3 Ways to Wrap Christmas Presents

While some people find it an exhaustive chore to wrap Christmas presents, I've always enjoyed everything about the process. I think in part, I love all the fun and festive designs of the paper, but I also love the joy of seeing people open presents!

I know not everyone has the knack for wrapping gifts in the bag ;) Additionally, in the fast pace of the holiday season, sitting down to wrap a mound of gifts can take a lot of time. I, too, have been guilty of wrapping presents late at night, just to be opened the next morning.

Here are three gift-wrapping solutions and a few tips that I hope will make your gift-giving season a little more fun and a little less stressful.

Gift Wrap Option 1: Traditional Gift Wrap

When it comes to wrapping, there are two choices: standard rolled paper or flat wrap. I tend to prefer a flat wrap. Although sometimes, when I go shopping, I just can't resist the pretty patterns of the rolled Christmas paper. But overall, I find flat wrap easier to store and cut.

Now I will never claim to be a gift wrapping expert, but I have found my way around a box a time two. So these are some tips that I suggest if you want to up your gift-wrapping game.

Center your box on the sheet of wrapping paper.

1)    Have a good pair of scissors, something that is sharp and easy to use. Ideally something ergonomic.

2)    Check the dimensions of your package before you cut.

3)    Fold the cut side under so you have a nice finished edge. Pull the paper taught, so there are no wrinkles or excess paper.

4)    If you don’t want the tape to show, either fold a piece over on itself, or use double-sided tape. Stick the tape underneath the creased edge and push down. I’m not a purist on this step. I think the no-tape look is very elegant, but it takes an extra step, so many times I just let the tape show on top.

Fold the end of the paper over once to get a clean edge.

Okay, now we have the ends and this is where people get kind of intimidated. I actually like the ends. What you wanna do is fold down the top flap and you wanna make a tight triangle corner. I'm sure there's a better name for it. And then you want to fold in. Sometimes if you have too much excess paper, you'll need to trim. Otherwise it gets too bulky. Then you want to fold the middle part in once, making a smooth edge. Secure it to the box with tape in one or two places. And again, you could use double-sided tape if you don’t want the tape to show.

Now that we have our package wrapped, let's talk about bows. When it comes to bows, there are a couple options. You can either go with ribbon bow, basic bow or try to make your own bow. What I’m showing below is what I call the spiral bow or curly-cue bow.

To make this kind of bow I take thin ribbon and I wrap it around the box one way. Then on the backside, I cross it over on itself. Then I flip it back over and I tie in a knot. To get the tight spirals you take a sharp edge of a pair of scissors or a knife, putting the ribbon between your finger (carefully) and the blade, then pull fast away from yourself. If it's a super long piece of ribbon, you're going to have to kind of do it in chunks to do the whole ribbon length.

Use a scissors to make a curly bow.

The last part to the gift wrapping a present is attaching the gift name tag. I prefer the sticker-style of gift tags because they are easy. There are also card-stock and die-cut tags. Some styles get very fancy. However, if you want to save some money, you can make your own gift tags using remnants of gift wrap. Whatever type you use, just be sure that you place it on the package where it will be relatively easy to see.

All of these little gift wrapping techniques and tips are just another way to add another little bit of personalization to any gift that you're giving.

Use a simple matching self adhesive gift tag sticker.

Gift Wrap Option 2: The Gift Bag

When I don’t have the time, energy, or supplies for traditional wrapping, I opt for a simpler option which is using a gift bag. Gift bags come in especially handy when you have an odd-shaped present. Gift bags used to be quite expensive, but I think they have come down a lot in price.

Pro tip: Look for gift wrapping supplies at places like the Dollar Store/Dollar Tree or Big Lots. Many times they will have the brand name products like Hallmark or American Greetings but at discount prices. Also, look for snatching up supplies just after the holiday season. Retailers like Target and Walgreens will have all of their supplies clearance- priced, and you will already be stocked for next year!

The tricky part about using a gift bag is making sure you can’t see what is inside. To help camouflage the package, I use tissue paper. Tissue paper helps to protect and hide the gift, add some bulk to the bag, and add a little bit of a decorative element. You don't need to be too detailed about this. And this is something I actually don't use tape for, either.

Some bags will come with their own gift tag. You can write on it directly, or, if you are reusing a gift bag, just use a sticker tag and cover last year’s names. Lastly, sometimes I add a bow to the bag for more color. Why? Well, because I’m extra like that :)

Simple festive gift bags are always an option!

Gift Wrap Option 3: Reusing an Amazon Gift Bag

Lastly, if the gift bag option is just still too much, and you've got more packages than time or you're tired and you just want to get everything finished, there is a shortcut: just reuse an Amazon gift bag. If you are even a semi-frequent shopper on Amazon, or have friends or family who are, then I'm sure you are familiar with their gift bags. I keep most of them.

Just like with the gift bags, they are great for odd-shaped items. I don’t even bother with tissue paper with these bags. I simply drop in the gift, pull the enclosure ribbon, and voila, present wrapped!. Then I just put a new tag sticker on the Amazon gift tag. Super simple. Wrapping an a gift using an Amazon gift bag takes me literally like 30 seconds. When my holiday to-do list is kicking my butt, having these is a great way to make wrapping a little easier.

Yet another simpler option is reusing an Amazon gift bag.

Let me know in the comments below if you like gift wrapping, and if you have tried any of the tips I covered in this blog post. I think that wrapping gifts is just another extension of your personality. Don’t be afraid to have fun with it. There is no right or wrong way. I think what is important is giving from the heart, and putting in that little extra effort, however you are able. The person receiving the gift will notice your effort, and appreciate it, I am sure.

Happy Holidays!