How to Wrap a Present Perfectly: Step-by-Step Guide (Plus Luxe Gift Wrap Ideas)

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A beautifully wrapped present makes even a small gift feel special. The good news: neat corners and a perfect bow take about five minutes once you know the steps. Here is exactly how to wrap a present, how to wrap awkward shapes, and the gift wrap, ribbon and finishing touches that make it look professionally done.

What You Need

• Wrapping paper (thicker paper is easier to fold and hides what is inside)
• Sharp scissors
• Double-sided tape (it hides the seams)
• Ribbon, plus a gift tag
• Optional: dried orange slices, sprigs of greenery or a paper ornament to tie on

How to Wrap a Present, Step by Step

1. Measure the paper. Set the box on the paper upside down. You need enough to wrap all the way around with a 2-inch overlap, and enough at each end to cover a little more than half the height of the box.
2. Cut a straight line. Slide open scissors along the paper instead of snipping for a clean edge.
3. Fold the edge. Fold the top edge under by about half an inch for a crisp finish.
4. Wrap the box. Bring one side up and tape it to the box, then pull the folded side over snugly and secure it with double-sided tape.
5. Fold the ends. Push the top flap down against the end of the box, crease the two side flaps inward to make triangles, then fold the bottom triangle up and tape it.
6. Repeat on the other end, keeping your creases sharp by running a fingernail along each fold.
7. Add ribbon. Wrap ribbon around the length, twist it at the center, wrap it around the width and tie a bow on top. Cut the ribbon ends at an angle or into a V.
8. Finish it. Add a tag and tuck in a sprig of greenery or a dried orange slice.

How to Wrap Awkward Gifts

Round or soft gifts

Gather the paper at the top and tie it with ribbon like a candy, or use a reusable fabric wrap.

Bottles

Roll the bottle in paper, twist the top closed and tie with velvet ribbon.

Oversized gifts

Use butcher paper or a big fabric wrap and a single oversized bow.

Our Favorite Gift Wrap and Paper

Ribbon and Finishing Touches

Product images: retailers.

Gift Wrapping Tips From Our Editors

• Pick one color palette for all your gifts so they look beautiful under the tree.
• Use double-sided tape so no tape shows.
• Velvet ribbon instantly makes inexpensive paper look luxe.
• Plain butcher paper plus a gorgeous ribbon is the chicest (and cheapest) combination.

Looking for what to put in the box? See our Pottery Barn Christmas guide.