Consumer Reports: Getting gift-wrapping when you buy online

NEW YORK (WABC) -- There are so many gift-giving occasions coming up, including June weddings and graduations.

You not only face the question of what to send, but, if you order online, should you spring for special wrapping?

Most sites don't give you a preview of their gift wrapping, so Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine checked to see just what you get.

Gift boutiques pay special attention to beautiful wrapping. Shop-owner Mary Finnegan says it's essential.

"It makes them feel special to open a nicely wrapped gift," she said.

But what if you pay for online wrapping? To see what you get, Consumer Reports Shopsmart magazine editors Jody Rohlena and Scott Nyerges ordered wine glasses from ten big retailers, paying three to six dollars extra for gift wrap.

"We thought we would see what you're paying for. Is it going look nice, is it going look elegant, is it going look festive? Or did you waste your money," said Rohlena.

The presents that were delivered ranged from chic to shabby, like a badly wrapped package from Sears and a worn-looking box from Amazon.

"Uh oh. Yeah that's bad. Look at that. This one did not travel well. It's just kind of like a sad little gift," Scott and Jody said.

Macy's sent a pretty box, but you could see the gift through the paper!

"Oh surprise, it's wine glasses," Rohlena said.

Crate and Barrel didn't use paper - just a big promotional ribbon and card.

Target's logo paper was tasteful. "It is very well wrapped. You don't see any tape anywhere, very solid," Nyerges said.

ShopSmart also got pretty presents from Pottery Barn, with a luxurious ribbon and fancy tag. West Elm's box was simply beautiful.

"The overall presentation is just like, 'hey we paid attention to detail,'" said Jody.

The ShopSmart team also received tastefully-wrapped boxes from Sur la Table and Williams-Sonoma.

Overall, it is worth a few dollars to make someone special feel a little more special.

And how about what the gift card looks like? ShopSmart editors found there is a wide variety in the quality, from flimsy paper from Bed Bath and Beyond to really elegant card-stock from Sur La Table.