They are aesthetes who scour the beach for seashells. They forage for leaves and flowers, and sometimes paint them silver. They are unapologetic hoarders who stash their treasures in closets and curio cabinets or simply add them to the disarray on their work tables.

They are prop stylists — creative people who find objects that help tell a story or convey a mood for brand, editorial or film projects — and they are hyper-focused on the details.

Perhaps not surprisingly, a prop stylist’s superpowers tend to kick into overdrive during the holidays — especially when it comes to wrapping gifts. The Times recently interviewed three of these pros to hear about their fascination with tissue paper, “Little Women” inspirations and favorite sources for supplies.

Robin Zachary

Ironing tissue paper before using it to wrap a gift may sound a bit extreme, especially during the busy holiday season. But Ms. Zachary, a Manhattan resident and author of the 2022 book “Styling Beyond Instagram” (Schiffer Craft), disagrees.

“People think of it as just stuffing — to put in a bag or stuff around the gift in a box,” she said. “But I like using it as wrapping paper because it’s a little fluffier, doesn’t crush easily and it has a little bit more of an organic look.” She said that she often layered two or three sheets at a time for a sturdier covering, and that she preferred neutral shades to “let the ribbon make the splash.”