What You’ll Need: Your Basic Supply List
Welcome to Lesson Four: Let’s Talk Supplies!
You’re almost ready to start creating your first candy bar wrappers—and now it’s time to make sure you have everything you need to jump in with confidence.
The good news?
You don’t need expensive equipment or complicated tools.
You do need a few basic supplies that will help you create candy wrappers that look polished, professional, and party-ready!
This lesson will walk you through the essential tools and supplies you should have on hand to start your Candy WrapUp journey.
Let’s keep it simple and sweet, just like candy should be! 🍬
Your Basic Candy WrapUp Supply List
Here’s the official list of what you’ll need to get started:
1. A Reliable Printer
Your printer is your best friend in the candy wrapping business!
What to Use:
- Inkjet Printer (great for vivid colors)
- Laser Printer (great for sharper prints and durability)
Important Tip:
If you’re just starting out, any good-quality home printer will work fine. No need to run out and buy a commercial printer. Use what you have!
Make sure you have fresh ink or toner before you start printing templates. Nothing is worse than running low halfway through a project!
2. Glossy or Matte Paper
Candy bar wrappers need to look polished, and that means using the right paper.
Recommended Paper Types:
- Glossy Presentation Paper (for a shiny, eye-catching finish)
- Matte Presentation Paper (for a softer, elegant finish)
Important Tip:
Stay away from regular thin copy paper—it tends to look wrinkled, cheap, and unprofessional when wrapped around a candy bar.
Aim for 24lb–32lb presentation paper. It’s thicker, sturdier, and makes your wrappers look absolutely gorgeous.
3. Paper Cutter or Sharp Scissors
After printing your wrappers, you’ll need to cut them down to size.
Options:
- Paper Trimmer/Cutter (recommended for straight, professional lines)
- Sharp Scissors (works fine if you take your time)
Important Tip:
If you plan to sell a lot of wrappers, invest in a basic paper cutter. It saves time, creates cleaner edges, and makes everything look more professional.
4. Double-Sided Tape or Glue Dots
You’ll need a way to seal the wrapper securely around the candy bar.
Recommended Options:
- Double-Sided Tape
- Glue Dots (small, clear adhesive dots)
Important Tip:
Skip messy glue sticks or liquid glue—they can warp the paper and make your wrappers look lumpy. Double-sided tape gives the neatest, cleanest look with no drying time needed!
5. Standard Size Candy Bars
You can’t wrap candy bars if you don’t have candy bars!
Recommended Candy Bars:
- Hershey’s 1.55 oz standard size chocolate bars
- Any flat, rectangular bar of similar size
Important Tip:
Start with Hershey’s standard bars because they fit our templates perfectly. Later, you can experiment with minis, king-size, or other brands once you’re more comfortable.
Buy a small batch at first to practice. (You’ll probably eat a few—it’s practically a business requirement! 😉)
6. Storage Containers or Totes
Once you start printing wrappers and stocking candy bars, you’ll want a way to keep everything organized.
Options:
- Plastic storage totes
- Labeled file folders
- Drawer organizers
Important Tip:
Staying organized makes it faster to fill orders later. Plus, it keeps your wrappers clean, unwrinkled, and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Optional (But Nice!) Supplies
These aren’t mandatory, but they sure make life easier if you plan to grow your business.
- Bone Folder Tool: Helps you crease the wrapper edges perfectly.
- Heat Gun: Useful if you want to shrink-wrap finished bars for an ultra-professional look (being very careful not to melt the chocolate!).
- Craft Table or Dedicated Workspace: Having a small area set aside just for your candy wrapper creations can make you more efficient.
A Quick Recap: Your Basic Candy WrapUp Kit
✅ Printer (inkjet or laser)
✅ Glossy or matte paper
✅ Paper cutter or scissors
✅ Double-sided tape or glue dots
✅ Standard-size candy bars
✅ Simple storage system
That’s it!
No fancy machines, no complicated software, and no big startup costs.
You’re already closer to building a business than most people ever get—just by gathering these few simple tools!
Sweet Supply Shopping Tips
When you’re ready to stock up on supplies, here are a few tips:
- Buy in Small Batches First: No need to stockpile 1,000 candy bars right away. Start small, build demand, then expand!
- Watch for Sales: Keep an eye out for sales on paper, candy bars, and office supplies. Big box stores, office supply stores, and even Amazon often have great deals.
- Use What You Have: Don’t overcomplicate it. If you already have a printer and scissors, use them! Upgrade later if you need to.
Remember, the goal is to get started quickly and simply.
You can always level up your supplies as your business grows!
Ready to Start Wrapping?
With your supplies gathered, you’re officially ready to dive into the fun part: printing and wrapping your first candy bar! 🎀🍫
In the next lesson, we’ll walk you through printing, cutting, and assembling your very first custom candy bar wrapper step-by-step.
Spoiler alert: it’s easier (and more satisfying) than you might think!