How to Wrap Presents for Christmas, Birthdays and Beyond
Create crisp corners and symmetrical ends with these easy tips for wrapping all kinds of presents — even oddly shaped ones.
Gabriela Hardan
Finding the perfect gift for a friend or loved one takes a lot of thought and consideration. But the reward, in the form of sincere gratitude, is hard to beat. Part of giving that perfect gift is wrapping the present in a way that shows how much you care. But how do you wrap a present perfectly? If you've struggled with picking pretty papers, folding crisp corners or tying a flawless bow in the past, the simple tips in this gift wrapping guide will show you how to wrap like a pro.
How to Wrap a Christmas Present
1. Cut the Paper to Size
Use sturdy gift wrap. Unroll, and place the box on top, top side down. Wrap the paper around the box until it meets the other side of the paper, and cut two inches beyond that mark. On the ends, leave enough paper to extend to about three quarters of the height of the box. Trim the opposite side to match.
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
2. Wrap the Box
Fold the long side in about one inch over the box, and secure with tape. Pull the other side taut, and crease the other edge to create a seam. Fold the excess under, and sharply crease and secure using double-sided tape (so you have no visible tape).
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
3. Wrap the Ends
Fold a triangle shape, and crease. Fold end flaps in to create a cleaner triangle. Tape the top flap, then the bottom with double-sided tape. Repeat on the other end.
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
How to Wrap Oddly Shaped Gifts
1. Create the Bottom of the Bag
Wrap paper around the gift until it meets the other side. Fold two halves of paper into the center, and tape heavily up the seam. Crease both sides of the paper. Fold the bottom up about 6-8 inches, and crease. Create a diamond shape with the folded bottom by pushing in the center, and crease. Fold top and bottom points into center, and secure with tape.
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
2. Close the Bag
Place the gift inside. Trim the top of the bag as needed. Fold top corners into the center to form a triangle, then fold the top point of the triangle down. Secure with a piece of tape, and add a bow.
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
Gabriela Hardan
How to Wrap Gift Cards
With a few folds and a knotted ribbon, you can add a personal touch to everyone's favorite practical present.
1. Cut the Colorful Lining
Use drafting compass to get your circle size just right. To measure the radius, place the end of the compass in the center of a paper doily, then adjust the pencil until it’s a 1/2-inch in from the doily’s scalloped edge. With the compass set, draw a circle on the origami paper, then use scissors to cut it out.
Buff Strickland
2. Attach to Doily and Fold Envelope
Apply glue to the colored side of the origami paper circle and place it on the back of the doily. Once the glue has dried, place your gift card in the middle of the lined doily. Fold in each side, then fold the bottom up and the top down. Secure the area where all four edges come together with a bit of glue. Add a festive finishing touch with ribbon.
Buff Strickland
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