How to Gift Wrap a Box

All occasions from birthdays to holidays are opportunities to give gifts. Presentation is the final touch to any present and a gift-wrapped box is the simplest procedure. Below are the fundamental steps in gift-wrapping any box.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Box
• Wrapping paper
• Tape
• Scissors

1. Place chosen wrapping paper pattern side down on a flat surface and place the box right way up in the center of the paper. If the paper is on a roll, place the box a little more than the length of its sides away from the edge of the roll.

2. Estimate the amount of paper needed for wrapping by gathering paper loosely up the sides of the box with your hands. Wrap the paper around the box and check there is sufficient paper on all sides, top and bottom before cutting.

3. Cut the paper to the right length and return the box to the center of the paper. Be sure the top of the box is now face down on the paper.

4. Fold the edge of the long side of the paper about 1/2 an inch before taping to the other long side of paper. Secure the paper tightly to present a smooth edge. There should be even excess paper at the top and bottom edges.

5. Crease the edges of the excess paper so they line up with edges of the box creating wing-shaped leftovers in the process.

6. Fold down the top wing flap of the paper all the way to the bottom edge of the box, repeat with bottom wing flap and gather before taping. There should be a clean look flap over flap finish that can be secured with a 2-inch piece of tape.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the other side of excess paper. The package can be finished with a bow and gift tag taped to the top smooth side of the paper.

Tips & Warnings

• A table is a much better flat surface than the floor as it minimizes the number of creases that get in the wrapping paper.
• Use small pieces of tape and as little as possible to create a cleaner finish to the wrapped gift box.