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Gift wrapping is something I’ve come to appreciate as an adult. When I was younger, it was always such a struggle to wrap gifts for holidays and birthdays. Getting those corners to look good was tough and keeping the paper tight was virtually impossible. Luckily, I’ve gotten a heck of a lot better over the years and I actually enjoy gift wrapping! Especially because those gifts can act as decor under your Christmas tree.
In fact, I see gift wrapping as an extension of my “personal brand” (something I’ve chatted a lot about in this style series). Someone should be able to look at your gift and know it’s from you! I choose wrapping paper based on my style, along with the bows and tags. Plus, I always try to add a personal touch to take the gift to the next level.
Here are easy tips showing you how to wrap a gift so it not only looks good but has a little extra somethin’ somethin’.
Gift Wrap Supplies
- Wrapping paper
- Ribbon
- Tags
- Scissors (sharp ones are a must!)
- Clear Tape
- Extras (greenery, faux cranberries, ornaments, etc)
How to Wrap a Gift
First, let’s chat about the wrapping paper because it makes a BIG difference when it comes to wrapping. I opt for thicker paper instead of super-thin wrapping paper. In fact, some of my favorite paper to use is craft paper (in white or tan). It’s incredibly inexpensive and durable. Plus, then you can really jazz up your gift with ribbon and the extras! I do sometimes opt for wrapping paper with prints (like the gold polka dotted one!), but again try to choose thicker high-quality paper.
Easy Tip: Don’t forget to choose colors that go with your holiday decor since these gifts will act as Christmas decorations under the tree! Also, if you’re buying for lots of people wrap gifts for one family in all the same paper. That way when it’s time to head out to the family party, you can quickly find the gifts you need to bring.
Cut the Paper
First, take your gift and figure out which side will be facing up. You’ll want the tape to be on the bottom, so place the gift face down on your paper as you measure it out. One of the biggest mistakes I used to make was using way too much paper. You’ll want to cut the paper so there is very little excess.
Tape the Backside
Now bring the paper together and tape it directly to the item. You don’t want to use too many pieces of tape, and make sure you pull the paper really tight around your gift.
Easy Tip: To make things look extra professional, I always fold the cut edge of the paper so it has a clean edge. Also, loop your tape (like in the photo above) so you can hide it underneath the paper and it won’t show!
Fold the Sides
This is where things can get a little tricky. Make sure to cut any excess off the sides, so you don’t have to fold too much. Then, it’s all about making sure you crisply fold down the edges. Things will be a lot easier if you fold the sides tightly.
Then take a couple of pieces of tape to hold the fold in place. Repeat on the other side!
Add Some Ribbon
If you want to make a bow that really wows, this blog post shows you how to make the ultimate bow (My mom is a bow making master!). If you want to keep things simple, then flip the gift over and pull the ribbon around it. Then cross the ribbon and bring it to the front and tie it in a simple bow!
Easy Tip: To get a “fancy” edge on the ribbon, take your (sharp!) scissors and cut on an angle facing out. You’ll then have a small fishtail end instead of a straight edge. Fancy AF.
Take Things to the Next Level
Paper and ribbon is always a good idea, but we always like to do something unexpected. Here are some ideas…
- Tuck a sprig of faux greenery into the gift
- Tie an ornament onto the ribbon
- Tie on a fresh cinnamon stick for a fragrant touch
- Use letter stickers to write out the recipient’s name right on the gift wrap
- Use letter stickers directly on the tag (this is especially good if you don’t have the best penmanship!)
I hope you now know how to wrap a gift! I know there are lots of ways to do it, but these are my best easy tips to get the job done. 
Oh, and how could I forget. My BEST tip…stockpile your gifts to wrap, pour a glass of wine (or hot cocoa), and put on a Christmas movie when it’s time to wrap. You might as well enjoy yourself as you get this holiday task done!
Casey
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