Gift Wrapping Ergonomics

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Christmas Presents

Wrapping presents can put you at a risk for injury; apply these ergonomic principles to avoid pain.

Avoid wrapping on the floor

 Kneeling or sitting on the same plane the wrapping is taking place on causes you to bend and reach repeatedly.  Typically you will find yourself stretching and holding the awkward positions for extended periods of time. Additionally by kneeling or sitting you are negating the strength that your core and lower body can provide to stabilize your body and lift the items you are wrapping.

Use a counter or table as a workstation

Wrapping on top of a table and or counter is a good solution. A kitchen or dining table with a chair will typically provide you with a good working height while seated. However cutting the full length of most gift wrap still requires stretching and bending, and in some cases standing and bending, to accomplish. Wrapping on a table while standing is not as stressful on the body as sitting on the floor, but can still pose risk.

Use proper lifting techniques

When moving a larger or awkward item that you want to wrap, make sure you use good lifting technique.  Use these tips when moving the wrapped item to the tree as well.lifting_properly

  • Bend your knees and lift with your legs not your back.
  • Keep the item close into your body. This decreases the leverage of the item and the strain to your back.
  • If the item is awkward or too heavy ask for someone to help you with the lift. Alternatively consider using a dolly for heavy boxed items.

Keep often used items within reach

When arranging your workstation for wrapping place items such as scissors and tape within easy reach.  The need to repetitively reach across the table for these items can put stress on the low back.

Use Gift Bags

Gift bags are a great injury prevention alternative to wrapping. Gift bags decrease the time you need to wrap gifts and eliminate the need to reach for paper, scissor, tape, etc.  Consider large plastic decorative plastic bags for large or awkward items.  Added bonus is that you can eliminate waste by saving the bags for next year.

Wrap in shifts and/or take frequent breaks

One of the biggest risk factors for repetitive stress injuries is doing the same task for several hours. To avoid wrapping for prolonged periods consider setting 20-30 minutes aside per day for several days to finish your wrapping. Many people find this option impractical or would prefer to do all the wrapping in one day and be done with it. If you have many gifts that you have been waiting to wrap all at once minimize risk by taking small (30 to 60 second) breaks every 20 minutes to stretch.  Then every hour take at least a 5 minute break to walk around the house or get some water. This will give your body a chance to recover.

Outsource your wrapping

Consider using gift wrapping options at the store or online; avoid the risk all together and save time. This is the best option especially if you are currently injured or prone to injury.   Many stores have gift wrapping options in store or through online delivery.  Additionally, many organizations offer gift wrapping in exchange for a small fee that will go to charity.  Avoid repetitive stress injury and support charity at the same time!  All you are left to do is to place them under the tree…using proper lifting techniques if heavy of course.