Gift Wrap Instructions

Gift wrapping has become a part of the traditional gift giving experience. While some gift givers prefer to have the gift wrapped by a professional at the retail outlet where the item was purchased, others prefer to wrap the gift themselves. Having basic knowledge of how to wrap a gift comes in handy when a retail outlet doesn't offer a gift wrap service or when faced with a gift-giving emergency.

Preparing a Gift Wrap Station

Whether you use the floor or a kitchen table, having ample space to gift wrap will make your gift wrap endeavors easier to tackle. Clear the area of any unnecessary clutter and assemble all of the items you'll need. Preparing the area before you begin gift wrapping saves you from having to leave your "station" to get items that you need later.

Items you'll want to include in your station are scissors, tissue paper, all gift wrap, ribbons and bows, gift boxes and, of course, scotch tape.

Boxing Your Item

Items such as clothing and linens will need to be boxed in order to be properly wrapped. Prepare the box with two or three sheets of tissue paper. While keeping white tissue paper on hand is a great way to insure that you're never without, consider also using color-coordinated tissue paper that matches your gift wrap. Once the tissue paper is placed in the box, place the item on top of the tissue paper and loosely wrap the tissue paper around the item.

With the item covered by the tissue paper, place the top on your gift box and secure it in place. If the gift box is flimsy or comes apart easily, you might consider taping the sides together with scotch tape.

Wrapping the Gift

Roll out enough of the gift wrap to cover the item. Place the item in the center of the paper, print side down, and pull one side of the paper around the item. Holding the paper in place, bring the other side of the paper around the item and tape in place, applying the tape over the previous paper fold.

Once the paper is in place, fold the ends to secure the item in the wrap. Fold each side inward, taping in place where possible in order to insure the gift wrap holds. By folding the sides inward, you will create sharp tabs that can be brought up around the sides of the gift to complete the process. Repeat the process for the remaining side.

Bows and Ribbons

To add a finishing touch to your package, add a bow or ribbon to give it extra sparkle. Bows can be purchased which have a sticky tab on the underside. Pull the paper protection from the sticky tab and place on the center of the package.

Ribbons can be wrapped around the package and held in place by incorporating scotch tape, twine or floral wire. If your ribbon construction leaves the package with unsightly tape or twine, consider covering these cosmetic flaws with a floral pick or extra sticky bow.

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