How to wrap a Christmas present

Timber Schuman, Editor
January 7, 2021

Seeing boxes and packages of all different colors under the tree on Christmas morning is quite a euphoric feeling filled with nostalgia taking you back to when you were a kid. But there is an art to making these gifts look so appealing nestled under the needles. Here is how to properly wrap a Christmas present.

Step 1

The first step starts when you buy the present- if you ask for a gift receipt upon purchasing, the cashier will print off a receipt which does not show the price of the item so you can give the person a trade-in value of whatever you got them if they are not happy with the present.

Step 2

Before placing the gift in the box of your choice, either remove the price tags or scratch them out. I chose to leave the tag on this bag because it lists all of the features and materials I want the person receiving it to see.

Step 3

When choosing what size of box to use, remember that the box does not have to be a brand new, unmarked box. My family reuses boxes to save money, cardboard, have a wider variety of sizes, and to also add another layer of mystery to what is in the box. I personally like having the snuggest box I can find which fits the item to reduce the chance of breaking.

Step 4

Lay your box and wrapping paper on the flattest surface you have access to. To cut the correct amount, the longest side of the paper should reach just barely over halfway on the box when folded over. The skinny side should be the same, just barely over halfway.

At this point, taping the back will free up both hands to fold the paper over again. Make sure your box is turned upside down. This will mean the top size will have no creases or overlay folds on it.

Step 5

To ensure the overlay fold is straight, I like to fold over and crease the end so where the paper is actually cut is not visible.

Tape in three spots- the middle and both end of the crease to leave no gaps.

Step 6

To wrap the ends, tuck the paper hanging off of the edge in to lay flush with the box. Fold the corners in to create two triangles facing inwards. Take the tail of the paper, pull it up, and tape it to finish. Make sure your creases for this step are stark and it will help the wrapping work with you rather than against.