How to Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

LifestyleEasy7:126 steps

Most people just slap tape on and hope for the best. This tutorial from Jenny at HGTV Handmade shows you the trick to getting department-store-level wrapping with stuff you already have at home. The secret is double-sided tape and taking the time to crease each fold before you secure it.

Step-by-Step Guide

Measure and Cut Your Paper

1:00

Lay out your wrapping paper and set the box on it face down. Fold the paper across until it meets the other side of the box, then cut about 2-3 inches past that. On the short ends, leave enough paper to cover about three quarters of the box height. Trim the opposite end to match.

Tip

Use sturdy wrapping paper. Thin paper rips too easily. Save the cheap stuff for oddly shaped gifts where you need the flexibility.

Products used in this step

Wrapping Paper

Scissors

Fold the First Side and Tape It Down

1:20

Keep the gift face down. Fold one of the long sides over about 1-2 inches past the edge of the box. Tape it to the box with regular tape. This is the only piece of visible tape on the whole package.

Products used in this step

Tape

Crease and Seal the Seam

1:50

Pull the other side of the paper snug across the box. Crease both corners with your fingers so you get a clean edge. Fold the raw edge under about half an inch to make a finished seam, and secure it with double-sided tape. From here on out, all tape is double-sided so nothing shows.

Tip

The fold-under on the seam is what makes it look professional. Don't skip it.

Products used in this step

Double-Sided Tape

Fold the End Triangles

2:10

On one end of the box, push both sides of the paper inward to form triangle shapes that fold flat against the box. Pull tight and crease hard. Do the top triangle first, then the bottom. This is the same technique you'd see on a department store package.

Secure the End Flaps

2:15

Fold the top flap down and secure with double-sided tape. Then fold the bottom flap up to meet it. It helps to flip the box over so you can press the crease flat before taping. Repeat on the other end.

Products used in this step

Double-Sided Tape

Clean Up the Edges

3:05

Go around the whole package and press every edge one more time. Sharpen up any creases that look soft. When you're done, you should be able to look at it from any angle and barely see any seams.