While wrapping a gift that was difficult to open, I had an idea. This particular gift was encased with that familiar hard plastic. This was a present for my young grandson. I knew he would be very excited when he saw the contents. I thought about what a pain it would be for the parents to open the package.
So I carefully opened the package around the sides and then taped it so it would not fully open while I was wrapping it. This makes it so much easier to open. But please be aware, do not allow the child to open it even if it is taped. The plastic is still hard and sharp and could slice the child.
I still do not why manufacturers still package their products like that. It is so frustrating to open these packages. I use a box cutter when opening them but I still must be very careful to prevent getting cut/sliced by the plastic.
When buying a gift that must be assembled, we usually assemble the gift and then wrap it. We save all the packaging and the receipt in case there is a problem and has to be returned/exchanged. If it a large item, I wrap it using a plastic tablecloth purchased at a dollar discount store and decorate it with stickers.
Assembling the gift makes it so much easier for the parents with young children. This is also a good idea for others, like an elderly person. Also, it is a good idea to provide any batteries if needed.
By it's.only.me from NE PA / USA
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That is a good idea. That packaging is horrible. I also have a pet peeve, with the wrap around CDs and then the tape that seals one edge of the case. Another good idea is when giving a gift that requires batteries, include batteries.
I really agree about the batteries. You are a class act when you give a gift that requires them, and you provide them.
The clam shell packaging is the worst but it is done as an anti theft issue. Shopping lifting something bulky, can't break the box and quickly open it, shove in pocket, we pay for the price of many shoplifters.
The packaging drives me nuts too! We have 5 little grandkids & spent considerable time this year opening packages to make it easier for them to get into them & installing batteries.
The hardest package we ever had to open was when my 16 year old was around 8-10 & got a toy he'd been wanting,unfortunately I can't remember what it was,but it wasn't very big. It was in a sealed box, & everything was tied down with long plastic coated wires that were twisted & turned back on themselves into knots (there were probably 15 of these) and not only that, the thing was bolted down to the packaging with four screws! It took us almost 30 minutes to get it undone on Christmas day, & it was only after I gave up & got my kitchen shears to cut the wires!
Shoplifters make it rough for all of us!
I sure wish more people were this thoughtful! I can only add that perhaps, along with enough batteries to initially power the gift, you include extras. Batteries get awfully expensive! You could even try rechargeables, and give the gift recipient an idea where to find a compatible battery charger.
Never thought of doing that but it is an awesome idea...and I always include batteries too as it is so sad to see a child (or adult) who can't try out their new present.
My husband always put together anything our kids got until they got a little older, like 4 then the kids helped and they enjoyed that as much as the gift. They would say they helped build it when showing it off. lol. Yes it is nice to include batteries when giving something that requires it.
Double check your gift to make sure it does or does not need batteries. If you do take the gift out of package and put together make sure it is something the parents don't mind the child having because it is harder to take a gift back that has been put together.
Very good idea. I've seen where people use a hand can opener to open those packages. :-) I swear, if I were stranded on a desert island with tons of food in today's packaging, I'd starve to death. Can't even open a potato chip bag easily. :-)
The reason they make packages like this is to stop thieves from opening it and taking off with the product while in the store. Also, it protects the item from being broken while being shipped to the store or another country.
I like the can opener idea and will try it myself. The table cloth for large gifts is also a winner.
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