For some, wrapping presents is the highlight of the Christmas season; for others, it’s the most dreaded task. If you’re someone who enjoys the process or simply doesn’t mind the outcome, gift wrapping can be a delightful experience. But for those who feel lost when it comes to wrapping gifts and want their holiday packages to look stunning, the pressure can be overwhelming.
Learning how to wrap Christmas presents like a pro isn’t just about achieving an Instagram-worthy look; it’s also about creating excitement. Let’s face it—who hasn’t cherished a beautifully wrapped gift just as much as the surprise inside?
With a bit of creativity, even the most awkwardly shaped items can be transformed into stunningly wrapped presents. That’s why we’re sharing our expert-approved tips and tricks to elevate your gift-wrapping skills this holiday season!
How to Wrap Presents, Even When You Suck at Wrapping
BE PREPARED: THE ESSENTIALS FOR WRAPPING PRESENTS
Every artist needs their tools, and wrapping presents is no exception. Before you start, ensure you have the following essentials on hand:
- Quality Wrapping Paper: Choose thicker paper that won’t tear easily for a polished look.
- Double-Sided Tape: This is a total game-changer for seamless finishes.
- Sharp Scissors: Dull blades are the enemy of clean, crisp edges.
- Ribbons and Trimmings: These are the pièce de résistance that elevate your gift.
- Tissue Paper: Perfect for adding volume or cushioning those tricky shapes.
Got your supplies ready? Great! Let’s dive in!
PERFECT SIZING: HOW TO CUT WRAPPING PAPER
Prevent wrapping disasters by measuring your paper accurately. Take a piece of string or ribbon and wrap it around your gift, then measure that length against your wrapping paper. Cut with precision, leaving a bit of extra paper on each side to ensure full coverage. No one wants to see the corners of their new mug sticking out because they miscalculated the amount of paper needed!
And don’t forget to save those paper offcuts—they’re perfect for wrapping smaller gifts or creating fun collages on your packages.
EMBRACE THE ECO-FRIENDLY WRAPPING REVOLUTION
Going green doesn’t mean sacrificing style; in fact, eco-friendly wrapping is a trend here to stay! Here’s how you can contribute to the planet while wrapping gifts beautifully:
- Repurpose Old Wrapping Paper: Use last year’s leftovers or give them a fresh twist with new ribbons.
- Brown Paper Packages: Tied with string, these simple wraps are truly some of our favorites! Add a sprig of greenery for a natural touch.
- Embrace Fabric Wraps: Inspired by the Japanese art of furoshiki, use old scarves or cloth to wrap gifts sustainably and elegantly.
When stocking up on your gift-wrapping supplies, choose fair trade wrapping paper and eco-friendly twine. If your gift is for a garden enthusiast, consider wrapping it in seed paper, which they can plant outside!
Psst! Did you know our bouquet wrapping is eco-friendly too? Learn more about how we’re doing our part to help save the planet.
WRAPPING AWKWARD PRESENTS: THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
Have a gift that doesn’t fit neatly into a box—like something round, oversized, or just plain awkward? We’ve got you covered!
- Tablecloths: Yes, you read that right! A paper tablecloth from your local store can work wonders for those large gifts. Simply gather it at the top and secure it with a beautiful ribbon.
- Layer It Up: If your present has lots of small parts or isn’t a solid shape, cushion it with tissue paper and wrap each section separately before bundling it all together.
For an extra touch of flair, consider layering multiple pieces of paper or fabric to create an opulent look. Feeling adventurous? Mix and match patterns—because clashing is totally in!
ADDING THE FINISHING TOUCHES
This is where the real fun begins! To make your presents truly stand out under the tree, consider adding a personal touch:
- Custom Embellishments: Attach small ornaments, pinecones, or even miniature toys to give your gifts a unique flair.
- Ribbons and Bows: This isn’t just about finishing; it’s about making a statement. If your wrapping paper has a pattern, choose a solid color ribbon, and vice versa for a balanced look.
- Personalized Gift Tags: Include a note explaining why you chose that particular gift or attach a photo of you and the recipient for an extra personal touch.
AVOID THE CHRISTMAS EVE WRAPPING FRENZY
We’ve all experienced it: Christmas Eve, surrounded by mountains of gifts and wrapping paper, feeling the panic set in as you realize you’re not even halfway through. Save yourself from this festive frenzy by wrapping as you go! As soon as you purchase a gift, take the time to wrap and label it immediately.
To avoid any “oops, this wasn’t for you” moments, be sure to clearly mark each present as you wrap.
Bonus Tip: Keep a master list of everything you’ve bought and wrapped. There’s nothing worse than forgetting what’s hidden inside that perfectly wrapped box!
HOW TO WRAP PRESENTS LIKE A GIFT-GIVING GURU
If you’re aiming for a Pinterest-perfect look, try these wrapping hacks:
- Sharp Creases: Use a ruler to create super sharp lines along the edges of your paper for a polished finish.
- Double-Sided Tape: We can’t emphasize this enough! This miracle worker ensures your gift has a seamless appearance with no visible tape to disrupt the aesthetic.
- Layering Ribbon: Use multiple ribbons or mix textures, such as satin and velvet, for a luxurious touch
FOR THAT EXTRA WOW FACTOR
Looking for a showstopper? Personalize your gift wrapping! Consider the recipient’s personality and interests. For example, a budding chef might appreciate some dried herbs tucked into the ribbon, while a plant lover would enjoy a sprig of holly or eucalyptus. These thoughtful touches can transform a simple gift into something truly special.
A Word from the Experts
To help you master the art of perfectly presented gifts, we consulted gift-wrapping expert Jane Means for her top tips on how to wrap presents like a pro just in time for Christmas.
“Beautiful gift wrapping makes a thoughtfully chosen present feel even more desirable,” Jane explains. “Just like fashion, gift wrapping is all about dressing to impress. You want to tantalize the recipient and build anticipation for what lies beneath.”
Like the fashion world, gift-wrapping trends are constantly evolving. As an international gift-wrapping expert, Jane’s art takes her around the globe, with her travels providing much of the inspiration for her work.
“For instance, after returning from India, I often feel inspired to use bold, bright colors, while trips to Scandinavia lead me to a more minimalist approach. Nature also plays a significant role in my inspiration—if I see a beautiful flower, I’ll snap a photo and later incorporate that color into my ribbon collection.”
But you don’t need to travel far to find your inspiration! We’re huge fans of Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok for gathering ideas!
Go Forth and Wrap
With these tips in your toolkit, you’ll have the most fabulous-looking gifts under the tree this Christmas! Whether you’re opting for eco-friendly options, going all out with glam, or simply trying to survive the wrapping marathon, there’s a technique for every type of Christmas enthusiast.
Remember, it’s not just about what’s inside that counts—it’s how you wrap it, too.
Happy wrapping!
