Holiday hints & tips: how to wrap the perfect gift

After attempting to wrap some stocking stuffers this weekend, I realize that I needed some help from the experts (and that tissue paper is not ideal for wrapping paper). My shoddy job, wayward tape and ripped paper convinced me that I shouldn’t wrap any more presents until I provide myself with a tutorial.

If you’re in the same boat as me, you’re in luck. I’ve compiled some of the best tips I found on how to wrap the perfect present. The best part? You can get creative or keep it simple. Here are some ways to do both.

It’s not just what’s on the inside that counts: The best wrapping says something about what’s hidden inside. You don’t want to give it away, but you definitely want to pique your giftee’s curiosity. For example, you can select gift wrap and embellishments that hint at what you’re giving. Look for colors, textures and patterns that tell a story and make your friends and loved ones excited to see what’s inside.

Gift toppers need not be store bought: A quick survey around your home will yield ample gift topping solutions. Why not use Baker’s Twine to tie an old cookie cutter atop a gift? An extra ornament or two can be strung on with luxurious ribbon for an immediate festive look. (Tip: grab a bunch of ornaments from your local Dollar Tree. You can get a pack of 10 ornaments or so for just $1.)

Think outside the box…literally: Add some mystery to your gifts by wrapping them in unexpected containers. A clean old coffee or nut tin makes a perfect receptacle for all sorts of gifts. Cover the outside with patterned paper or wallpaper remnants and you’ll have a gift inside a gift! (This is also a great way to recycle all of the extra containers lying around your house.)

Forget store-bought wrap: Create your own gift wrap by using old newspapers, mismatched sewing patterns, fabric remnants and more. Waxed and parchment papers from your kitchen drawer can be layered together or with printed paper with lovely results.

Make a great impression: Stamps are an easy and fun way to add a special touch to gift packages. Customize tags and cards using a stamp that your recipient will love. Repeat the stamp pattern multiple times on gift paper for one-of-a-kind wrap, or even try stamping a sheet of plain gift wrap with a celery stalk dipped in paint for a floral motif that’s sure to impress. (For more info on stamping, head over to The Stampin’ Place’s list of techniques.)

For those of you who just want to figure out how to make those nice, crisp corners without destroying the wrapping paper, follow these steps:

1.) Remove all price tags. (Duh.) If you cannot remove the sticker, try using a piece of tape: put one end on the tag and pull it off (the sticker will usually come with it). If you still can’t remove it, black out the price with a black marker or pen.

2.) Put the gift in a box (if it’s not in one already). This makes it much easier to wrap. If your box will easily come apart (like a shirt box), be sure to use a little bit of tape to keep it from opening during the wrapping process.

3.) Unroll a length of wrapping paper onto a hard sturdy surface.

4.) Place the gift on the wrapping paper and measure how much paper will be needed. Make sure you have enough paper to go around the box once and that the width leaves extra on each side. It’s a good idea to have a small amount more than you need so the wrapping paper overlaps.

5.) Mark your cut lines, especially if cutting in straight lines is difficult for you. Use a straight edge (like a ruler), or fold neatly along the line you need to cut along, then unfold and cut along the fold.

6.) Place the gift or box upside down in the middle of your paper.

7.) Fold the paper around the gift. On the horizontal side of the paper, take one side and fold it over to the bottom of your gift. Then take the other side and fold it over. Here is where you’ll need that extra inch: take the longer side and fold it under so that you have a nice smooth crease instead of jagged cutting. Put it on top of the other end and pull it tight. Then tape together.

8.) Fold one side of the box at a time. On one end of your package, fold the corners in so you have a triangle. Fold the straight end over, then pull it to the top of your package. Tape. Repeat on the other side.

9.) Dress it up. Adding a personal touch with ribbon or a gift tag is always nice. Don’t have a gift tag handy? Use a scrap of coordinating wrapping paper, fold it into a “card,” and label the inside.