Gift Wrapping 101

Gifting is not simply about what treasure exists beneath the wrap, it’s about creating an experience from the moment the recipient sees the gift. I love gift wrapping. It’s the idea of the outside looking beautiful and being an extension of what's inside. We’ve got all the essential tips to get you wrapping in style.

Gift Wrapping Essentials

Wrapping Paper
Scissors
Clear Tape (washi table is optional)
Ribbon
Gift Tag

1. Start with a cohesive colour palette. This looks beautiful when the gifts live under your tree waiting for the big day, or until you deliver to your giftee.

2. Purchase sturdy wrapping paper so tears and scratches can be avoided.

3. Gather all your supplies and wrap several gifts at once. The more you get in the rhythm, the faster you’ll get.

4. Measure the length or width of your box against the wrapping paper. You’ll want to leave enough space on each side to cover the sides of the box when you start doing your folds. I suggest having enough extra paper to cover just over half the side.

5. Cut the paper away from the roll.

6. Measure the opposite side of the box. (if you measured the length in Step 4, now measure the width, or vise versa). Make sure the paper covers the box all the way around before cutting. Trim the paper.

7. Secure the paper to the box with tape on the underside of the gift. This ensures the seam will be at the bottom, leaving you a clean surface on the top of the present. If you’re working with a pattern, try to centre the pattern on the top of the box before securing. This will provide a lovely visual on top when adding the final touches.

8. Flip the box so the box is seam side up. Fold the paper over the edge of the gift and into the middle of the side. Hold it down while pinching the edges of the paper, creasing the fold into a triangle. (Depending on the shape of the box it may not be a triangle shape specifically, however the ends will be angled.)

9. Fold the “triangles” into the middle, overlapping the initial fold.

10. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 on the other side.

11. Stand the box on its end. After the folds of Steps 8 and 9, you’ll be left with a final triangle or edge to fold. Fold the paper over the edge of the gift and into the middle of the side, overlapping the three previous folds. This fold should extend down from the “top” of the box.

12. Secure the fold with tape. I like to use a decorative tape such as washi tape on the ends to add an extra detail. Of course you can use clear tape as well.

13. Repeat Steps 11 and 12 on the other side.

14. Now you’re ready to adorn!

15. Determine your ribbon of choice and measure the amount you’ll need. Hold the ribbon on one side and bring it over to the other side. Hold your finger at that point and extend the ribbon over the top of the box. This will give you the amount of ribbon to wrap around the width.

16. Keeping hold of the ribbon where you left off on the width, repeat Step 15 to measure the amount needed for the length. Once complete, add on another 6-12” of ribbon to give you extra length to make a bow. Cut the ribbon.

17. With the seamless side of the box face up, place the ribbon along the middle of the box, running it down the sides as you flip the box over. Hold the ribbon taught to ensure you have equal amounts on both sides.

18. Twist the ribbon together in the middle of the box (this will now be the underside). Ensure the ribbon is flat and no twists have occurred with the exception of the centre point. Flip the box over, pulling the ribbon around to connect with the perpendicular ribbon.

19. Slide each end of the ribbon underneath the other ribbon, to create a knot in the centre, pulling both ribbons together in the middle of the box.

20. Determine your gift tag and address the “to” and “from” prior to attaching to the gift. Bring the ribbon up through the hole of the tag and slide the tag down to the base of the knot.

21. Tie the ribbon into a bow.

22. Your gift is now complete!

23. If you so choose, add on any additional adornments such as live greens, faux greens, small ornaments or candy canes.

Additional Tips:

If you’re wrapping several gifts at once, wrap first, adorn second. Don’t forget to note the recipient before adorning, so you know who to tag it for. If you’re anything like me, I always forget.
Make it a family affair! If one person in your household prefers wrapping, and another loves to adorn, create an assembly line, and get everyone involved.
Give yourself lots of space to wrap; a large table or counter is best.
Quality scissors are essential in getting clean cuts for both the paper and the ribbon.

It really is about getting creative and having fun with packaging. Make each gift as simple or elaborate as you’d like! One thing’s for sure, the recipient of your gift will savour the visual, and feel extra special receiving a thoughtful gift, both inside and out.