Gift Wrapping Ideas and How to Wrap Any Shape
The best gift wrapping ideas start with a clean box wrap: measure the paper, fold the edges, and use as little tape as possible. For odd shapes, use a cloth wrap or a bag. Gift cards fit in a small card or box, and baskets need cellophane and a bow.
A well-wrapped gift tells the recipient you took your time, even when the present itself is small. The good news is that neat wrapping does not take special skill. It takes the right amount of paper, a few clean folds and a finishing touch.
Here is how to wrap a box step by step, how to handle clothes and awkward shapes, how to wrap without tape, how to present gift cards and baskets, and how to finish it all with a tag worth keeping.
Supplies checklist for neat wrapping
- Wrapping paper, kraft paper or a sturdy gift bag. Heavier paper folds more crisply than thin paper.
- Sharp scissors. Dull blades tear the paper and leave ragged edges.
- Double-sided tape, plus regular tape for the places where it will not show.
- Ribbon, twine or washi tape for the finishing touch.
- Gift tags or small cards, and a pen that writes on glossy paper.
- Tissue paper for bags and soft gifts.
You can wrap with less than this. A roll of kraft paper, a ball of twine and a pen make a simple, handsome set, and they cost far less than printed holiday paper. If you are shopping for the gift itself, our stocking stuffer ideas include small items that wrap in minutes.
How to wrap a box neatly, step by step
- Set the box upside down on the paper. Pull the paper up and over the box, so it overlaps by about an inch on the bottom and has enough on each side to cover half the box ends.
- Cut the paper. Trim any extra so the overlap is only an inch or two, which keeps seams flat.
- Fold one long edge under about half an inch for a clean crease, then tape it to the paper with a strip of double-sided tape.
- Pull the other edge over the first and tape down the seam.
- At each end, fold the two side flaps in against the box, creating a crisp crease along each side.
- Fold the top flap down to make a triangle on each side, then fold the bottom flap up and tape it in place.
- Repeat on the other end and finish with a tag or ribbon.
How to wrap clothes, bottles and odd shapes
Not everything has square corners. For odd shapes, skip the box wrap and choose a method that fits the item instead of fighting it.
| Gift | How to wrap it |
|---|---|
| Clothes and soft items | Fold flat into a shirt box, or roll and tie with ribbon |
| A bottle | Roll in paper like a tube, twist and tie the top |
| A plant | Wrap the pot in paper, then a bag around the whole thing |
| A book | Wrap like a box, with a bookmark tucked under the ribbon |
| A large or oddly shaped toy | Use a large gift bag with tissue paper, or a fabric wrap |
| A pair of small items | Tie together with twine and a tag |
When in doubt, a gift bag with tissue paper is a reliable answer. It is faster than paper and works for almost anything, including the items in our gifts under $25 guide.
No-tape and fabric wrapping with furoshiki
Furoshiki is a Japanese method of wrapping with a nearly square piece of fabric. It was traditionally used in Japan to wrap and carry items, and it can be reused time after time, so there is no wrapping waste. The recipient can keep the cloth.
- Lay the fabric flat, in a diamond shape, with the gift in the center.
- Fold the corner closest to you up over the gift, then fold the opposite corner down over it.
- Take the two side corners and tie them in a simple knot on top.
- Tuck in any loose ends, then add a tag or a sprig of greenery under the knot.
You do not need special fabric. A clean bandana, a cotton napkin or a scarf you were going to give anyway can double as the wrap. For a no-tape paper wrap, tie twine around the center and tuck the ends into the knot.
How to present gift cards and gift baskets
A plain gift card can feel flat, but presentation fixes that. Tuck it inside a small card with a handwritten message, tape it to a candy cane, or hide it inside a mini gift box or a book. Pair it with a small item that matches the card, such as a coffee mug for a coffee shop card.
How to wrap a gift basket
- Fill the bottom with crinkle paper or tissue so items sit at different heights.
- Put the tallest items at the back and the smallest at the front.
- Place a sheet of cellophane flat under the basket, then bring the corners up and gather them at the top.
- Tie the cellophane with a ribbon and finish with a bow and a tag.
For an experience gift, such as tickets or a class voucher, put the printout in an envelope and tuck it into a box with a small related item. Our guide to experience gifts has ideas for what to give.
Finishing touches that make it look considered
- A handwritten tag with the recipient's name and one short line.
- A length of ribbon or twine tied in a bow or a simple knot.
- A sprig of rosemary, pine or dried orange slice tucked under the ribbon.
- A strip of washi tape for a pop of color that sits flat.
- A matching mix of two papers, such as plain kraft with a patterned ribbon.
Pick one or two finishing touches rather than all of them. Our Christmas gift guide is a good place to start if you still need something to wrap.
Gift ideas from our guides
Frequently asked questions
How do you wrap a gift without tape?
Use a cloth wrap, such as a furoshiki-style fabric square knotted on top, or put the gift in a reusable gift bag. You can also wrap in paper and hold it closed with twine, ribbon or a rubber band, then cover the join with a tag.
How do you wrap a gift card?
Slip it into a small card with a handwritten note, or put it inside a mini box with a small related item. You can also tuck it into a book or tie it onto a package with ribbon. A short message makes it feel personal.
How do you wrap a gift that is not a box?
Use a gift bag with tissue paper, or wrap the gift in fabric. For bottles, roll the paper into a tube and tie both ends. For soft items, fold them flat into a box or roll and tie with ribbon.
How much wrapping paper do I need for a gift?
Set the box on the paper and make sure it reaches around the box with about an inch of overlap. The paper should cover half of each end. Trim any extra so the folds stay flat and tidy.
How do you wrap a gift basket?
Place the basket on a large sheet of cellophane, gather the corners above the top, and tie with a ribbon. Fill the basket with crinkle paper first so the items stand at different heights and look full.
Sources
- The Furoshiki Prince and the Revival of the Wrapping Cloth, Highlighting Japan, September 2020Government of Japan (Highlighting Japan)
We cite primary sources for rules, laws and figures. Price ranges and advice are our own editorial recommendations.
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