Buzz
You've discovered the ideal gift, but now comes the challenge of presenting it beautifully. If you're struggling with wrapping, fear not! By following this detailed guide, your gift will look as though it was prepared by a professional like Martha Stewart.
The Importance of This Skill
Learning how to wrap a present is a lifelong skill. Once mastered, you can confidently handle any gift-giving occasion, ensuring your presents are beautifully wrapped in no time. Gather your supplies, grab a practice box, and start honing your wrapping skills. (For additional help, review common gift-wrapping errors to steer clear of them.)
Essential Supplies for Gift Wrapping
Tools You'll Need
- A pair of scissors
- Adhesive tape
Supplies
- Gift wrapping paper
- Decorative ribbon (optional)
- Gift tags (optional)
- Ornamental bows (optional)
- Tissue paper for added flair (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide to Wrapping a Gift
Collect all necessary gift-wrapping supplies.
Meg MacDonaldTake the gift and gather your wrapping paper, scissors, and tape. Ensure you have a spacious, flat area like a dining table to work on.
Safeguard delicate items inside the box.
Ensure fragile objects are tightly wrapped to prevent movement. (Tissue paper works wonderfully as padding, especially for recipients who enjoy shaking their gifts!)
Apply a small piece of tape to seal the box firmly.
Determine the correct amount of wrapping paper.
Unroll the wrapping paper and position the box upside down in the center, ensuring the paper seams will align at the package's base.
Pull the wrapping paper up one side and over the top of the box, extending it to the opposite edge. Gauge the extra paper required to cover the remaining side, then trim it neatly. Aim for straight, precise cuts. If the edge is uneven, tuck it under to create a polished finish.
Wrapping numerous Christmas gifts? A specialized gift wrap cutter, designed for swift and precise paper cutting, can help you achieve a professional appearance effortlessly.
Attach the paper to the box using tape.
Position the box in the middle of the paper. Lift one side of the paper, bringing it halfway over the top, and secure it with tape. (With experience, this step might become unnecessary.)
Tuck the other side for a neater edge.
Before lifting the second side of the paper over the first, fold the last half-inch of the paper to form a neat edge, pressing firmly to create a sharp crease. Then, bring this side up so it slightly overlaps the first and secure it with tape.
Opt for double-sided tape to achieve a more polished appearance.
Fold the paper on both sides of the gift.
Begin at one end by folding the top flap down onto the box's side, forming two small wings. Press these flat against the box, then fold the remaining triangular section up and secure it with tape.
Flip the box upright and repeat the folding process on the other side.
Place the box vertically, with the completed side facing downward, and repeat the previous folding steps on the opposite end.
Apply the final decorative elements.
Meg MacDonaldEnhance your gift with ribbons, tags, or decorative bows. For an added touch, master the art of creating curling ribbon bows. Voilà: Your present is now impeccably wrapped.
When Gift Wrapping Isn't Necessary
Not every gift requires wrapping paper. Skip it for gift cards—simply tuck them into a holiday greeting card with a clever message. Plush toys look great with a large bow around the neck, as do plant gifts. And while a new bike doesn’t need wrapping, a big bow adds a thoughtful touch. For time-sensitive or oddly shaped gifts, a festive gift bag filled with tissue paper works perfectly.
