How to Wrap Gifts Like You Planned Ahead (Even If You Didn’t)

When Mariah Carey ushered in the Holiday season with her iconic “It’s time!” she forgot to mention how chaotic and busy this time of the year can get. Among the myriad of holiday activities and responsibilities, gift wrapping is perhaps one of the most overlooked. Everybody talks about the food, the decoration, and the music. But what about the beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree?

Chances are, you have struggled with last-minute wrapping or flopped in your attempts despite your best efforts. How do people even achieve perfectly wrapped gifts? Tape, scissors, and creativity are all you’ll need with these easy hacks. 

Let’s start with the essentials

Gift wrapping is a straightforward activity. You get a paper that suits the occasion and work your magic by folding and carefully tapping the excess material.  

For rectangular and square-shaped objects and boxes, start by measuring how much paper you’ll need. The standard practice is to measure the four sides of the object horizontally and add 2 to 3 inches to allow for taping. For height, measure the larger side, including the top and bottom, and add 2 or 3 inches. Cut the paper and place it on a flat surface. 

After placing the gift at the center of the wrapping paper, fold one side toward the center and tape it down. You can make things easier by using double-sided tape. Make sure you use the right amount: not too little, it might detach, but not too much, it’ll show or create creases. Then, repeat with the other side of the paper. 

For the next step, tuck in the excess paper on the corners of the object. You’ll create two triangular folds. Tape them together.

After this step, you’re ready to embellish your gift with your preferred decoration: ribbons, stickers, cards, whatever you prefer. 

Reinvent paper wrapping 

Though printed wrapping paper is the go-to for nearly anyone, you can replace it with brown paper. If you’re willing to invest more time, a popular trend in recent years has been drawing on brown paper to create any figure, from bows to snowflakes. The most creative can draw festive houses that emulate gingerbread houses. 

The idea also works with brown paper bags by cutting or folding the top corners. Then decorate with a white pen or marker to create house forms. If you don’t feel creative enough, you can print a template to guide your art.

Try the candy-shaped wrapping trend

For cylindrical objects, such as clothes or plushies, you can try the popular candy-shaped wrapping. All you need to do is place the object in the center of the wrapping paper. Roll the paper around the object, making sure to leave space at the top and bottom to create the twists that emulate a candy form. Then, tape the paper and make sure it holds the object. You’ll have a tube with excess paper on both sides. You can close those openings by tying ribbons or squishing the ends. 

An upgraded version of this technique is suitable for boxes or smoother packaging, as seen in the video below. 

Small details go a long way. 

Finally, don’t forget to add personality to your presents with details that represent you or the gift recipient. Bows, ribbons, cards, drawings, or small letters will take your gift wrapping to the next level. You can channel hobbies, professions, or just personal preferences. 

For example, if your tia is into patchwork, you can replace the classic bow with a bow made of recycled fabric pieces. Does your mom love flowers? Then tie a flower-adorned ribbon or paint your own flowers. 

Every detail counts when it’s made with love. 

READ MORE: The “Thank You for Raising Me While My Parents Worked” Gift Guide for Tías & Abuelas