Gift wrapping pop-up set for festive debut

A North East entrepreneur is wrapping up a festive first with the launch of a dedicated gift wrapping pop-up in Whitley Bay.

Aoife Forbes will open Forbes Finishings at short-term rental space at 193 on Park View from December 14 to 20.

Billed as the North East’s first dedicated gift wrapping shop, the pop-up will offer services ranging from individual presents wrapped while customers wait to overnight wrapping for larger quantities.

Workshops, demonstrations and “wrap parties” are also planned, alongside discounts and incentives for gifts purchased from local independent retailers.

Customers will be able to choose traditional wrapping or more sustainable alternatives using materials such as old maps, comics and music scores, reflecting Aoife’s focus on upcycling household materials.

Aoife said: “This is a really exciting development for my gift wrapping service. 

“It will allow me to collaborate with all the amazing independent businesses we have in Whitley Bay and promote them within my own activity. 

“It will reward people for shopping locally and I hope it acts as a community hub for people to have a conversation and take a break while I wrap their gifts beautifully. 

“I want to celebrate a slower pace of shopping, full of personal touches and conversation. 

“One of the many things I love about Whitley Bay is the wonderful people behind the shops and the friendly locals – let’s create more hubs for this community spirit. 

“I’m also on a mission to make beautiful gift wrapping an accessible option for everyone – not just luxury brands based in London. 

“My vision is to provide a time-saving service people can employ just like an ironing or cleaning service.”

The Christmas venture is set to be followed by further pop-ups around Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in 2027, with additional workshops also planned.

Aoife added: “I want to inspire people (especially women) to take some time back for themselves and outsource gift wrapping from their endless to-do list. 

“Working women still bear the burden of most household tasks and I intend to support them. 

“I want women to feel less shame and guilt for seeking help and realising we just can’t do it all – we deserve, and are worthy, of practical support.”

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