The Secrets to Stellar Gift-Wrapping

Giving a gift is like designing your home. It’s not only about how it looks but also about how it makes people feel. This holiday season, one of the best ways to make an extra-special impact on your loved ones is to wrap their gifts in jaw-dropping style.

Even if you think wrapping presents is either a pain to make time for or painfully difficult, you don’t need to hand your items over to someone else. Follow this guide to get successful results right in your own abode.

Gather your goods

Event designer Colleen Kennedy Cohen tells the Spruce about the wrapping supplies she always keeps on hand, including the usual essential materials (i.e., gift boxes, paper, and bows) as well as items like craft scissors and gift-wrap tape. However, Kennedy Cohen also includes other specialty products such as twine, calligraphy pens, and natural toppers like holly branches in her stash to kick the results up a notch. Assemble these provisions, and you’ll be ready to get to work.

Tips for success

With your tools now on hand, you’re ready to wrap! Here are foolproof steps for decorating a simple boxed item:

1. Lay it in tissue paper or surround it with crumpled tissue for cushioning and to keep it in place during step 2.
2. Next, measure your wrapping paper. Roll it out, and place the box in the center of it upside-down. To estimate how much paper you’ll need, fold the paper over the box until it is completely covered. Feel free to overestimate.
3. Cut the paper in one straight go, using a straight edge like a ruler to make clean cuts if it’s not grid-lined on the back.
4. Ensure that the box sits in the middle of the paper, and pull one side of the wrapping so it touches the center of the box lengthwise. Use a small piece of tape to hold it in place.
5. If you have enough slack to do so, take the other end of the paper and fold it in slightly for a neater seam. Then pull that side over to meet the other end of the paper, and tape it.
6. Now move to the shorter, exposed sides. Starting at one end, press the flaps against the shorter, vertical sides so two wings protrude. Crease the paper so you’re left with two neat triangles on each end.
7. Next, press the upper wing down against the lower one so they’re flush with each other, and bring them up against the side of the box in one crease. Fold the point of the fold in as much as necessary so it can sit flush with the top edge.
8. Repeat on the other side.
9. To craft a simple, classic look, measure ribbon by rolling one piece each to surround the box lengthwise and widthwise. Cut each ribbon so they meet neatly in the middle, then cover the seam with a bow. Finally, consider finishing the box with a decorative element like a flower or candy cane.

Troubleshooting your gift

Didn’t do the neatest job with your wrapping? Cover any exposed edges with stickers, extra ribbon, or adhered decorations like fresh flowers.

Dealing with unusual products that don’t fit neatly into a box or bag? Kennedy Cohen has the answer: Wrap them in soft, appealing fabric, then gather and tie the ends. Or simply place it in a basket, and tie a bow around the handle.

With the right supplies, these steps, and a bit of practice, you’ll be prepped to wrap anything in style. Ultimately, the extra effort you put into your gift wrapping will show in the results—and, hopefully, in a priceless glow in your recipient’s eyes.