How to Wrap a Gift: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

TL;DR: Learn how to wrap gifts like a pro with this detailed guide. We cover essential materials, step-by-step wrapping techniques, tips for oddly shaped gifts, and ways to add decorative ribbons and accents.

Main Points:

• Choose quality gift wrap materials.
• Follow step-by-step instructions for neat wrapping.
• Creative tips for oddly shaped gifts.
• Techniques for tying beautiful ribbons.
• Organize your gift wrap supplies efficiently.

Along with the joy of giving comes the delightful task of wrapping presents! Are you a seasoned gift wrapper or someone who finds themselves tangled in ribbons and tape? Either way, learning how to wrap a gift perfectly can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

Something magical happens when presenting a beautifully wrapped gift. It’s almost like adding an extra layer of love and care before it’s unwrapped.

In this detailed step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to wrap presents with style. Keep reading to learn how to wrap presents neatly, efficiently, and with style.

Materials Needed for Gift Wrapping

By wrapping a gift, you’re creating a first impression. Taking the time to select quality materials shows your recipient that you care. This is a great way to show off your creativity and make the act of receiving even more special!

Thus, you might want to choose a gift wrap aesthetic before you start. This is a bigger consideration if you’re wrapping a pile of gifts for under the tree.

Do you want your gift wrap to look homemade, rustic, polished, and professional, or bright and fun? Will you choose recycled materials or a trendy gift wrap from the store? You may want to think about how all of your gifts will look together. A cohesive and coordinated spread can make Christmas morning truly special!

Regardless of the style you choose, you’ll need the following essential materials on hand:

• Gift Wrap: A roll of designer wrapping paper, brown kraft paper, or hand-painted newsprint all work just fine!
• Gift Box: To wrap some gifts more easily, like clothing or oddly shaped packages, you can put them in a gift box.
• Scissors: The sharper, the better – helps them glide along the paper and ensure you cut it straight.
• Tape: Consider translucent gift wrap tape. You can also dress things up with printed masking or washi tape for extra sparkle!
• Ribbon: While ribbon is optional, the bow on top adds something special at Christmastime. For a rustic look, twine or yarn is a stylish alternative!
• Gift tags: You can easily forget who each gift is for if you don’t label them. A decorative tag can keep things straight while enhancing your wrapping job.
• Bows: While optional, who doesn’t love a bow on top?
• Optional accents: For a fancy touch, you can adorn gifts with greenery, ornaments, gift toppers, and more.

Don’t worry about getting fancy if this is your first time wrapping presents! Start with gift wrap, tape, and scissors.

In fact, consider practicing on a shoe box or personal items before you commit to “the real thing.” You’ll learn to troubleshoot and problem-solve as you go. Wrapping gifts gets much easier with practice—trust us!

How to Gift Wrap a Box

Step 1: Measure and Cut

Roll out your wrapping paper with the decorative pattern facing down. Place your box on top of the paper. Wrap the paper around the box until the two edges of the paper meet.

Give yourself a two-inch margin, then cut your paper. Tape one side of your paper to the box so it won’t shift.

Step 2: Fold and Secure the Edges

Fold the other edge of your paper to meet the edge that is taped down. Fold and neatly place a piece of tape over the seam to keep it in place.

Step 3: Tidy Up the Corners

Tucking and folding the ends is often the trickiest part.

Tuck the bottom of the paper inward and aim to create a flap. It should be approximately a 45-degree angle. Then, create a flap on top. Pull it down to meet the bottom flap, creasing the edge as sharply as possible.

When you have two flaps, tape them in place where they meet. Repeat on the open end of your package. Try to keep them identical for the most cohesive appearance.

How to Wrap a Circle Gift or Oddly Shaped Gift

One of the easiest ways to wrap a circle gift is to use a gift bag instead of wrapping paper. Simply wrap the gift in a layer of colored tissue paper and place it in the bag. Then, add additional decorative tissue to the bag to obscure the gift and make unwrapping it more fun!

However, there are other ideas to make wrapping oddly shaped gifts easier, such as:

• Place large, oddly-shaped gifts in a decorative pillow case and tie off the top with a ribbon. The pillowcase becomes part of the gift!
• Wrap the gift using an oversized square scarf and tie it off with a ribbon. Again, the scarf becomes part of the gift!
• Swathe the entire gift in layers of crepe paper streamers for a unique gift-opening experience!
• Use a decorative gift box that can accommodate the unique shape of your gift.
• Wrap your oddly shaped gift in layers of colorful cellophane cling wrap.
• Present the gift inside of a stocking instead of wrapping it.
• Wrap a cylinder around the gift and then tie off the ends with ribbon like it’s a piece of candy.
• Fold your wrapping paper into a gift bag and reinforce the bottom with scrap cardboard.

How to Gift Wrap a with a Ribbon

The easiest way to wrap presents with a bow is to use the “Tiffany Bow” method.

1. Place the ribbon horizontally across your wrapped box. Then, wrap the long end of the ribbon around to meet it in the middle.
2. Fold the long end of the ribbon down toward you (the bottom of the package).
3. Wrap the long end of the ribbon around the vertical edge of the box until you reach the middle.
4. Tuck the ribbon under the center and pull it toward the upper left quadrant.
5. Tie a basic bow using both halves of your ribbon.
6. Add gift tags or other decorations.

With many methods to tie a ribbon around a gift box, it may be hard to choose just one! As you practice and experiment, you’ll learn more about what works for you!

Keep Your Gift Wrap Organized

The more elaborate your wrapping station, the more help you’ll need to keep things organized and accessible. A solution like our Deluxe Gift Wrap Craft Station can help! It will keep your wrapping paper and materials secure all-year long!