‘Tis the season for trying to how to wrap a present or two! Despite how tempting it is to pop everything in a gift bag, there are plenty of hacks that will take your wrap job from drab to fab. So whether you run out of tape, bows or need to know how to wrap a gift (even the odd-shaped ones), we’ve got everything you need to wrap like a pro. Keep reading to see all of our favorite gift wrapping ideas.
Wrap Diagonally
The DIY site Blosson has several different gift wrapping hacks, including one that shows you how to wrap a present diagonally. Check it out here.
Make A Candy Bow
Paper and fabric bows are so last year. This year, make your package even sweeter by topping with a candy bow inspired by Happy Go Lucky. Pick your family's favorite candy, then tie to the front of the gift for a special treat.
Use Aluminum Foil Instead of Paper
Short on paper? Check out that stash of shiny packing material or that huge roll of aluminum foil in gathering dust in the kitchen and dress up some gifts like Honestly Modern. The best part? Options like this mean you are reusing products you already have and creating less waste.
Attach Fresh Greenery
Instantly dress up any gift with a snip of pine or another festive frond. The recipient of your gift will love the fun fragrance, and the non-traditional topper is a nice break from a paper or fabric bow.
Use the Takashimaya Wrapping Method
Japanese department store Takashimaya is famous for its quick maneuvering when it comes to getting presents wrapped. If you're looking to bust out all your presents in one sitting then you'll want to watch this video which uses three pieces of tape and less than 30 seconds.
Decorate with Garland
Whether you make your own or plan on using an old garland from your last birthday, finishing off a package with a strand of garland is always a good idea! The hack gives a homemade yet stylish look to your simply wrapped gifts in a cinch.
Mini TP Roll Package
Wrapping something tiny and can’t find an itty bitty box? Try using a TP roll by folding down one side, taping it, putting the gift inside, folding the opposite side in and finally taping it closed. Finish it off with baker’s twine and a small bow, and you’ll have the ultimate budget-friendly package.
Vintage Mag Gift Wrap
If you’re looking for a cool gift wrap substitute that’s guaranteed to impress, try using a vintage map. It's kinda perfect for wrapping almost anything because it's large, can be opened flat and has natural seams that make it super easy to cut.
Foil & Plastic Wrap Boxes
Gift your sweet treats in style with this amazing idea from Aunt Peaches. Grab a waxed paper or aluminum foil box, craft paint and twine to create a dazzling gift box. Fill the box with your favorite baked-goods to put a smile on everyone’s face this season.
Cereal Boxes
If you run out of gift bags this season, don’t worry. As long as you have cereal boxes, you can make an amazing DIY gift bag. All you need to do it grab a cereal box, cut out the top or side (depending on the shape of your gift) and wrap it with your favorite holiday paper. Remember to leave the top open, punch holes in the top and thread yarn or ribbon to create handles.
Sticky Note Gift Wrap
Seriously, who doesn’t love sticky notes?! But, did you know you can actually use them to make unique and colorful gift wrap? Take a peek at the new book Stick It! to discover all the ways you can use these amazing little guys.
Bag Clip For Finding Your Tape Edge
Let’s face it, everyone’s lost the edge of their tape at some point. Keep your sanity intact by using a bag clip to hold your place, and you’ll never lose the tape edge again!
Grocery Bag Gift Wrap
Create your perfect brown paper packages on a budget with paper grocery bags. Cut the seams so that the bag lays flat, and you’ll have a lovely sheet of paper to wrap your best holiday finds. Bonus points if your grocery bag already has pre-printed winter scenes on it!
Wrap Buddies
If you know you’ll be wrapping a lot of gifts this season, Wrap Buddies are a definite must-have. These gadgets clip onto the edge of your table to hold the paper down and also double as a tape dispenser!
Double-Sided Tape
Give your gifts that “wrapped at the mall” look by using double-sided tape where the wrapping paper overlaps. It’s so clean, your little ones will think you’re magic!
Tape Alternatives
No clear tape, no problem. Try using your favorite festive stickers, photo mount tape or glue dots to keep all of your packages perfectly wrapped.
Playing Card Gift Tags
Making DIY gift tags is actually easier than you think. All you need are playing cards, construction paper and a little bit of twine. Get the details for this hack and upcycle your playing cards over at Family Chic.
DIY Gift Bag
There’s always that one gift that doesn’t fit any bag, box or sack. No need to have a late night breakdown! Wrap like a pro by fashioning a perfectly-sized gift bag using the wrapping paper you already have with a little help from this video!
Potato Stamps
Say goodbye to boring, solid wrapping paper with this cool idea from Housing A Forest. Make your very own patterned paper with a potato stamp. Yes, you read that right! Grab a potato, a cookie cutter and paint to create a craft that gets your kiddos involved with the wrapping process.
Color-Coded Gift Wrap
Cut down on the confusion with this ingenious trick. Try assigning each family member a color or wrapping paper pattern, and forget about all of the gift tags!
Glitter Ribbon
You might never buy ribbon again after trying out this glittery hack. Stick some double-sided tape onto your wrapped gift, create a “T” shape or double parallel lines, roll the package in glitter, give it a quick tap, and voila, you’ve got a sparkly finish to your gift.
The Candy Method
If you’ve got an oddly shaped gift that’s not too big, you can always try the candy method. This sweet method is all about taping the paper or tissue at the center of the package and tying the ribbon at both ends. For a more detailed tutorial visit Jones Design Company.
— Natasha Davis, Allison Sutcliffe & Karly Wood
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