If you’re wondering how to wrap a present you’ve come to the right place! When it comes to gift wrapping, there’s no one-size-fits-all method. It all depends on the size and shape of your gift, how you want it to look, and how creative you want to get.
In this guide, you’ll find a basic step-by-step tutorial on how to wrap a present where we’ll show you our fool-proof method for easy gift wrapping every time. This neat technique will make your presents look professional in a matter of minutes.
If you want to get extra creative with your gift wrapping, we have plenty more ideas for you. You’ll find tips for everything from wrapping your gifts with fabric to creating your own gift boxes and bags.
Read on to find the perfect fit for your gift.
Jump to:
- How to wrap a present video tutorial
- 21 gift wrapping ideas to delight friends and family
- How to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper
- Gift bag ideas: 31 ideas to make at home
- How to make your own gift box
- Gift box ideas: 28 DIY gift box ideas
- How to make your own wrapping paper
- How to wrap a present with fabric
- How to sew gift bags
- How to wrap gifts using Furoshiki
- How to wrap a present using your knitting skills
- How to wrap a present with crochet
- Finishing touches: How to make a bow out of ribbon
How to wrap a present video tutorial
How to wrap a present like a pro: Step-by-step tutorial
In our quick and simple guide, we’ll show you how to wrap a present like a pro. It’s time to wrap!
Step 1
Grab your roll of wrapping paper, a pair of scissors and some sticky tape (double-sided is easiest, but it’s not essential).
Top tip: if you only have regular sticky tape, cut a length and loop it into a circle so the two ends are stuck to each other. You can now use this like you would double-sided tape! It’s a bit more fiddly, but it does the job.
Step 2
Wrap the longest width of your present with the wrapping paper until it covers the whole gift, and then add roughly 3 inches of extra paper to work with.
Cut along the length of the paper.
Step 3
Trim the shorter length of your wrapping paper on both sides. making sure the side measures up to the height of the gift.
Step 4
Now close the two longest sides of the paper, you can have them meet in the middle of the present, or at the side which hides the seam.
Stick together with double-sided tape (so the tape is hidden).
Step 5
Now for the sides.
Push the centre of the sides together like in the photo below. Fold the creases to make sure your paper stays where you want it to.
Step 6
Attach a small piece of sticky tape to the inside of the bottom flap. Fold down the top flap then fold the bottom flap up over the top and secure.
Step 7
Repeat on the opposite side. Make sure your flap folds are the same on both sides (so the bottom flap always goes over the top flap).
Step 8
That’s a wrap! Now give your gift to someone special (or pop it under your tree if it’s the season).
Keep reading to find out how to finish your gift with a beautiful DIY bow!
21 gift wrapping ideas to delight friends and family
If you want to level up your gift-giving or need to wrap an awkwardly shaped gift, then take a look at our round-up of DIY gift wrapping ideas.
We cover everything from creative materials to use instead of shop-bought wrapping paper to beautiful finishing touches, plus a few methods you may not have even thought of!
If you love to make a statement with your gifts, then be sure to browse our most inventive gift wrapping ideas.
How to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper
Do you have old rolls of wrapping paper gathering dust in the loft? This is the perfect opportunity to make use of them.
In this tutorial, we show you how to take a sheet of wrapping paper and transform it into a gift bag in just a few simple steps.
Gift bags are a great option when the present is oddly-shaped and tricky to wrap. They’re also excellent alternatives to shop-bought gift bags which can be quite pricey if you want a luxury one.
Follow along with our guide on how to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper, which contains helpful step-by-step pictures.
Gift bag ideas: 31 ideas to make at home
Looking for more gift bag ideas? We’d recommend checking out our mega round-up of gift bag projects.
There’s a whole range of DIY gift bag ideas to choose from including crochet gift bags, origami gift bags and even full Santa sack sewing projects.
Make your presents look fabulous with these amazing gift bag ideas.
How to make your own gift box
Make your own charming gift boxes this festive season with our simple guide. In the tutorial, Carolyne Knott shows us how to make a trio of charming Christmas gift boxes.
The first gift box is a gingerbread house, the second a lantern and the third a box adorned with spiky holly. Each gift box can be completed in only four steps, and there’s a free template for each box which you can download.
Discover how to make a gift box with our fun tutorial.
Gift box ideas: 28 DIY gift box ideas
Looking for beautifully homemade gift boxes for all occasions? Our round-up of DIY projects will get you excited to give your gift. Discover a variety of gift boxes in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Whether you want a box for delicate jewellery or something to contain an awkwardly shaped gift, we’ve got you covered!
There’s plenty of unique designs to choose from like the cute owl box perfect for small presents or the rectangle suitcase ideal for a framed photo.
Take a look at our 28 DIY gift box ideas and package your gifts to impress!
How to make your own wrapping paper
If you want to stick with paper but don’t want to go shop-bought, then why not make your own wrapping paper?
With this method, all you’ll need to buy is a roll of brown parcel paper. It’s cheap from any stationery store or you can find a roll on Amazon (£10 for 50 metres).
If you’re trying to figure out how long this will last, a standard roll of wrapping paper is 3 metres. So it should last you a fair few occasions!
In our DIY wrapping paper tutorial, we’ll show you how to use stencils and paint to decorate your wrapping paper. We’ve used Christmas-themed stencils, but the possibilities are endless as long as you’ve got stencils and paints.
One thing to note is that you’ll need to let your paint dry thoroughly before wrapping your gifts.
How to wrap a present with fabric
There’s plenty of ways to wrap presents without paper too, try wrapping with fabric or yarn for a more sustainable gift.
How to sew gift bags
Whether you’re a sewist or not these cute little fabric gift bags by Jennie Jones are perfect for anyone to have a go at making.
All you need is a fat quarter to make one bag, this results in a small gift bag suitable for little gifts like jewellery or chocolates.
Get the how to sew a gift bag tutorial by Jennie Jones, where you’ll find a step-by-step guide with helpful pictures.
How to wrap gifts using Furoshiki
What are Furoshiki? Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths most commonly used to wrap presents, foods, and clothes.
They’re a much more sustainable option than paper as they can be used numerous times.
There’s no hard and fast rule as to what material you should use, so it’s an ideal time to raid your stash and use up any spare fabrics you have.
We have a full tutorial on how to wrap your gifts using Furoshiki, which will show you all the techniques you’ll need, plus give you a little bit of history into this fascinating craft.
How to wrap a present using your knitting skills
Are you a knitter? You can incorporate your skills into gift giving! Since a knitted gift bag can be reused, it becomes a gift in itself.
We’ve got a free gift bag knitting pattern for you to download and cast on at home. There’s two designs available both at just 12cm in length, so the perfect size to hold jewellery or a handful of sweets or chocolate.
How to wrap a present with crochet
Prefer crochet? You’ll love this gorgeously bright gift bag idea from Winding Road Crochet.
This festive gift bag is available to stitch in three cute designs, a reindeer, a penguin and a snowman. It’s suitable for beginner crocheters and a video is available if you need some extra help.
One thing to note is that the pattern is written in US terms. If you’re familiar with UK terms you can use our crochet conversion table.
How to wrap gifts like a pro!
Gone are the days of buying cheap wrapping paper from the high street. Now you’re armed with the wrapping skills of Santa’s elves, you’ll be able to wrap gifts of any shape or size and make them look pretty and professional!
Whether you choose to make your own wrapping paper, make a gift box or maybe sew a gift bag there’s plenty of ideas and inspiration right here on Gathered!
Pair up your DIY gift wrapping with a homemade card
If you're going to go homemade with your gift wrapping you might as well throw in a homemade card while you're at it! Check out these DIY Christmas card ideas to get your creativity flying!
