Christmas morning can conjure lots of images: warm mugs of coffee, the tree decked out in sparkling ornaments and, of course, opening presents. One of the greatest joys of Christmas, which rarely seems to be acknowledged, is the rush of adrenaline one gets while tearing off  wrapping paper like a maniac. It might seem odd to put actual time and effort into finding good wrapping paper - something that will be disposed of quickly - but you do want the presents to look great under the tree, right? Here's South Sound's top local stores to find wrapping paper for your holiday needs.

Paper Luxe

Tucked away in University Place is Paper Luxe, a store with an adorable array of options for gift wrap. Paper Luxe's overall style is almost Etsy-esque, with quirky, cute designs such as space shuttles, mermaids and hand-drawn evergreen trees. While you're there, grab some gift bags, if you're too lazy to wrap (it has a Rudolph version that's ... on-the-nose), as well as cards and unique stocking stuffers, such as a "swear jar."

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday, 7024 27th St. W., Suite A, University Place, 253.328.4967

Watermark Gifts

This quaint shop is located right in the heart of Tacoma's downtown and has been serving the City of Destiny for more than 40 years. The small business has a heavy scent of candles in the air and greeting cards and eccentric novelty gifts all over the place. Of course, it also has wrapping paper, so if you're already buying presents in downtown Tacoma, save yourself another trip and get the packaging at Watermark.

Open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 11a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday, 1115 A St., Tacoma, 253.383.2041

Compass Rose

Compass Rose follows the business model of Watermark and Paper Luxe with a boutique-style, cozy gift shop atmosphere. However, it has two main points of differentiation: First, Compass Rose features a bit of a crafty edge, selling sew-on jacket patches, beads and stone-based jewelry along with some festive wrapping paper. Compass Rose also has locations in two different bohemian neighborhoods: one in the Proctor District in Tacoma's North End and another in Olympia's downtown.

Both locations open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 3815 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253.759.0077; 416 Capitol Way S., Olympia, 360.236.0788

Party World

Sometimes, you just need the basics. That's where Party World comes in. A Tacoma staple since 1979 hidden among the crumbling factories in the Nalley Valley, Party World is a locally owned version of the chain party stores you might find in a suburban strip mall. Not only does it have wrapping paper for Christmas, but there are also decorations, party supplies like paper plates, and even Seahawk knick-knacks - because you can never have enough navy and neon items with the number 12 on them.

Open 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday-Friday;  9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 1565 Center St., Tacoma, 253.272.2181