10 Best Gift Wrapping Hacks You Have To Try

Gift-giving is a wonderful way to show someone you care but gift wrapping can often feel like a daunting task. However, with a few simple gift wrapping hacks, you can turn this time-consuming or sometimes frustrating task into a fun and creative experience. 

From using tissue paper to making gift bag out of wrapping paper, there are many ways to make your gift wrapping unique and memorable. In this article, I’m going to share with you some of my favorite present wrapping hacks. 

These hacks will not only make your gift wrapping easier and more enjoyable, but they will also impress your friends and loved ones with your creativity and thoughtfulness. 

So, let’s get started!

Gift Wrapping: The Basics

Gift wrapping is a customary practice that involves the careful packaging of a gift within a material (wrapping paper or fabric) to enhance its presentation and surprise.

One popular choice for gift wrapping is wrapping paper, a specialized type of paper designed specifically for this purpose, featuring a variety of colors, patterns, and designs.

In addition to traditional wrapping paper, individuals may also opt for alternative methods such as using gift boxes or bags to enclose the gift.

These containers provide a convenient and aesthetically pleasing way to present the gift, ensuring its safekeeping and adding an element of anticipation. To further embellish the wrapped or boxed gift, individuals often secure it with a decorative ribbon and top it off with a beautifully tied bow, creating an elegant and visually appealing finishing touch.

These decorative elements not only enhance the overall aesthetics of the gift but also symbolize the care and attention given to the presentation, making the act of gift giving even more special and memorable.

Life-Changing Gift Wrapping Hacks For You

1. The diagonal wrapping method

This first hack blew my mind when I first figured out how to do it. And this is a smart way to wrap a gift even if it doesn’t look like you have enough wrapping paper. 

Sometimes when I have a box to wrap, and no matter which way (vertical and horizontal) I try to wrap it, I can’t get the paper to go all the way all around the box. Usually I would just give up and get another bigger piece of wrapping paper. But you can actually wrap this present using what’s called the diagonal wrapping method. 

The diagonal wrapping method is a technique used for wrapping gifts with wrapping paper. Instead of wrapping the gift straight on, this method involves placing the gift diagonally on the wrapping paper – at an angle, instead of even with the edge, so that the corners of the paper meet in the center. The paper is then folded over the gift, and the edges are taped down.

Following this method, all you need to do is to put it right in the middle of the piece of wrapping paper diagonally. Once you find a place on the wrapping paper where you can pull up each paper corner and cover every corner of your box, you’re going to start. You can start with the corner from the long side of the gift box, pull it up over the box and use a little piece of tape to secure that into place. Now you need to go over to the next two shorter sides of the box. Fold it up and over then secure it with tapes – one by one.

Remember to pay attention to the vertical edges, try to fold the wrapping paper in then up to make it lay flat vertically against the corner edges of the box. With the final part, you just need to repeat the same idea. After folding the 2 vertical edges,  you need to get the remaining corner of the wrapping paper up to cover the last side of the gift box. 

Note: In order to make your gift neat you’ll want to pull the paper tight and snug around the gift.

You may also like: How to Wrap Round Gifts

2. Make a gift bag out of wrapping paper

Gift bags are great because you can use them for any awkward or unusual shaped items. But if you run out of gift bags and you have some wrapping papers, you can easily use these papers to make a gift bag. 

You’re going to start by choosing the wrapping paper. You should use a piece of paper which is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your gift. 

Next, you’ll need to cut your wrapping paper. It must be big enough to create the gift bag which can contain the gifts normally. Lay your wrapping paper flat on a table or surface, with the patterned side facing down. Cut a rectangle from the paper that is twice the length of the gift bag you want to create, and add an additional 2-3 inches to the width.

Then, you’re gonna fold the paper in half lengthwise, with the patterned side still facing down. Make sure that the edges are aligned.

The next important step is to create the bottom of the bag. You’ll need to fold the bottom of the paper up to create a crease that is about 2-3 inches deep. Unfold the paper and then fold the two sides of the paper towards the center crease. This will create a triangle on each side. Fold the bottom of the paper up again and secure it in place with tape. Make sure to reinforce the corners with extra tape to make the bag sturdy.

Then you move to the top part of the bag: Fold down the top of the bag to create a crease that is about 1-2 inches deep. Unfold the paper and then fold the two sides of the paper towards the center crease.

The final step is to add the handle for your gift bag. Punch two holes in the top of the bag, about 1-2 inches apart. Cut a length of ribbon or string that is long enough to be used as handles for the gift bag. Thread the ribbon through the two holes at the top of the bag, and tie a knot to secure it in place. You can also add some small decorations on the bags.

Your gift bag is now complete! This simple and easy method can be used to create gift bags of any size, using any wrapping paper you like. It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your gift wrapping and make your gift even more special.

3. Use double sided tapes instead of regular ones

Instead of struggling to hide tape on the outside of your gift, use double-sided tape to attach the wrapping paper to itself. This will give your gift a seamless look and make the wrapping process much easier.

Double-sided tape is preferred over regular tape when wrapping gifts because it creates a cleaner and more professional-looking finish. Unlike regular tape, which can be visible and distract from the overall presentation, double-sided tape is hidden between the layers of wrapping paper, providing a seamless appearance. 

Additionally, double-sided tape is usually thinner and more adhesive, which makes it easier to work with and less likely to wrinkle or tear the wrapping paper. Overall, using double-sided tape can help elevate the presentation of your gift and make it look more polished and well-crafted.

4. Make your own little bows using wrapping paper

You can make your own little bows using wrapping paper by following these steps:

• Cut a strip of wrapping paper that is about 1 inch wide and 12 inches long.
• Fold the strip of paper in half lengthwise, with the printed side facing outwards.
• Fold the ends of the strip towards the center, creating a loop on each end.
• Use a piece of double-sided tape to secure the loops in place at the center of the strip.
• Pinch the center of the strip together, creating a bow shape.
• Cut another small strip of wrapping paper and wrap it around the center of the bow, using double-sided tape to secure it in place.
• Fluff out the loops of the bow to create a full and decorative effect.

Repeat these steps to create as many little bows as you need for your gift wrapping. You can also experiment with different colors and patterns of wrapping paper to create a more customized and personalized look.

Read more: How to Wrap Oddly Shaped Gifts

5. Make a little pillow box using toilet paper tube for small gifts

You can make a little pillow box using a toilet paper tube for small gifts by following these steps:

• Flatten the toilet paper tube by pressing it down with your hand.
• Cut off about 1/3 of the tube using scissors. This will be the length of your pillow box.
• Cut two slits on each end of the tube, about 1 inch long and perpendicular to the length of the tube.
• Fold in the sides of the tube at the slits, creating two flaps on each end.
• Fold the flaps inwards towards the center of the tube, creating a pillow shape.
• Use double-sided tape to secure the flaps in place, ensuring that the edges of the flaps meet in the center of the box.
• Decorate the box as desired, using markers, stickers, or other embellishments.

This little pillow box can be used to hold small gifts such as jewelry, candy, or small trinkets. It is a fun and eco-friendly way to upcycle a toilet paper tube and add a personal touch to your gift-giving.

6. Use an old Pringles container

Using an old Pringles container to wrap a gift is a creative and eco-friendly way to give a present. Here are the steps to do so:

• Eat all the Pringles! (or any other cylindrical snack)
• Clean and dry the inside and outside of the Pringles container thoroughly.
• Wrap the gift with wrapping paper, leaving a little extra on the sides to accommodate the diameter of the container.
• Slide the wrapped gift into the Pringles container, ensuring that it fits snugly.
• Use tissue paper or other filler material to fill any empty spaces between the gift and the container, to prevent the gift from moving around inside.
• Secure the lid of the Pringles container in place.
• Decorate the outside of the container with stickers, ribbons, or other embellishments as desired.

This method works particularly well for small items such as jewelry, socks, or small toys. It’s a fun and unexpected way to present a gift, and the recipient can even reuse the Pringles container afterwards.

7. Use a hair straightener

If you’re having trouble getting your wrapping paper to stay in place, use a hair straightener to iron out any creases or wrinkles. This will give your gift a smooth and polished look.

Related: How to Wrap Large Gifts

8. Use tissue paper

Tissue paper can be a helpful addition when wrapping gifts in several ways:

• Adding a layer of tissue paper over the gift before wrapping with wrapping paper can help protect delicate items and prevent them from getting damaged during transport.
• Placing a sheet of tissue paper between items when wrapping multiple gifts in one box can help prevent them from scratching or rubbing against each other.
• Crumpling tissue paper and placing it in the bottom of a gift bag or box can add cushioning and help items stay in place during transport.
• Using tissue paper as a decorative element can add color and texture to a wrapped gift. You can fold or twist tissue paper to create decorative accents, such as flowers or bows.

Overall, tissue paper is a versatile tool when it comes to wrapping gifts. It can add protection, decoration, and function to your gift wrapping process.

This method can be useful for wrapping gifts that are odd shapes or sizes, as it allows for more flexibility in how the paper is folded and taped. The diagonal wrapping method can also give a unique and stylish look to your gift wrapping, as it creates an interesting diagonal pattern on the paper.

9. Use a decorative ribbon or twine

To add an extra touch of elegance to the wrapped gift, use a decorative ribbon or twine. You can tie the ribbon or twine around the gift, creating a bow on top.

If the gift is too irregularly shaped to tie a bow, wrap the ribbon or twine around the gift several times and knot it to secure it in place.

10. Add a gift tag

Finally, add a gift tag to the wrapped gift to personalize it. You can make a gift tag using cardstock paper, scrapbook paper, or even a business card.

Write a personalized message on the gift tag, and attach it to the gift using a decorative ribbon or twine.

Conclusion

Wrapping presents isn’t really always as easy as you think it’s going to be. By using the above clever hacks, you can make the wrapping process much easier and more enjoyable. Remember to take your time, measure carefully, and add a personal touch to make your gift truly special.