How to Wrap Gifts Nicely (Without Stressing Out)

Whimsical patterned papers, rainbows of crayons and markers, Disney-esque ribbons, glue, and eye-catching, slightly kitschy accessories... I confess: stationery stores are a little paradise of euphoric peace for me. Add to this that Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I have a borderline obsessive passion for packaging and boxes, especially vintage ones (yes, I've seen The Possession and know the risks I take), and it’s clear why I love wrapping gifts. It’s almost a zen ritual. I carefully choose the paper, ribbons, handcraft the tags, and add something special, like a chocolate or a little trinket meant for the recipient.

Ok, I understand that some people couldn’t care less about gift wrapping, or perhaps they want to create a beautifully wrapped gift but lack the skills to fold perfect edges and curl ribbons nicely. In such cases, you can get the wrapping done at the store where you bought the gift or use colorful bags and boxes. Even Kris Jenner does it! Remember a few Christmases ago when she surprised her daughters with giant bags personalized with their photos? But with this approach, you miss the joy of unwrapping slowly, tearing through paper and tape until the gift is revealed. I mean, we spend hours watching unboxing videos of strangers on social media, yet we can’t spare a few minutes to give our loved ones the same childlike thrill? Come on, you can do it. Just follow a few tips, let the holiday spirit inspire you, and channel the Martha Stewart in you (and if you can’t find her, dig deeper).

How to wrap Christmas gifts: everything you need to know

If you’ve been scrolling Instagram lately, you might have seen a video of Angelina Jolie strolling through the streets of Paris and stopping at a shop to buy rolls of wrapping paper. Let’s learn from her: the first step to wrapping a gift is gathering all the supplies, starting with choosing your wrapping paper. From classic Christmas-themed sheets featuring candy canes, Santa Claus, elves, and snowmen to solid-colored rolls, vintage illustrations, or Timothée Chalamet’s face in a red hat with pompoms, and even minimalist brown kraft paper, the options are nearly endless. The same goes for ribbons, bows, and rosettes, available in countless colors, sizes, and materials, from velvet to lace. Once you’ve chosen and bought all the gifts, carve out some time and space at home to focus on wrapping. Before cutting, folding, and curling, make sure you have all the “tools of the trade” within reach: paper, bags, tape, hot glue, scissors, ribbons, and tags in various sizes.

How to Wrap a Square or Rectangular Box

Let’s start with the basics: wrapping a square or rectangular gift. We’ve seen it done countless times, but in this kind of “DIY manual for dummies,” it’s worth revisiting each step:

1. Cut the wrapping paper: Place the box face down on the wrapping paper, leaving it attached to the roll for now. Use scissors to cut the paper along one side, creating a sheet wide enough to cover both sides of your gift.
2. Fold: Lay the gift on the paper with the opening side facing the table. Fold the two long sides over the gift, ensuring they’re snug, and secure them one over the other with tape. For a flawless result, use double-sided tape to make it invisible.
3. Seal the open ends: This is the trickiest part—fold the corners to form two triangles and secure them with tape.
4. Add the ribbon: Take a ribbon, pass it under the package, and cross it so the ends are on the exposed sides. Flip the box, cross the ribbon ends again, and tie them into a knot. Finally, either make a simple bow or curl the remaining ribbon with scissors.

Oddly shaped gifts? Try the candy technique

Cylindrical or irregularly shaped gifts, like a scented candle, a tube of body cream, or a scarf, can be tricky to wrap. In such cases, pre-made bags that can be sealed with tape or a stapler are often used. Alternatively, you can turn your wrapping paper into a candy shape. The simplest method is to place the gift in the center of the paper, wrap the paper around it to create a tube, and secure it with tape. Finally, close the top and bottom with ribbons and curl them with scissors. For a more polished and elegant result, measure the paper around the gift and secure it with tape. Fold the paper in half, fold the edges inward, and cut the corners diagonally. Place the gift inside and tie the sides with ribbons.

Try Sustainable DIY

If we want to avoid wasting paper, we can use pages from a music sheet, a magazine, or a newspaper for our gift wrapping. Simply finish it off with a wide ribbon in vibrant colors, perhaps satin or velvet, or, if you prefer a cleaner and more minimalist look, use string. Some people unleash their creativity by crocheting or knitting their own gift bags with yarn. For a more elegant touch, take inspiration from the Furoshiki technique, an ancient Japanese method that uses fabric to wrap gifts. All you need is a large handkerchief or a generous piece of fabric to wrap your gift and secure it by tying the fabric ends.

Get creative with bows and decorations

Despite our best efforts, does the package lack sharp corners or have a less-than-appealing shape? Don’t worry, focus on the decorations! Choose ribbons made of velvet, satin, silk, or lace. Add personalized details like chocolates, cookies, gingerbread men, small colorful crayons, beads, glitter, and bells. You can also use dried orange slices, dried flowers, berries, or anything your imagination suggests. Here’s a tip: make a mini wreath. Take a sprig of rosemary, bend it into a round shape, and secure it by stitching with green thread. Add tiny red ornaments, and voilà!