How to Wrap Gifts Neatly: Simple Steps for Any Shape

Neat wrapping comes down to three things: the right amount of paper, sharp folds, and hidden tape. With a few steps, you can wrap boxes, books, and odd shapes so they look polished. Here is how.

Gather your supplies

• Wrapping paper (or brown kraft paper, fabric, or newspaper)
• Scissors, sharp and clean
• Double-sided tape and regular tape
• Ribbon, string, or twine
• Gift tags and a pen
• A ruler or flat edge
• A clean, flat surface

If you need to buy supplies, plain paper with a pattern on the back makes it easier to cut straight lines.

How to wrap a box

1. Measure. Place the box face-down on the paper. Wrap the paper around it. You need enough to overlap by about an inch, and enough on the ends to reach about halfway across.
2. Cut straight. Use the grid on the back of the paper as a guide. Fold and crease for a clean line.
3. Start the seam. Fold the cut edge under by half an inch for a crisp finish. Stick double-sided tape on the underside.
4. Pull snug. Bring the other side over and press down onto the tape. The paper should be tight, not stretched.
5. Fold the ends. On each end, push in the sides to form two flaps. Crease the flaps along the box edge.
6. Make the triangle. Fold the top flap down and the bottom flap up. Press the crease.
7. Seal. Use a small piece of double-sided tape under the last flap so no tape shows.

Repeat on the other end.

Tips for crisp edges

• Run a ruler or your thumbnail along each fold.
• Use tape on the underside of folds whenever possible.
• Trim any excess paper at the ends so the folds lie flat.
• If the paper is thin, wrap in tissue first, then paper.

How to wrap a soft item

Clothing and soft toys are tricky. Fold the item flat, then place it in a box. If you do not have a box, wrap it in tissue, then paper, and tie with ribbon. For blankets, roll and secure with twine.

How to wrap a bottle

1. Stand the bottle at one end of the paper.
2. Roll the paper around it, taping the seam.
3. Gather the top above the neck, tie with ribbon, and fluff the ends.
4. Or use a gift bag with tissue paper.

How to wrap odd shapes

• Put it in a box or bag. This is the easiest approach.
• Use fabric. A cloth wrap, tied on top, fits many shapes. This is sometimes called furoshiki.
• Use the gathering method. Place the gift in the middle of a big sheet, bring the corners up, and tie with ribbon.
• Use tissue. Wrap with tissue, then place in a cellophane bag.

Add ribbon and bows

1. Place the ribbon under the box, bring both ends up, and cross them on top.
2. Wrap them around the sides and bring them back to the top.
3. Tie a knot or a simple bow.
4. Cut ribbon ends at an angle, or in a “V”, to stop fraying.

Add a sprig of rosemary, a pinecone, or a cinnamon stick for a natural look. A paper snowflake tag (see our paper snowflakes activity) is a nice touch.

Tags and labels

Write names on the tag with a pen that will not smudge. For a Secret Santa or a white elephant swap, number the gifts instead of naming them.

Save paper and money

• Use brown kraft paper and decorate with stamps or drawings.
• Reuse gift bags and tissue paper.
• Use fabric scraps, scarves, or old maps.
• Let kids decorate paper with markers and stickers.
• Save ribbon from last year in a box.

Wrap faster

1. Cut all your paper at once.
2. Set up a station with all supplies within reach.
3. Pair a movie or playlist with the task.
4. Wrap the largest and trickiest gifts first.
5. Ask a helper to hold the paper while you tape.

Quick Checklist

• Supplies gathered
• Paper measured with an inch overlap
• Double-sided tape ready
• Seam folded under
• Ends creased and sealed
• Ribbon and tags added
• Gift labeled or numbered
• Wrapped gifts stored out of sight