How to Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

How to Wrap a Present

If you're ready to up your gift-wrapping game with the best way to wrap gifts, grab a roll of wrapping paper and get started. We'll show you how to wrap a gift like a pro in just a few easy steps.

1. Place Gift in a Box

   Wrapping a Christmas present is easier if it's placed in a box. Don't leave strange-shaped packages on their own. If the present didn't come with a box, place it inside an appropriately sized gift box and securely tape the box shut.

2. Prepare Pieces of Tape

   Next, get those little pieces of clear tape ready to go. Pre-rip tape and set on the edge of your table so that you're not having to fumble the tape dispenser as you wrap. You can also use double-sided tape to create neat edges (just place the tape under the flap rather than over it).

3. Measure and Cut Wrapping Paper

   Next, determine how much wrapping paper you'll need to cover the present. To do this, place the gift on a large sheet of paper. Cut enough paper so that each side, when brought around the box, reaches slightly more than halfway across it. Having too much paper is just as difficult as having too little.

   If you can, buy good quality wrapping paper that also has grid lines marked on the backside. This is one of our favorite gift wrapping hacks. It's easier to measure, won't rip as much when you're folding, and might save you paper in the long run.

4. Fold Edges of Wrapping Paper

   Fold over the edge of the paper about an inch to hide any sloppy cutting. This will create crisp lines and stronger seams since the paper is doubled.

5. Place the gift box upside-down on the cut sheet of wrapping paper. Position the seam on the underside of the gift box so it's hidden. Start on the bottom of the gift and secure paper with tape before you wrap. This hides the tape when you wrap.

6. Bring the paper around the box and overlap the edges 1 inch to cover the piece already taped and secure closed with tape.

   Fold in the ends of the paper by laying the gift on its side. Starting at one end, fold a short side toward the center of the box, creating a crisp, pointed end at the corner of each long end of the paper. Crease wrapping paper to keep its shape and prevent tearing. Repeat this step for the remaining short ends on each side of the gift.
   

7. Fold the bottom flap up on each side and secure with double-sided tape. Then fold the top flaps down, securing again with double-sided tape.

8. Add Gift Wrapping Accessories

   Once the Christmas present is wrapped, it's time to make it look pretty. Hide tape used to secure the sides of a gift with a thick ribbon. Dress up the present with a beautiful DY tiered bow made from a ribbon, or make any one of our other easy handmade gift bows.

9. Add a Gift Tag

   Now that you know how to wrap a present perfectly, it's time to add the finishing touches. Try one of our handmade gift tags and secure with tape, ribbon, or glue dots.