Why Scarves Make The Perfect Gift

“Forget trying to have a wardrobe filled with many different outfits. All you need is a luxurious scarf or wrap and your entire wardrobe will be elevated.”

In terms of styling, a scarf is so versatile too and can be worn in endless ways. Whether twisted turban style around the head or looped in numerous ways around the neck – wrapped sarong style around the waist or shawl-style across the shoulders – there are so many ways to wear a scarf dependant on its weight and size.

Watch our video below, for some great scarf styling ideas or scroll on down the page to find out why they make the perfect gift.

Why scarves make the perfect gift

There are so many reasons a scarf is a great gift idea and here are some that we think most poignant.

• Accessible to all: With so many different types of scarves to choose from – bandanas, kerchiefs, pashminas, twillys, throws, silk squares and wraps, to name but a view – there’s a style to suit all recipients regardless of their taste, age or gender. In terms of price, whether you’re looking to spend under £10 or over £1000, there’s something to suit all budgets too.

• Perfect for those that are hard to buy for: Everyone has someone on their present list who seems to have everything they need – or more infuriatingly, tells people they don’t want anything. What do you buy such a person, so that you can still give them a meaningful gift or token of appreciation? According to fashion writer Melissa Yap, “You can never have enough scarves, making them perfect for everyone on your list!”

• Suitable for any gifting occasion: Scarves are worn all year round and by everyone, so whatever you want to say – Happy Birthday, Thank You, Merry Christmas, Get Well Soon, Thinking of You or I Love You – a scarf is the perfect choice. Simply add wrapping and a handwritten card to highlight the occasion.

• Unsized: This has to be a scarf’s USP. Regardless of someone’s height, weight or build, scarves don’t discriminate and can be enjoyed by all. Whether wrapped around the head, the neck, the shoulders or the waist, one size really does fit all!

• A gift that will last: If cared for well a quality scarf can be worn again and again, season after season. It doesn’t endure the wear and tear of other accessories, such as shoes or handbags – and it doesn’t need washing as often an item of clothing. Many beautiful silk scarves become family heirlooms – special and treasured items for generations to come – making it the gift that keeps on giving.

• Outfit transformers: An exciting new scarf can be thrown on the moment it is unwrapped – there and then, on the spot. It will instantly update any look and gives the recipient the satisfaction of seeing their gift in use immediately!

• Easy to wrap: By simply folding it a few times, a scarf is always a very easy present to wrap. Add ribbon, a bow or a handmade gift tag to make the gift even more special.

• Post box friendly and light to post: Once wrapped a scarf is both inexpensive and easy to post. Fold it down and it should be letterbox friendly too.

 

Things to consider when purchasing a scarf as a gift

Before buying a scarf for somebody, the most important consideration is to choose colours and patterns that will complement the recipient’s skin tone and hair colouring, although there are some colours that look great on everyone, for example olive or khaki.

If the intended recipient’s wardrobe consists of lots of neutrals or plains, perhaps choose a texture or subtle pattern eg. herringbone, pinstripe, houndstooth or tie dye. If they’re the type that embraces vibrant patterns and prints then opt for something eye-catching and bold.

 

Cleverly Wrapped’s decision to sell scarves

I am delighted that scarves are the chosen object of my retail affections and the reason for setting up my own business. Simply put – no one wants the gift they have chosen for a loved one to end up banished to the present draw, the charity shop or worse still, re-gifted to someone more suitable. In the same vein I don’t want to sell products from CW and have them returned. Returns are the bete noire of online retailing and dodgy Christmas presents should be treated in the same way. The idea of consumers going onto ecommerce sites and buying the same item in 3 colours and 2 sizes leaves me cold. Invariably one gets kept, the others get returned a few days later and all that time they are unsaleable to others. This is exactly what I have tried to avoid with CW, although admittedly in recent times I’ve extended my collection to feature sized clothing too!

With scarves, assuming the quality is first class (which it is) and the sizing is not an issue (which it isn’t), and assuming you know the sorts of colours the recipient will like, there should be very little chance of getting it wrong. No chance of being flung into the bottom drawer here; the scarf is more likely to be tried on immediately and worn with pride.

 

The future

My love affair with scarves is unlikely to end anytime soon. I remain continually enchanted with the endless possibilities when it comes to size, fabric, colour, pattern and print. From a vivacious, painterly silk wraps to a beautifully woven cashmere pashmina (Cleverly Wrapped’s own label of course), collections are updated every season, so there’s always something new and exciting to add to your collection.