Your question is difficult to answer mainly because the modern idea of giftgiving is fairly recent for the average person. The idea of taking precious things and wrapping them to avoid detection is old. Biblical references and classical references often talk about gifts of gold and jewelry on being put in boxes, but this is more of a method of transferral and hiding the true nature to about to avoid robbery. The creation of holidays such as Christmas attempts to re-create gifts given by the Magi thus often presents gifts in wrapping, like illustrations of the time. However, modern wrapping papers, outside gifts to royalty trickle down over time not unlike the luxury effect in cars. Nice features start and very expensive models and work their way down. Gifts to royalty were often presented an elaborate wrapping papers and presentations. In an attempt to appear more regal or noble the burgeoning middle class begins stripped down versions of the same wrappings.