The season of giving is almost upon us, which means facing a pile of presents to wrap up nice and pretty. But not all gifts are shaped equally.
Eventually, we all face the ultimate challenge: wrapping a seriously odd-shaped item.
Fear not, gift giver! We’ve got seven ways to avoid a wonky wrap job and deliver a picture-perfect package.
Got an item without nice, clean edges? No problem! Creating a bundle is super simple — and it looks pretty darn schnazzy too!
Your supplies
- wrapping paper
- tape
- 2 ribbons
- scissors
- hole punch
How to do it
- Cut the paper so it’s a couple inches bigger than your item on all sides.
- Wrap the paper around the gift to form a tube. Tape that edge!
- Pinch one end of the tube flat, fold it over, then fold again to hide the paper’s edge. (Unfolding on you? Fasten with an itsy-bitsy piece of tape.)
- Repeat step 3 on the other end.
- Hole-punch the ends. You’ll need at least two holes per side, but you can use more if the item is larger.
- Thread a ribbon through the holes. Tie it up nice and pretty!
Pro tip: Get creative with the number of holes you punch and the ways you thread and tie the ribbon!
This variation on the bundling method works best for flatter, smaller items.
Your supplies
- wrapping paper
- tape
- 6- to 10-inch strip of ribbon or twine
- hole punch
- scissors
- evergreen, rosemary, or holly sprigs (optional)
How to do it
- Cut wrapping paper about twice as wide as your item and a few inches taller.
- With the paper’s blank side up, fold both sides inward so they overlap about an inch in the center.
- Secure the overlap with tape.
- Fold the bottom up about an inch, fold again to hide the edge, then tape.
- At the open end of the pouch, use the hole-punch to make a centered hole for the ribbon or twine.
- Put your gift in the pouch.
- Thread the ribbon or twine through the hole at the top and tie into a bow or handle.
- Feeling fancy? Tuck a little sprig of cheer into the knot.
Pro tip: Use thick wrapping paper to keep the ribbon or twine from ripping through.
Up your game with party streamers! Your gift’s shape will peek through, prompting your recipient to guess just what’s under the colorful wrapping.
Your supplies
- a roll of crepe paper streamers (have fun with the color or pattern!)
- clear tape
- decorative bow (optional)
How to do it
- If it won’t damage your gift, tape the end of a streamer on it to start.
- Wrap the streamer around and around, making sure the crepe paper overlaps to cover the item.
- Once the item’s completely hidden, secure the end with tape.
- Optional: Cover the tape with a bow for some flair!
Pro tip: Avoid this method with plush or squishy gifts. And be wary of what the item may look like wrapped… some things are better *not* left to the imagination.
Got a bunch of empty boxes from online shopping? Put one to use! You’ll give the box a second life (three cheers for recycling) and make your gift wrapping a breeze.
Your supplies
- a box big enough for the item
- wrapping paper
- tape
- newspaper or bubble wrap (optional)
How to do it
- Put the gift in the box.
- Add newspaper or bubble wrap to pad the gift (if necessary).
- Close the box and tape it.
- Wrap it up.
Pro tip: Reusing the box from a champagne-priced item for a beer-priced gift? You *might* wanna cover the logo or picture to avoid trickery. Have fun with it by decorating the box with stickers, sweet notes, or puns.
No time to wrap a giant, odd-shaped gift? It doesn’t get any simpler than covering it up with a blanket or tablecloth!
Your supplies
- a blanket, tablecloth, sheet, or beach towel
How to do it
- Drape the gift.
- Invite the recipient to remove the covering when they’re ready. (Flourish optional!)
Pro tip: Make it meaningful by using a festive blanket, the quilt grandma made, or a beach towel you had on vacation with the gift recipient.
A bow is perfect for anything that’s too large or awkwardly shaped for traditional wrapping.
Your supplies
- a bow (size, shape, and color are up to you!)
- tape (if needed)
How to do it
- Place the bow on the item.
- Secure the bow with tape if it’s wobbly. Just be careful not to use tape in a place that could damage the gift.
Pro tip: Store-bought bows come in all types and sizes, but you could also DIY your own. The internet is full of tutorials if you want to give it a whirl!
String lights can jazz up more than your Christmas tree or dorm room. Light up your recipient’s day by using lights to make an oddly shaped gift merry and bright!
Your supplies
- set of string lights
How to do it
- Wrap the lights all around the gift.
- Plug ’em in.
- Voila!
Pro tip: String lights come in a variety of colors and bulb sizes. Have fun choosing a type based on the gift or the person you’re giving it to!
Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. When traditional wrapping techniques won’t do the trick, it’s time to get creative. From boxless bundles to light-wrapped presents, there are plenty of clever ways to make the most odd-shaped gifts shine.
