How to Wrap Presents Like A Pro

Wrapping presents is either your favourite part of Christmas, or your most loathed activity. If you know what you’re doing (or thoroughly enjoy the experience without caring for the outcome), gift wrapping can be a joy. However, if you have no idea how to wrap presents, and you want your festive gifts to look great, the stress is real.

But knowing how to wrap Christmas presents like a pro isn’t just about looking Instagram-worthy, it’s about building anticipation. Because let’s be honest, who hasn’t appreciated a beautifully wrapped present as much as the gift itself?

With a little creativity, you can transform even the bulkiest of items into gorgeously wrapped packages. So, we’re sharing our expert-approved present wrapping ideas to up your gift-wrapping game this holiday season.

How to Wrap Presents, Even When You Suck at Wrapping

1. Be Prepared: The Essentials for Wrapping Presents

Every artist needs their tools, and wrapping presents is no different. Before you dive in, make sure you’re stocked with:

• Quality wrapping paper: opt for thicker paper that doesn’t tear as easily.

• Double-sided tape: trust us, it’s a game-changer.

• Sharp scissors: dull blades are the enemy of neat edges.

• Ribbon and trimmings: the pièce de résistance.

• Tissue paper: ideal for adding volume, or for padding those awkward shapes.

Got your supplies? Right, let’s get into it!

2. Perfect Sizing: How to Cut Wrapping Paper

Avoid wrapping disasters by measuring your paper correctly. Simply wrap a piece of string or ribbon around your gift and measure it against your paper. Cut with precision, leaving a little extra to cover all sides. No one wants to see the corners of their new mug poking out because you underestimated the amount of paper!

Also, save those paper offcuts – they’re great for smaller gifts or creating fun collages on your packages.

3. Embrace the Eco-Friendly Wrapping Revolution

Going green doesn’t mean sacrificing style. In fact, it’s the wrapping trend that’s set to stay. Here’s how you can do your bit for the planet:

• Repurpose old wrapping paper: reuse last year’s leftovers, or jazz them up with fresh ribbons.

• Brown paper packages: tied up with string, these truly are a few of our favourite things! Add a sprig of greenery for a natural touch.

• Embrace fabric wraps: inspired by the Japanese art of furoshiki, use old scarves or cloth to wrap gifts in a sustainable, beautiful way.

When it comes to stocking up on your own gift-wrapping supplies, use fairtrade wrapping paper and eco-friendly twine. Or if your present is for a garden owner, wrap their gifts with seed paper, which they can then plant outside

_Psst, did you know that our bouquet wrapping is eco-friendly? Find out more about how we're doing our bit to help save our planet.

4. Wrapping Awkward Presents: Think Outside the Box

Got something that doesn’t fit neatly into a box (think round, oversized, or just plain weird-shaped)? We’ve got your back!

• Tablecloths: yes, you read that right. A paper tablecloth from your local shop works wonders on those awkwardly large gifts. Gather it at the top and secure with a beautiful ribbon.

• Layer it up: if your present has lots of small parts or isn’t a solid shape, cushion it with tissue paper and wrap each section separately before wrapping the whole thing.

For extra flair, try layering multiple pieces of paper or fabric to create an opulent look. Or go wild and mix patterns – because clashing is IN!

5. Adding the Finishing Touches

This is where the fun truly begins. To make your presents stand out under the tree, add a personal touch:

• Custom embellishments: attach small ornaments, pinecones, or even miniature toys.

• Ribbons and bows: this isn’t just about finishing; it's about making a statement. If your gift wrap is patterned, opt for a solid colour ribbon, and vice versa.

• Personalised gift tags: add a note about why you chose that particular gift, or attach a photo of you and the recipient for that extra personal touch.

6. Avoid the Christmas Eve Wrapping Frenzy

We’ve all been there: Christmas Eve, surrounded by piles of gifts, wrapping paper, and the creeping feeling of panic as you realise you’re not even halfway done. Save yourself from this festive chaos by wrapping as you go! As soon as you’ve bought a gift, get it wrapped and labelled.

To avoid any “whoops, this wasn’t for you” moments, make sure you clearly mark your presents as you wrap.

Bonus tip: keep a master list of what you’ve bought and wrapped – because there’s nothing worse than forgetting what’s inside that perfectly wrapped box.

7. How to Wrap Presents Like a Gift-Giving Guru

For those of you aiming for a Pinterest-perfect look, try these wrapping hacks:

• Sharp Creases: run a ruler along the edges of your paper for super sharp lines.

• Double-sided tape: we said it before, but it’s worth repeating. This miracle worker ensures your gift has a seamless look with no visible tape to spoil the aesthetic.

• Layering ribbon: use multiple ribbons or mix textures, like satin and velvet, for a luxe finish.

8. For That Extra Wow Factor

Looking for a showstopper? Personalise your gift wrapping! Think about the recipient’s personality and interests. For example, a budding chef might appreciate some dried herbs tucked into the ribbon. A plant lover? Add a sprig of holly or eucalyptus. These small touches can turn a simple gift into something truly special.

A Word from the Experts

To help you master the art of perfectly presented presents, we asked gift wrapping expert Jane Means to share her top tips for how to wrap presents like a pro just in time for Christmas.

"Beautiful gift wrapping makes a thoughtfully chosen present feel all the more desirable” Jane told us. “Just like fashion, gift wrapping is all about dressing to impress. You want to tantalise the recipient and build a sense of anticipation of what lies underneath.”

And just like the world of fashion, gift-wrapping trends are always changing. As an international gift-wrapping expert, Jane’s art takes her around the world, and it’s her travels that provide much of the inspiration for her work.

“When returning from India I am always inspired to use bold, bright colours, whereas trips to Scandinavia inspire a much more paired back look. I also take a lot of inspiration from nature. If I see a beautiful flower, I’ll take a photo of it and then look to add the colour to my ribbon collection.”

But you don’t have to jet off to faraway climates for your inspiration. We are BIG fans of Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok for inspo gathering!

Go Forth and Wrap

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll have the most fabulous looking gifts under the tree this Christmas. Whether you’re keeping it eco-friendly, going full glam, or simply trying to survive the wrapping marathon, there’s a wrapping technique for every type of Christmas enthusiast.

Remember, it’s not just what’s inside that counts – it’s how you wrap it too.

Happy wrapping!