Is online gift wrap worth it?

There are so many gift-giving occasions coming up: June weddings, Father's Day, 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 wrap, so Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine checked to see just what you get.

The editors ordered wine glasses from ten big retailers, paying $3 to $6 extra for gift wrapping. The presents that were delivered ranged from chic to shabby, like the badly wrapped package from Sears and a worn-looking box from Amazon. Macy's sent a pretty box, but the editors could see the gift through the paper! Crate and Barrel didn't use paper, just a big promotional ribbon and card.

Target's logo paper was tasteful. ShopSmart also got pretty presents from Pottery Barn, with a luxurious ribbon and fancy tag. West Elm's box was simply beautiful. The ShopSmart team also received tastefully wrapped boxes from Sur la Table and Williams-Sonoma.