Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

Yes, there is a correct way to wrap a present! Spread some holiday cheer with this step-by-step guide for how to wrap a gift.

Make the gift wrap part of the gift itself by learning how to wrap a gift the right way. It’s easy to wrap a present if you make all your folds and cuts carefully and top it off with a Christmas bow!

Spread some holiday cheer with this step-by-step guide for how to wrap a gift. We’ll also show you how to wrap a present if you don’t have enough paper.

present
Family Handyman

Tools Required

  • Paper cutter
  • Scissors
  • Tape

Materials Required

  • Present Box
  • Wrapping Paper

Watch How To Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Project step-by-step (13)

Step 1

How To Measure Gift Wrap

  • Measure out wrapping paper by rolling the present box width wise along the rolled out paper.
    • Note: Do not cut the wrapping paper from the roll just yet.
  • Instead, place the box in the middle of the wrapping paper top side down and make sure the paper goes all the way up both sides when folded.

measure out wrapping paper
Family Handyman

Step 2

Cut the Paper

  • Once the paper is measured out, cut wrapping paper with a safety design paper cutter along the grid line that is closest to the top side of the box.
  • If your gift wrapping paper doesn’t have a grid line to cut to, use the edge of the wrapping paper roll to cut a straight line.

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cut wrapping paper
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Step 3

Fold Over One Edge

  • Next, center the box on the paper and fold over one end along the length of the box.
    • Note: This creates a neat edge for taping later.

folding wrapping paper seam
Family Handyman

Step 4

Tape Along Folded Seam

  • To make the wrapping have clean-edges do not tape the paper directly to the box.
  • Instead, tape the folded seam along the paper on the edge of the box.
    • Note: This method gives the present wrapping a more professional look.
  • Finish taping along this side of the present.

tape folded seam present
Family Handyman

Step 5

Tuck in the Paper on the Corners

  • To prevent the box from sliding while wrapping the sides, place the box on its side.
  • Next, push down the paper on either side edge of the box, so the paper holds the box in place.

tuck in present corners
Family Handyman

Step 6

Fold the End and Tape the Flaps Together

  • Lay the present flat once again.
  • Once the ends are hugging the corners of the box, you will notice four triangle shape folds on each of the box’s corners.
  • Use your fingers to crease each fold and fold the upper and lower flap together.
  • Bring the lower flap up to box and crease the overhang and tuck it under the paper and secure with tape.

folding upper and lower present flaps
Family Handyman

Step 7

Repeat on the Other Side

  • Turn the box around and repeat this exact same process on the other side of the present.
  • Push the present corners inward.
  • Crease all triangle folds and tape the folds together.
  • Conceal the folds with tape.

tape present folds
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Step 8

Crisp the Paper Edges

  • For crisp edges, crease all sides of the box with fingertips.
  • Use your fingertips and not your fingernails to crease the edges.

crisp wrapping paper edges
Family Handyman

Step 9

How to Wrap a Gift if You Don’t Have Enough Paper

  • Place the present in the middle of the wrapping paper at a diagonal.
  • Make sure each side of wrapping paper meets each corner of the present.

wrap a present with not enough paper
Family Handyman

Step 10

Fold Corners In

  • Fold the wrapping paper corners in and tape them to the present box.

fold corners in
Family Handyman

Step 11

Fold Edges Flush

  • Fold the edges of the wrapping paper up on the side until they are flush with the edge of the box. Secure with tape.
  • Repeat this step on the other side of the present.

fold present edges flush
Family Handyman

Step 12

Fold in Final Edge

  • With the final edge, repeat the same idea of folding the bottom corners in enough, so that the bottom edges will lay flush against the adjoining corners.

fold present edges flush to side
Family Handyman

Step 13

Secure With Tape

  • Fold the final flap in across the top of the box and secure it with tape. Once you’re done, recycle wrapping paper.

Secure final present flap
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