Wrapping paper is expensive. Bows and ribbon cost too much. There is never enough tape around. These are not just complaints, but they are issues that can be avoided by wrapping a gift properly. Save yourself time and aggravation by following these easy steps. Wrapping your gifts made easy.
What you will need
Wrapping paper
Scissors
Tape
Gift tags
Ribbon
Bows
Wrapping your gifts made easy
Prepare your materials
Gather your presents, wrapping accessories, tape, and scissors, then clear a large flat surface such as a kitchen table or coffee table. It is not smart to wrap on a carpet or a bed as the surface will not be hard and may wrinkle the paper.
Bundle fragile items
Before wrapping, make sure anything fragile in your gift’s box is secure or padded to avoid excessive movement or damage.
Measure before cutting
To save wrapping paper, measuring is important. Just like a woodworker, measure twice and cut once. Place the box upside down in the center of the paper. Fold the paper over to the opposite edge of the box. Measure the paper on the opposite side that is not folded. Now cut the paper.
Secure the paper to the box
Center the box on the paper. Bring one side of the paper up the side and halfway across the top, affixing it to the box with a piece of tape.
Fold the sides for a clean edge
Before bringing the second side of paper up and over the first, create a clean seam by folding over the last half-inch or so of the paper, using your fingers to create a tight crease. Now bring this side up so it just overlaps the first one and affix with tape.
Fold the paper on each side of the gift
Starting on one end, fold down the top flap onto the side of the box, creating two little wings at the side. Flatten those in against the box, then fold the remaining triangle of paper up against the box. Fasten it in place with tape.
Stand the box up and repeat
Set your box on end, with the side you just worked on facing down, and repeat step 6 on the opposite end.
Finish with a bow or ribbon
Add any ribbon or decorative bows to your gift
Do you have any gift-wrap techniques? Leave a post or tell us your story.
