How to Wrap Gifts the Right Way, According to a Pro

You'll have the best wrapped gifts for every occasion with these simple instructions

Published on November 17, 2023

It’s hard to beat the warm and fuzzy feeling of being on the receiving end of a beautifully wrapped gift. Sharply folded edges and carefully tied ribbons turn gift-giving into a memorable experience that extends beyond the material present.

Learning how to wrap gifts like a professional gift wrapper allows you to make your family and friends feel extra loved, not only during the holiday season but on special occasions all year round. If you’re ready to brush up on your wrapping skills, find a clear workspace and break out your scissors and tape, because ‘tis the season to wrap like a pro.

Annabelle Borke, professional gift wrapper and owner of Tinseltown Gift Wrapping

What You'll Need

Materials

Wrapping paper
Sharp scissors
Single-sided tape
Double-sided tape
Ribbon

Instructions

Cut your wrapping paper:

The length of the wrapping paper needs to be long enough to cover the entirety of the box, with an overlap of one to two inches. The wrapping paper should also be wide enough to come roughly ¾ of the way up the side of the box when folded. If you cut your wrapping paper too short, you won’t cover the side completely; too long and it will bunch up.
Begin with the gift upside down:

Place your gift upside down on your wrapping paper. That way, the seam will be on the bottom. Fold one side of the paper to create a nice, clean seam.

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Tape the first side of the paper onto the box:

To secure the wrapping paper to the box, use a piece of tape about two inches in from the end. Borke recommends using enough small pieces of tape to make it stay in place.
Push the box into the paper to make it tight:

Pull the loose end of the paper and push the box so that the paper is tightly hugging the gift. Make a crease on the edge of the box near where you’ve taped.
Pull the loose side of the paper over the top of the gift:

First, pull the loose side of the paper over the top of the gift, then find where the edge of the box hits the loose side of the paper. Make a crease where the edge of the box will hit your paper.
Fold your paper at the crease:

Use the crease you’ve made to ensure your fold stays straight. Tape down the folded edge using single-sided tape.
Use double-sided tape on the folded edge:

Push the box into the paper, just like you did in step three, then pull the loose end of the paper, ensuring everything is tight. Apply a piece of double-sided tape to the folded edge.

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Use double-sided tape to secure the edge to the top of the box:

Use another piece of double-sided tape to adhere the edge to the top of the box, overlapping the other wrapping paper by roughly one inch. Make sure you’re pushing and pulling the whole time to make it stay tight.
Begin wrapping the sides of the box:

Just as you did in step 1, start with the gift upside down. Use both hands to push the top flap down the side of the box. Tape the flap down onto the side of the box. Push the paper all the way to the edges so that it doesn’t bunch up.
Push the flaps in:

Pulling tightly from the bottom, pull the right side flat in, then tape the flap to the box. Repeat this step with the left side.
Fold the bottom flap:

Rotate the box so the bottom flap is facing you. Fold the cut edge over a few centimeters so that you see a clean fold, then tape that fold down.
Use double-sided tape to secure the bottom flap:

Push down on the box, then pull up on the flap. Use a piece of double-sided tape to adhere the flat to the box. Repeat this step with the top of the box.
Add finishing touches:

Add gift tags, ribbons, bows, gift toppers, or even a spritz of perfume to add a personal touch to your perfectly wrapped presents!

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