Gift wrapping isn't as difficult as it looks . . . as long as you know what you're doing.
Prep Your Workspace
Find a large, flat area so that you have room for both your gift and your creative juices. You can use a table, the floor, or even the top of your washer/dryer (a personal favorite of mine).
Collect Your Materials
| At the very least, you'll need scissors, tape (double sided is amazing), pen/marker, gift tags, ribbons, wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift bags, and gift boxes. If you've got a designated area where you prefer to wrap, like the laundry room, consider using an over-the-door organizer on the back of the door to organize your ribbon, paper, scissors, tape, pen, and tags. Keep your tissue paper, bags, and boxes on a shelf or in the cabinet above the washer. If you don't have a designated area for wrapping, then store all of your supplies in a clear bin that you can easily stash under your bed or in a coat closet. |  |
Choose Your Wrapper
Large or odd-shaped items fit perfectly into bags, easily disguised with a bit of tissue paper. Flimsy items (like clothing) are best wrapped when placed in gift boxes first. There are many ways to wrap, but I've pulled together a couple of how-to videos to help you on your way.
Special Note: I did NOT include the video of how to do a patch-job with multiple sheets of paper. This is NOT a best practice, albeit a creative one. The best way to avoid this situation from the start is to make sure you cut your paper large enough to encompass the entire gift (unless you’re trying to save paper and using the Diagonal Method above). If you’re gifting your lovely spouse a new water-saving toilet, then it MAY be acceptable to employ the patch-job as long as you also use the words, “Honey, this gift is going to help us save money every day! In keeping with that money-saving theme, I used up all the scrap wrapping paper from years past, because I love you.” This is appropriate, based on personal experience.
- Folding on the Diagonal (uses less paper; perfect if you are at the end of a roll and don't want to do a patch-job)
- Folding on the Center (how your mom taught ya)
- Getting the Perfect Corners (hint: double sided tape is your best friend)
- Filling a Gift Bag (only two sheets of tissue paper....TWO!)
Special Note: I did NOT include the video of how to do a patch-job with multiple sheets of paper. This is NOT a best practice, albeit a creative one. The best way to avoid this situation from the start is to make sure you cut your paper large enough to encompass the entire gift (unless you’re trying to save paper and using the Diagonal Method above). If you’re gifting your lovely spouse a new water-saving toilet, then it MAY be acceptable to employ the patch-job as long as you also use the words, “Honey, this gift is going to help us save money every day! In keeping with that money-saving theme, I used up all the scrap wrapping paper from years past, because I love you.” This is appropriate, based on personal experience.
How do you prefer to wrap? Share your tips below!
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