Finding the perfect present for a friend, partner or loved one is easy, especially when we have a wide range of amazing gifts available right here at thortful. All you have to do is choose one that you know they’ll adore, and you’re good to go… but what about wrapping it?
So many people find wrapping presents difficult, and because of this, it can often end in disaster. From messy edges and accidental rips to putting the tag in the wrong place and dropping glitter everywhere, multiple things can go wrong with what seems like a straightforward task. That’s why the gift experts here at thortful have put together some top tips on how to wrap presents like a pro. As well as making your life easier, we guarantee the lucky people receiving the gifts will be over the moon!
What you’ll need to wrap a present
Okay, here we go, this is what you came here for. Let’s dive into exactly how to wrap a present like a pro! First off, you’ll need a few things at hand in order to wrap a present perfectly on your first attempt:
- Wrapping paper (duh!)
- Good, sharp scissors
- Transparent sticky tape
- Gift tags
- Ribbons and bows (optional)
To make things easier, find a large, flat, clean and level surface that provides plenty of room to wrap the presents. It’s also a good idea to give yourself enough time to do it properly, so pop on your favourite Christmas tunes and make an afternoon of it.
1. Choose the perfect gift
Before you start wrapping, you need to choose a lovely present. If you know someone who’s passionate about real ale, why not treat them to some beer and a card? Or maybe they’re well-known for having a sweet tooth? In that case, you could send them our delicious signature chocolate selection box! And then there are those who truly appreciate pleasing scents filling their home, in which case you can’t go wrong with our NOA candle set.
Now that the present is sorted, let’s take a look at how to wrap a gift so that it looks absolutely fabulous.
2. Pick the perfect paper
It can be tempting to just use any old wrapping paper, especially when it’s the cheapest one available. However, gift wrap can vary in terms of strength, with the thicker types making it much easier to wrap a present without the paper tearing or going all crinkly.
This doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on gift wrap, just make sure to buy a roll that’s decent quality. If you’re a gift-wrapping genius, you probably wouldn’t be reading a guide on how to wrap presents, so we’re going to assume you need all the help you can get.
When you’re choosing the wrapping paper, it’s also worth taking your time choosing the pattern, as this can make a huge difference to the recipient’s reaction. For instance, if your mum loves gardening, a floral motif will go down a treat. And for the sake of your loved one’s vacuums, make sure the wrapping paper you pick doesn’t shed glitter like an overexcited unicorn – there’s nothing worse than needing to drag out the hoover on Christmas morning because there’s glitter on everything in sight.
3. Measure the wrapping paper
A schoolboy error is to just guess how much wrapping paper you’ll need, cut it off the roll, and then realise it’s an inch too short to wrap the present in your hands. This can also result in you wasting good wrapping paper, so it’s essential that you measure it first.
To do so, roll out the wrapping paper and place the gift upside down in the centre – this way, the seams of the wrapping paper will be at the bottom of the gift once wrapped.
Next, gently move the end of the roll over the gift to the opposite edge, allowing enough surplus to ensure the gift will be fully covered. Cut the paper slowly to prevent a jagged edge and you’ll now have the right amount of paper to wrap the present.
4. Stick the wrapping paper to the gift (optional)
If you’re really wanting the wrapping process to go smoothly, you could cut a couple of small pieces of sticky tape and use them to secure one edge of the wrapping paper to the gift. Make sure this is done near the centre of the bottom of the gift so that the seam won’t be visible when you’re finished.
Of course, you’ll also want to be mindful exactly where you place the sticky tape so that it doesn’t damage the gift!
5. Fold the paper over the gift
Bring the rest of the paper over the gift so that it slightly overlaps the edge that’s been secured to the bottom. Check that everything is tight and even, then use sticky tape to secure the second edge to the first. The gift should now be covered by wrapping paper, so we just need to tidy it all up.
6. Seal the sides
One side at a time, fold down the top flap onto the surface of the gift, which should result in two wings of paper sticking out. Carefully fold and flatten these wings against the gift, then fold the remaining triangle of paper up and over the rest.
Grab your good old sticky tape and secure the flaps together. Repeat this process with the other side and there you have it; you know exactly how to wrap a gift!
7. Add some decoration
When it comes to wrapped presents, you can leave them exactly as they are or add some festive sparkle with bows, ribbons, and tags!
If you love the idea of making the gift look super special, simply stand it upright and add as much or as little decoration as you like. A gift tag is definitely a good idea, as that way you won’t accidentally give dad’s new tool set to grandma. You could also add some ribbon and a bow for that wonderful timeless ‘yep, it’s a Christmas present’ look.
What is the best way to wrap presents?
When you’re learning how to wrap presents like a pro, the biggest hack we can give you is this: wrap your present in tissue paper (the decorative kind, not toilet roll) and then carefully place it in a gift box. Aside from preventing the item from becoming damaged, the box shape also makes it SO much easier to wrap.
If the gift is especially fragile, such as glassware or a bottle of wine, it’s crucial that you protect it before you wrap it up. Whether that’s with bubble-wrap or a nice bundle of tissue paper, keeping your precious present from arriving broken should be priority number one.
Gift wrap alternatives
Wondering how to wrap gifts but make them look super unique? Well, we’ve seen people wrap presents in everything from recycled card to a range of fabrics, or you could even wrap the gift in plain white paper and then decorate it yourself with crayons or felt tips. This is a great idea if you’ve got kids and you’re sending a present from the whole family!
We’re sure you must have a few gift wrapping ideas of your own – so get creative and make sure to share photos with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
P.S. Don’t forget the Christmas card
If you’re super organised and already wrapping festive gifts, we have a wide range of Christmas cards to go with them. From traditional to funny and even a few rude styles, we have everything you need to make this a Christmas to remember:
And once you’ve chosen your card, make sure to head over to the thortful blog for plenty more festive insights. You can dive into our winter craft ideas, then learn how to make a Christmas stocking and how to make a Christmas wreath. Once you’ve done so, you really will have the most festive house on the street!
