The Art of Gift Wrapping: Tips for Gorgeous Christmas Presents

 I am one of those weird people who loves wrapping presents.  It’s such a fun part of Christmas to me.  Yet I know so many people who absolutely hate it.  I’ve come to the conclusion that this is because they don’t have the right tools!  So I put together this post to show you just how easy it is to wrap a Christmas present that is almost too pretty to open!

Choosing the right paper

The most important part of gift wrapping is the paper.  This is not the place to skimp.   I can’t tell you how many times I would wrap a present, then see that the box had poked through and I’m forced to start over.  The waste alone means it really isn’t as cheap as you thought it was.  Besides, the frustration will take hold and although you had every intention of putting a gorgeous package under the tree… you’re now doomed.

While a thin paper is ok for a light weight gift, it is an absolute nightmare when you’re wrapping anything other than a rectangular box of feathers! Although it can be tough to tell how thick the paper is when it is wrapped in cellophane, if you see the word premium anywhere, it’s a good bet it is a heavier weight. I stumbled upon some Cynthia Rowley paper a few years ago at Home Goods and it quickly became my favorite.

I always bought the paper with the guidelines on the back thinking I needed help to cut it straight. That was usually a very thin paper. Although I could see the cut line the paper, being as flimsy as it was, would tear the farther down the roll I got. With a thicker paper and a good pair of scissors, a swift swipe down the roll will give you a straight line and no tearing along the way. Well worth the extra dollar or two.

Measuring your gift

There is no magic formula for this one. My go to is always to place my box flat an inch from the edge of the paper, stand the box up straight and then flip it over towards the middle, add another inch, and cut.

Although you want as little waste as possible, I add the inch on each end to allow me to fold over each side before taping. Not necessary but a much cleaner look.

While a shirt box is as simple as can be, it’s often the perfect square box that gives you the most trouble. Mostly it’s because, like me, you spend too much time trying to figure out how to wrap it without wasting paper. I’ve learned to give that up! Unless it is a huge box, there will be waste mainly because of its shape. I know there are posts that use math to make the perfect cuts. I hated math and still do so I refuse to take the fun out of wrapping to get it perfect! Having leftover paper to me is a good thing. Perfect for all those gift card boxes.

Taping Your Package

If you want a really clean look, double sided tape is the way to go. I do use that sometimes but a clear tape is ok too. It’s usually covered up with your ribbon anyways. Having a tape dispenser though is a must! So much easier to hold your paper together with one hand when you are not fighting with your tape.

The most important part of taping is making sure your paper is pulled taut. This is where a quality paper also shines. Much easier to make the creases you will need to get a good tight fold to tape down.

Use as much tape as you need to get that clean edge. It makes it so much easier to add your ribbon if the sides are flat not puffy.

Adding Ribbon and Bows to your Christmas Wrap

This is always the fun part for me. I have a bin full of every kind of ribbon imaginable. Anything goes here! I love making my own bows with curly ribbon. Easy as pie and so nice to work with. Simply make a loop on one side, make the same size loop on the other, then continue going back and forth until your bow is the size you would like. Easy Peasy! My favorite is the sparkle type. A little trickier since only one side has sparkles. You need to take care to as you twist back and forth but the end result is just so pretty! The best part of this ribbon is you can add curls simply by pulling the edge of your scissors along the length.

A good wired ribbon that you would use on a wreath looks gorgeous on a package as well.

When it comes to ribbon, the possibilities are endless. Put together with a matching paper and it will be gorgeous no matter what type you choose to use.

The Final Touch

Pretty tags can dress up any package and that may be all you need to get that gorgeous look you’re going for. For me, the final touch is usually an ornament as well. I especially love to use ornaments for the young couples in my life. Just starting out, the last thing you tend to spend money on are Christmas ornaments. They are usually very appreciated.

This year, I found so many adorable clip on ornaments at Walmart that I used them on most every package I’ve wrapped so far. A package of the glitter snowflakes that are sold in packs of 20 are a great inexpensive way to make your package stand out. The sparkles look gorgeous with the reflection from the lights of a tree.

Phew! As much as I love wrapping, I am relieved to have this much done! Now I can relax with a nice cup of hot chocolate…

… my favorite Christmas movie!

And I fully intend to do just that – – as soon as I put these packages under the tree and end this post. I hope you enjoyed my – – How to Wrap a Beautiful Christmas Present post and will visit again soon! Be sure to stop by Instagram and see the Christmas village in motion!

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