How to Wrap Presents

Gift wrapping need not be a daunting task—anyone can learn this simple skill in no time. With a few easy pointers, you'll already feel like an expert on how to wrap presents.

Gift wrapping need not be a daunting task—anyone can learn this simple skill in no time. With a few easy pointers, you'll already feel like an expert on how to wrap presents.
Introduction: How to Wrap Presents
- It happens several times each year: gift-giving. Whether it's for the holidays, a birthday or a wedding, nothing can make your presents stand out more than a flawless wrapping job. If you've never tackled a present-wrapping project before or your idea of giftwrap involves a roll of duct tape, this page is for you. Even if you've wrapped a few times, you might find some new ideas here. Just a few simple steps and anyone can wrap like a pro!
Step 1: Prepare for the Wrapping
What You'll Need
- - A Thoughtful Gift
  - Festive Wrapping Paper
  - A Bow or Ribbon
  - A Gift Tag or Card
  - Scotch Tape (or any Invisible Tape)
  - A Sharp Pair of Scissors
  - A Table to Work On
Optional Stuff
- - A Ruler or Straight Edge
  - A Box
  - Tissue Paper
Choose your Wrapping Paper
- Picking out wrapping paper may not exactly be a fine art, but there are a few things to be mindful of.
1. Be sure the design is appropriate for the occasion; if you're wrapping a birthday present, it doesn't make much sense to use Christmas tree wrapping paper.
2. You can buy some fancy wrapping paper to make your gifts look high-class, or you can grab a roll or two from the Dollar Store if you're on a tighter budget.
3. If you're on a really tight budget or just prefer to stray from the norm, you could even try newspaper... The comics section from the Sunday edition works best - it's more colorful and entertaining.
4. If you have a little time on your hands you could even try making your own wrapping paper; it doesn't get much more thoughtful than that!
Prepare the Gift
1. Remove all price tags from the gift. Don't forget there are often several price tags on an item.
2. If it is shrink-wrapped, leave it on so the gift looks brand new when they open it.
3. If the item is oddly-shaped, try to find a box that it will fit in. A square or rectangular shape is easiest to wrap. Plus, you can hide any distinctive shape it might have to add a little mystery. Pack it in the box with decorative tissue paper. If it is breakable, be sure to pack it tightly and securely.
4. If you have a gift receipt for the item, include it in the box in case it needs to be returned. These are most common for clothing items in case they don't fit. Never include a regular receipt.
Measure and Cut the Wrapping Paper
1. Roll out a large area of wrapping paper on the table.
2. You'll want the piece of the paper you cut to wrap around the long end of your gift with about 2 inches to spare.
3. You can determine this by wrapping the roll of paper around the gift until it meets the other end, then adding a few inches and marking with a small cut.
4. You can also try placing your gift on the edge of the paper and rolling it across until all surfaces have laid flat on the paper. Add an extra couple inches and mark with a small cut.
1. Cut across the paper in one motion by closing your scissors about halfway and pushing gently from one end to the other, starting in the small cut you just made. You can use a ruler if you don't trust yourself to cut a straight line. Make sure your scissors are sharp to avoid catching and creating jagged edges.
2. You'll need the excess paper on the short ends of the present to be able to fold up slightly more than halfway.
3. Save a tree and don't throw away any extra paper trimmings. You may find them useful for smaller gifts later.
Step 2: Wrap
- Wrapping really isn't a difficult task. Take your time and do each step slowly, and the package will look pristine. Rush it and risk a sloppy presentation!
Make the Main Fold
2. Place your freshly cut piece of wrapping paper design side down on the table.
3. Place the gift face down in the middle of the paper.
4. Fold each lengthwise side of the wrapping paper over the gift until the edges overlap. Pull them tight over the edges of the present and tape the two flaps together.
5. If you would like to keep the present from sliding around inside the paper, you can tape the bottom flap to the gift itself before taping the two together. This is only advisable if the tape will not damage the gift when it is ripped off.
6. If the edge of the wrapping paper is poorly cut or has jagged edges, fold it underneath before taping it down to make a smooth and attractive edge.
7. To be particularly fancy, use double-sided tape which will remain completely hidden.
Seal Up the Sides
1. Take the excess paper coming off one end of the present and push the left and right sides in, folding them down onto the gift.
2. You've now created flaps on the top and bottom. Fold these onto the gift so they overlap and tape into place. The side should now be covered.
3. Repeat on the other side to complete the wrapping. Or, try one of the equally simple alternative methods as detailed in the following video.
Marissa's Gift Wrap Videos
Step 3: The Finishing Touches
1. Pinch the edges of the present and run your fingers along them to create a crease along the edges.
2. Tape a bow to the top of the present. It's easy and adds an attractive final touch.
3. Ribbons are a bit more ambitious because you have to tie them yourself, but they make the gift that much fancier. You can cut the ribbon after you've already wrapped it around the present to get the right length, and be sure to match the color of the ribbon to the wrapping paper. For an extra touch, zip the ribbon between the scissors and your thumb to make it curly and decorative.
4. A simple gift tag displays who the present is from and who it is for, but attaching a card makes for a much more personal touch.
5. If you do choose a card, make a point beforehand to wrap the present in paper that matches the color of the envelope. You can use the smooth side of the envelope as a gift tag to write the "To" and "From."
Avoiding the Wrap
- If your foray into giftwrapping didn't go so well, or if you'd rather not bother with all that cutting and taping, there are a few alternative methods for presenting the goods.
1. Bags: There is any number of decorative gift bags in which to place your presents. These usually work best for smaller gifts, and although you cover the present with tissue paper, it does eliminate a bit of the fun of tearing wrapping paper from a present!
2. Gift Boxes: There's no need for wrapping paper if you place your gift in a box that's already decorated. Tie a bow and you have yourself a present!
3. Get Creative: There's nothing like the personal touch of a creative and unique wrapping idea! Try using ponytail holders to tie gift wrap up, or wrapping a bottle of wine in a decorative dish towel.
Oddly-Shaped Gifts
- Not every present is conveniently in the shape of a square or rectangle, unfortunately. You may have to get creative with some of them. If the present is large, you could bypass the wrapping paper altogether by painting over the box that it came in. Parenting.com recommends putting that big dollhouse in a decorated jumbo white trash bag.
- For cylinders, pyramids, bottles, and more, take a look at this video which contains some very useful tips on wrapping those troublesome gifts, like scrunching wrapping paper around the top of a bottle. Or just get creative and come up with some of your own solutions. Of course, you can always avoid awkward wrapping jobs by simply putting the gift in a box!
- How to Wrap Presents
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