about giving and getting gifts. While many younger children want to be involved in wrapping presents using gift wrap that is currently available, they are often discouraged from doing so because their wrapping skills are less advanced. Thus, they tend to feel left out of the family gift giving preparations. Furthermore, some adults also enjoy wrapping presents and would be willing to spend significant time preparing elaborate packages that could be considered works of art.
Children also enjoy working with arts and crafts. For example, children will spend considerable time preparing a project that may be given to a family member or friend. Typically the project involves a number of steps which will result in a completed craft that has an attractive or interesting appearance. The completed craft can then be displayed.
One benefit of allowing children to do crafts is that the process of doing the craft is educational. For example, a part of a craft may include connecting dots in numerical or alphabetical order to form an image and the connecting of the dots allows a child to improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor control as well as teaching or reinforcing the knowledge of numbers and/or letters. Naturally, the amount of educational impact and the difficulty in completing the project depends on the developmental level of the individual doing the craft as well as the complexity of the craft. Certain crafts require adult level developmental skills while other crafts can be accomplished by young children.
Known gift wrap cannot address these issues. Therefore, it would be advantageous to combine some of the education aspects of crafts with a customizable gift wrap.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn an embodiment of the invention, a gift wrap is provided with a graphic on it. The graphic may include an outline that can be modified as appropriate to create a particular appearance. One or more designs may be placed on the gift wrap and the graphic may be colored with a set of writing instruments. The customized wrap may then be used to encapsulate a present. The customized wrap will allow for a more personalized appearance that can be both fun and educational to prepare.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
While various gift wrap embodiments are possible and will be described below, it may be advantageous to provide a gift wrap directed toward a theme. For example, but without limitation, the gift wrap may be directed towards a calendar theme or an event theme. Examples of calendar themes include, without limitation, birthdays, ethnic holidays, person-specific days (e.g. Mother's Day), religious holidays and national holidays. Event themes include, without limitation, house warming, get well, graduation and marriage. As can be appreciated, some themes could be classified as both a calendar theme and an event theme. In an embodiment a gift wrap could be provided with a neutral theme that could become a calendar or event theme via customization.
It is noted that, as discussed above, gift wrap includes but is not limited to, wrapping paper, bags and boxes. These types of gift wrap can in turn be made of a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, paper, cloth, cardboard, foil, cellophane, plastic, Styrofoam, laminate surfaces and/or any gift wrap materials developed in the future. In addition, each type of gift wrap can be provided in a variety of configurations. For example, wrapping paper can be provided in a number of different forms, ranging from rolls to pre-cut sizes. As another example, a bag can be provided in a small, medium or large size and may include envelopes and/or pockets. Unless otherwise noted this disclosure is not intended to be limiting in this regard.
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It should be noted that the graphic 10 is an outline. In general, there are two subcategories of graphics that may be provided on the gift wrap 1: 1) outlines, and 2) detailed illustrations. The outline provides the general shape but allow significant customization of the graphic 10 by the user. The detailed illustration provides much more detail but still allow the user to customize certain aspects of the graphic 10. Thus, the detailed illustration tends to stimulates logical thought while the outline tends to stimulate creative thought. Naturally, this classification may be more difficult for some graphics 10 but most will clearly fit within one category or the other. In an embodiment, two graphics 10 may be provided on the gift wrap 1 with one graphic being a detailed illustration and one being an outline. Additional graphics 10 may also be provided so as to result in a simple or complex gift wrap as desired.
Mounted on the background 2 near the graphic 10 is a design 20. As depicted, the design 20 represents three balloons. It should be noted that the design 20 could be shaped like a cake and the graphic 10 could be shaped like balloons. Therefore, the design 20 and the graphic 10 may be used somewhat interchangeably. One major difference between the graphic 10 and the design 20 is that the graphic 10 is pre-positioned on the gift wrap 1 while the individual doing the customization places the design 20 on the gift wrap 1. In addition, the graphic 10 requires some customization in order to be considered complete. Additional details regarding the design 20 will be discussed below.
It is noted that as depicted, the graphic 10 is a primary element of the gift wrap 1 while the design 20 is a secondary element. Depending on the configuration of the gift wrap, the design 20 may be the primary element while the graphic 10 is a secondary element. pre-positioning the primary element (e.g. making the graphic 10 the primary element) may make it easier to for the user to create an overall more aesthetically pleasing gift wrap, especially if the background is a scene. However, allowing the user to position the primary element allows the user to take into account the shape of the item being enclosed in the gift wrap 1. For example, if the user first encloses the gift in the gift wrap and then places the primary element on the gift wrap, the user can better position the primary element in the desired place on the packaged gift. It should be noted that the term user refers to one or more individuals working or assisting in the customization of the gift wrap.
The gift wrap 1 further includes a message graphic 30 located in a blank space 31. The message graphic includes a text portion 32 that provides a focus for the message graphic 30 as well as a signature line 33. The message graphic also includes a writing portion 34, a drawing portion 36 and a decorative portion 38. Additional details regarding the message graphic 30 will addressed below. As can be appreciated, the blank space 31 is covered by the message graphic 30 and therefore is no longer blank.
It should be noted that blank space 31 may be a variety of shapes and may be used for orientation purposes as discussed below.
The gift wrap 1 may also include a text block 40. The text block 40 may be as depicted or may be located throughout the gift wrap 1. For example, in a theme directed towards birthdays, a plurality of birthday greetings in different languages may be placed about the gift wrap 1. The text block 40 may also include information about the subject matter of the gift wrap 1. For example, a gift wrap 1 with a dog theme could include blocks of text 40 that provide information about one or more dog breeds. Thus, the text block 40 may provide an additional education aspect and further cognitive development.
As depicted, the gift wrap 1 further includes a border 50 that includes elements 52, 54 and 56. While shown with three elements 52, 54 and 56, the border 50 could include more or less elements as desired and these elements may be repeated along one or more edges of the gift wrap 1; however, for ease of illustration only a partial border is illustrated. In an embodiment the border may include one or more pieces of text. As can be appreciated, on a gift wrap 1 comprising pre-sized wrapping paper the border 50 may run along each edge. In an embodiment the border 50 may be configured as a matte or edging. It is noted that one difference between the border 50 and the background 2 is that the border 50 includes features intended to be customized by the user.
Returning to graphic 10, the user may customize the graphic 10 as desired and in accordance with the user's ability. For example, the user may place designs 20; such as stickers on the graphic 10. In an embodiment, the designs 20 may be stickers that resemble frosting and candles so that the cake may be decorated proportional to the recipient's age. Younger recipients could have a birthday cake with one candle for each year of age while older recipients could simply have sufficient candles to look reasonable. In an embodiment, a separate sticker might be available that allows a particular number of candles, such as 13 or 21 candles, to be placed on the graphic 10.
Thus, the candle shaped stickers (not shown) are one possible embodiment of the design 20. In an embodiment, a stamper 80 may be provided to produce a design 20 resembling a flame so as to show the candles as lit.
Generally, it should be noted that while designs such as stickers could be placed on existing gift wrap, existing gift wrap does not include a graphic configured for user customization and users are not given the opportunity to place designs on gift wrap that complement the graphic they are customizing.
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A design may also be provided by a stamper 80 (
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The gift wrap 210 is configured to be customized, however it should be noted that the gift wrap 210 should be configured with respect to the items provided in the kit for the purpose of customization. For example, if the gift kit 200 includes the paint set 240 (which may include one or more paints and may also include a brush) then it would be advantageous to ensure the gift wrap 210 will allow the user to apply the paint without damaging the gift enclosed in the gift wrap 210. This may include providing a section of the gift wrap 210 that is impervious to paint but still allows the user to readily paint on the section. In this regard it should be noted that gift wrap 210 in the form of a box or bag may allow for a wider variety of customization and may be more readily prepared in advance.
As noted above, the gift kit 200 may include one or more sets. As used herein, the term set means one or more. Thus, for example, the writing instrument set may be one or more writing instruments. Writing instruments include all writing utensils such as pens, pencils, markers, crayons, chalk and the like. In addition, the writing instrument set 220 may contain a plurality of different colors. In an embodiment, the writing instrument set may include a plurality of markers configured to only make a color on a particular type of surface with the correct chemical make-up. In an alternative embodiment the writing instrument set may include one marker configured to not color normal surfaces but to cause an area with the appropriate chemical make-up to form a pattern that includes one or more colors.
The sticker set 230 may include one or more stickers that may be positioned on the gift wrap 210 or on other designs. The stencil set 250 includes one or more stencils for use in customizing the gift wrap 210 or a design 260 that is part of the sticker set 230. The stamper set 255 includes one or more stampers 80 (
To aid in placement of the design 260, the gift wrap 210 may include the blank area 31 (
A border 270 may also be provided. However, as discussed above, the border 270 may be pre-positioned on the gift wrap 210. The advantage of providing a separate border 270 is that the border 270 may be positioned after the package is wrapped so as to ensure the border 270 is located in the appropriate location.
As mentioned above, the craft tool kit 280 may also be included and the craft tool kit 280 may include things such as tape, glue, scissors, stampers, stamper ink, sparkles and the like. In an embodiment, the craft tool kit 280 may include any specialty items helpful in customizing the gift wrap according to the instructions 290. In an alternative embodiment, the craft tool kit 280 may be complete and include all the items needed to customize the gift wrap 210 according to the instructions 290. The advantage of including all the needed items in the craft tool kit 280 is that the gift kit 200 may be all-inclusive. The disadvantage is that the cost of the kit 200 will obviously rise as additional items are added. Furthermore, many individuals have some of the items contained in the craft tool kit 280, thus making those items redundant. However, for certain situations a complete craft tool kit 280 will be desirable and provide a one-stop shopping experience that is sometimes desired.
The kit may also include the instructions 290. While the instructions 290 may not be needed for a gift wrap 210 that is less intricate and more suitable for younger users, instructions 290 will likely benefit users customizing more intricate gift wrap 210. In an embodiment, the gift kit 200 may consist of the gift wrap 210 and instructions 290. Such a gift kit 200 may help reduce the cost and may be more desirable to individuals that have all the materials needed to customize the gift wrap 210 but would like the instructions.
Advances in technology allow individuals to perform many operations automatically. Therefore, the present invention may be utilized in a more automated process such as via a software application over a network to generate customized gift wrap. It could also be performed in a kiosk such as the stand-alone kiosks typically found in shopping malls. An advantage of doing so is that it is possible to provide a more consistent looking product if the entire gift wrap product is produced through an automated process. In an embodiment, the kiosk may be used to create a user selected gift wrap that may contain, for example but without limitation, a user selected graphic, background and/or border in an arrangement selected by the user and then the gift wrap may be customized as appropriate. The kiosk may also allow the user to select particular designs for use in customizing the gift wrap. If the younger children can play a significant role in customizing the gift wrap itself then their cognitive and fine motor skills stage of development can become an asset in the preparation of the gift wrap. Thus, the wrapping of the present can provide a rewarding and educational experience for the children and their families. In addition, when done manually the resultant gift wrap will tend to be unique because of variations in the process of customizing the gift wrap.
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It should be noted that for younger individuals the process of customizing the gift wrap is both educational and enjoyable. For older individuals, customized gift wrap is desirable but the time and/or skill required to create a suitable gift wrap may be more than is available. For these individuals, a more automated process such as can be accomplished by computer software over the Internet may be more desirable. The individuals may still customize the gift wrap to a greater extent than is currently available but can be assured that the final outcome looks professional. For example, in an embodiment the gift wrap might have a glossy finish such as is common with conventional gift wrap while still including the user's customization. In an embodiment the customized gift wrap could be shipped directly to the individual's house. In another embodiment the customized gift wrap could be obtained from a kiosk that included the computer software for generating the customized gift wrap. In another embodiment, customized gift wrap could be generated via an Internet connection and a merchant could use the customized gift wrap to package a gift and then the gift could be sent to the intended recipient directly from the merchant. In an alternative embodiment, the user could select and/or create a gift wrap over the Internet as discussed above with regard to the kiosk.
It is also noted that the gift wrap 1, when customized, may be valuable to the recipient as a keepsake. Therefore, in an embodiment the gift wrap 1 may be configured so that a portion of the gift wrap 1 may be removed from the package without being damaged so it may be saved for archival purposes. For example, gift wrap with a removable customizable section could provide this type of feature.
While additional variations exist, in an embodiment the gift wrap 1 may comprise wrapping paper with a glossy finish and at least one graphic requiring user customization. Such a gift wrap would be similar to typical wrapping paper in finish but could be configured so as to be incomplete as provided so that some work would be required by the user to “finish” the wrapping paper wrap. This would provide for some cognitive and/or motor skill development while ensuring a professional finish. In an embodiment, the wrapping paper would be pre-cut so as to make it easier to position the graphic as desired. In an embodiment, the graphic could include a section requiring coloring or the connecting of dots in a predetermined order.
The present invention has been described in terms of preferred and exemplary embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A method of providing individualized gift wrap, comprising:
- (a) providing a gift wrap with a first graphic and a background, the first graphic comprising an outline;
- (b) positioning a first design on the first graphic;
- (c) positioning a second design on the first graphic; and
- (d) customizing the gift wrap with at least one writing instrument.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the gift wrap is a bag.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the gift wrap is a pre-sized piece of wrapping paper.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the gift wrap is a box.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one writing instrument is a set of colored writing instruments and (d) comprises:
- (i) coloring a portion of the gift wrap.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the gift wrap includes a second graphic, the second graphic being a detailed illustration and (d) comprises:
- (i) coloring a portion of the second graphic.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the gift wrap further comprises a border and (d) comprises:
- (i) customizing a portion of the border.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the gift wrap comprises glossy wrapping paper.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the set of colored writing instruments is configured to not color typical paper and the gift wrap graphic includes an area configured to change colors in response to the set of colored writing instruments.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
- (e) customizing a third design; and
- (f) positioning the third design on the gift wrap.
11. A method of generating customizable gift wrap, comprising:
- (a) providing a gift wrap, the gift wrap including a background and a graphic;
- (b) placing a first design on the graphic, the placing including: (i) selecting a first pre-generated design; and (ii) positioning the first pre-generated design on the gift wrap in a desired location; and
- (c) placing a second design on the gift wrap.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein (c) comprises:
- (i) selecting a second pre-generated design; and
- (ii) positioning the second pre-generated design in a desired location on the gift wrap.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein (c) comprises:
- (i) generating a customized design; and
- (ii) positioning the customized design on the gift wrap.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
- (d) providing a border on the gift wrap, the border configured to compliment the background.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein (a)-(c) are done over an Internet connection.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein (a)-(c) are done in a kiosk.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein (c) comprises:
- (i) uploading a customized second design; and
- (ii) positioning the second design on the template.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein (a) comprises:
- (i) selecting the background and the graphic from a pre-determined selection.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein (a) further comprises:
- (ii) selecting at least one color of the background.
20. A kit for providing a customized gift wrap comprising:
- a gift wrap including a graphic configured to be customized by the user;
- a design configured to be positioned on the gift wrap; and
- an instruction for customizing the gift wrap.
21. The kit according to claim 20, wherein the kit further comprises:
- a writing instrument set; and
- a message graphic.
22. The kit according to claim 21, wherein the kit further comprises a craft tool kit.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 4, 2005
Publication Date: Feb 15, 2007
Inventors: John Sabalaskey (Lake Forest, IL), Mary Kadleck (Lake Forest, IL)
Application Number: 11/196,998
International Classification: B65D 75/00 (20060101); B65D 71/00 (20060101); B65D 69/00 (20060101);