How to Wrap a Present Without Tape

With nothing but a sheet of paper and your fingertips, you can wrap almost anything.

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Updated on September 1, 2023

present wrapped without tape — Photo:
Anusha Rajeswaran

Whether it's for a birthday party, anniversary, or holiday, gift-giving is a timeless way to show your appreciation for the special people in your life. One way to personalize these presents even more is by wrapping them. But what happens when you've gathered your wrapping paper and scissors only to realize you have no tape? First things first: Don't rush to the store to buy more. Wrapping a present without tape isn't only possible—it's easy.

This project, which comes from our friend Anusha Rajeswaran of Fish and Bull, borrows some of the paper-folding principles that are essential to origami. The result yields the same precision you get with double-sided tape: smooth folds, straight creases, and crisp, clean lines. All you need are paper, scissors, and a pencil.

Gift wrap on a tale with scissors. — Anusha Rajeswaran

What You'll Need

Materials

Gift-wrapping paper
Scissors
Pencil

Instructions

Measure the box and cut paper:

Anusha Rajeswaran

Measure the entire width of the box, adding about 2 inches; mark with a pencil.

The easiest way to do this is to loosely wrap the paper around the box and mark with a pencil, as pictured above.

Then, cut along the length, folding the wrapping paper in half diagonally. (Note: It should look like a triangle.)
Arrange paper and place box in middle:

Anusha Rajeswaran

Lay the wrapping paper diagonally in the shape of a diamond; center the box in the middle.

To make sure the box is in the right position, pick up the top corner of the wrapping paper and slowly slide it over the box. Adjust the position of the box to ensure that the top is covered by paper entirely.
Fold up the bottom:

Anusha Rajeswaran

Pick up the bottom corner of the wrapping paper, and lay it flat on top of the box. Run your finger along the bottom right fold to create a smooth crease.
Fold the right and left sides inward:

Anusha Rajeswaran

With your left hand holding the paper in place, use your right hand and index finger to slowly fold the right side of the paper inward. (Note: This should fold naturally.) Holding the paper in place with your right hand, repeat for the left side.
Create a crease:

Anusha Rajeswaran

Hold the gift wrap in place with your left hand and move to the top. Run your finger along the top two folds to create a crease.
Fold down the top:

Anusha Rajeswaran

Pick up the top point of the wrapping paper and fold it down on top. (Note: You may have to stop and fold the edges a little to make it fold easily.)
Tuck the top fold into the bottom:

Anusha Rajeswaran

Take the top corner that you folded over the box and tuck it into the bottom slot. Fold neatly to secure it in place.