How to Wrap a Gift Like a Real Pro
Wow your loved ones with your impressive wrapping skills.
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Picking out the perfect presents for friends and loved ones is so fun and rewarding. Who doesn't love to see a smiling face when someone tears into a gift and is elated that it's exactly what they have been wanting all year long? But before they send paper and ribbon flying (to the recycling bin, of course) make sure they are equally as impressed with your professional-looking wrapping job.
To help you learn to wrap a gift like a pro, we tapped Macy's gift-wrapping expert, Belle Wesel, for her expertise, and know-how. Follow Belle's simple steps and you'll be on your way to wrapping anything from small gifts to larger presents in a snap. Because practice makes perfect, don't get discouraged if your first few tries don't have the super crisp corners and clean lines you desire. After a few attempts we know that you'll be a real ace wrapper and that all your friends will be coming to you for gift wrapping tips and tricks (or maybe they will just ask you do to all their wrapping for them—a side hustle in the making!).
So grab your favorite wrapping paper, sharp scissors, good quality ribbon, and double-sided tape, and start practicing your wrapping skills, because it's always someones birthday, baby shower, wedding, bat mitzvah...well, you get the picture.
What You'll Need
To add some personality to your package, we suggest getting creative with your ribbon choice. Try wrapping a few layers of ribbon around the box or tying and extra large bow.
It's so much easier to wrap something square or rectangular. Do yourself a favor and pack your gift into a box. Taping it shut is recommended but optional!
The cardinal rule for choosing wrapping paper? The thicker, the better. To facilitate the trimming process, look for a roll with a grid pattern on the back.
Dealing with hand cramps before a big event? A sharp pair of scissors with a comfortable handle is key when you have a pile of gifts to tackle. They not only make cutting the paper a snap but also insure that the ends of your ribbon have clean cuts.
Here's our trick from the pros: Double-sided tape is your secret weapon for a neat seam.
Step 1: Cut Wrapping Paper
Place the box facedown on top of your gift wrap, leaving the paper attached to roll. Use scissors to cut paper along one side, making a wide enough sheet to cover both sides of the box.
Step 2: Fold Over
While standing on the same side of the table as the roll, pull paper tautly up and over the far end of the box. Adhere with double-sided tape, and crease paper along the box's edge with thumb and forefinger.
Step 3: Join Ends
Unroll paper and bring it to meet the already wrapped end. Cut paper from roll, leaving an inch of overhang. Fold that inch under and crease along the fold. Adhere using double-sided tape.
Step 4: Close Open Ends
Now it's time to tackle one of the open ends of the box. Push sides of paper inward, creating four 45-degree-angle flaps, then crease along the flaps.
Step 5: Fold Down
Fold down the top flap. Crease sharply along the top of box, then crease again where paper meets the bottom edge of box. Cut paper along that bottom crease. Adhere to the box with double-sided tape.
Step 6: Get Rid of Excess Paper
Fold under any excess paper on the bottom flap so that it lines up perfectly with the top of box. Apply double-sided tape to the bottom flap, then fold it over the top flap and adhere.
Step 7: Close Other Side
Repeat steps four through six on the box's remaining open end. Finish all sides by running your pinched thumb and forefinger along edges to create sharp lines.
Step 8: Add Ribbon
Lay the wrapped box facedown on a length of ribbon (about five times as long as box). Pull ends of ribbon up and bring right end over the left. Pull width-wise so they cross.
Step 9: Thread Ribbon
Turn the box over. You should have two ribbon ends of about the same length. Thread each end under the ribbon already in place, as shown.
Step 10: Make a Double Knot
Double-knot the ribbon, then tie into a simple bow. Use your fingers to shape the loops.
Step 11: Trim Ends
Pinch the ribbon ends lengthwise and cut at a 45-degree angle to create forked ends, as shown. That's it—all wrapped up and ready to gift!
Step 12: You're Done!
With your first package all finished, the rest should be a breeze. What's more, your loved ones will be impressed with your wrapping skills.
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