When families get together for the holidays and exchange presents, the difficulty of opening the present usually is not considered. However, the term “wrap rage” has become commonly accepted, according to Wikipedia, to describe heightened levels of anger, frustration, and violence resulting from the inability to open hard-to-remove packaging. Wrap rage is something everyone experiences during the holidays, but we have never been able to put a name to it.

Wrap rage can result in some minor injuries like cuts or strains, but it also has been the cause of some serious injuries as well. There have been reports of people using inappropriate tools for inappropriate packaging. For instance, in Phoenix, a woman was using a large knife to open a plastic toy and it slipped and she essentially stabbed her own thigh. According to a doctor in Arizona, blunt-tipped, heavy-duty scissors are the best tool for opening products. Also, do not use your legs as a brace for opening anything. If you do incur a serious injury, consult a physician immediately.
 
Wrap Rage | Personal Injury Attorneys 
 
The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that plastic packaging has caused 25,000 injuries since 2004, and each year more and more people are injuring themselves. Most injuries are inflicted in the hands and fingers, but some have come to legs and even stomachs. Reports have come in about people using everything from butcher knives to garden hedgers. Companies continue to use heavy plastic casings because they prevent damage better than any other type of packaging, but if they continue there could be a potential lawsuit on the horizon.
 
Starting in 2006, every year Consumer Reports bestows its “Oyster Awards” for the most difficult package to open. They are still in the process of deciding the 2008 winners (usually announced in March), but in 2007 they gave the awards to the Oral-B-Sonic complete toothbrush kit and the Bratz Sisterz doll. Product packaging was tested on the tools, strength, time, and finesse it takes to open the product. The toothbrush was housed in a plastic clamshell container that had virtually no room between the cardboard and the plastic, making it all but impossible to open. The doll on the other hand was given the award because it had over 50 restraints, such as plastic ties and cardboard tabs.
 
When you think that your child’s toy is impossible to open, or you cut yourself trying to open a toothbrush, just know you are not alone. Wrap rage usually turns its ugly head around the holidays, but try to remain calm and do not stab yourself in the leg; it will make for a long Christmas.