- Play Hard
- 17th Apr 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
Meet Forbes Finishings – the North East’s newest professional gift wrapping service
- Advertisement Feature
Let’s face it, some people have a gift for wrapping and some people, like us, dread the idea. But now Forbes Finishings has got us covered.
This brand-new, luxury gift wrapping service is founded by HLN’s long-time friend Aoife Forbes. After 25 years in the PR world and spotting a gap in the market, Aoife decided she’d had enough of back-to-back Zooms and being glued to her desk. So, she’s swapped spreadsheets for scissors and press releases for perfect ribbons – and in doing so, she created a service that’s so unique.
And this isn’t your standard “fold, stick and go” kind of gift wrapping. Think personalised, professional, high-end materials with the kind of finishing touches you didn’t even know your gifts needed – until now.
FROM BIG IDEAS TO BEAUTIFUL PACKAGES
With a background in branding and communications alongside her professional gift-wrapping training, Aoife brings a seriously stylish eye to every box, bow and bespoke tag.
From luxury, invisible seam gift wraps for elegant dinner parties to playful, on-trend designs for 18ths and baby showers and beautifully branded wrapping for corporate clients, this is wrapping with range.
Already, Forbes Finishings has partnered with local favourites like Jam Jar Cinema (where you can drop off your shopping, catch a film and pick up perfectly wrapped presents – genius)
GIFT-WRAPPING – BUT MAKE IT LUXURIOUS
Aoife turns your pile of presents into polished, head-turning beauties with luxury paper, gorgeous ribbons and those little details that make a big impact. Sellotape-free, invisible seams? Naturally.
Speed gift wrapping
In a rush? Aoife can wrap 30 gifts per hour. If you’re juggling work, life and everything in between, let Forbes Finishings step in. Her speed wrapping service is fast, fuss-free and seriously stylish perfect for a large amount of gifts, like a little one’s birthday or Christmas.
Gift wrapping workshops
Hen party with a twist? Yes, please. Forbes Finishings’ gift-wrapping workshops are the ultimate creative icebreaker. Wrap a gift for the bride, learn expert tips and leave with skills you can show off come Christmas. Perfect for friends, festive get-togethers or anyone who loves being hands-on and stylish.
Team building and corporate training
Forget the trust falls. Forbes Finishings’ team-building workshops are hands-on, relaxed and a great way to boost creativity. Aoife also offers retail training and corporate demos so your staff can wow customers with flawless gift wrapping and uses sustainable materials to help your business be as eco-friendly as possible.
In-store pop-ups
Want to add that final flourish to your store? From gyms to hairdressers, Forbes Finishings’ mobile pop-ups bring professional gift wrapping directly to your customers – no mess, no stress, just beautifully wrapped brilliance. Get in touch with Aoife here.
WRAPPING THAT WORKS AROUND YOU
What we love is that Forbes Finishings is mobile. Aoife’s sleek setup comes to you – whether you’re at home in Whitley Bay or planning a corporate event in Jesmond. No mess, no stress, just gorgeous gifts finished to perfection.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FORBES FINISHINGS?
Think concierge-style services, team-building competitions, and even dressing dinner tables and event add-ons. And Aoife dreams of one day driving a customised ice cream van and wrapping people’s gifts on the go – let’s watch this space.
It’s time to elevate gifting game with Forbes Finishings. Follow Aoife on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to see her working her gift wrapping magic.
Photo credit: Christopher Owens.
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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