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The Art of Gift Wrapping

Gifts are something that is a constant in our lives, and so is gift wrapping. Gift wrapping is an art and a tradition carried out cheerfully for many centuries until now. Since there are tons of reasons and seasons to gift, gift wrapping is frequent. Every other day or every other month, there is someone on the gift list. A beautifully wrapped gift is the most interesting to unwrap. You don't want to gift someone without brewing up some anticipation, do you? That's exactly where gift wrapping comes to play.

Gift Wrapping an Odd-shaped Gift

It's quite easy to get your hands on gifts that have nice edges and rigid cuboid shapes. For instance, if you are going to gift a book, a makeup palette, or if you are lucky enough, your gift comes with a box, then gift wrapping doesn't sound like rocket science. No wonder why many are professionals in playing with trendy gift wrappers to fashioning the good old bows.

But when it comes to some odd-shaped or not so conveniently big gifts, wrapping them fashionably becomes a tedious job. It gets challenging and confusing at times, no matter how skilful you are. But don't worry, with a few innovative ideas and tricks, you can master the art of wrapping awkward but not-awkward presents in no time.

Ten Easy Ways to Wrap Oddly Shaped Gifts

The next time you are at a gift shop contemplating whether or not to go for that particular gift, wrapping shouldn't be a problem. Here are ten easy, innovative ideas for you to wrap your odd-shaped gifts.

Gift Bags

Gift bags are every gift-givers' best friend. They are unique and convenient. Big or small, regular or irregular shape, anything fits perfectly inside a beautifully crafted gift bag. They come with different themes and patterns. Being an all-year-round favourite, they never run out of stock. Go get yourself a stunning gift bag from the gift stationery or get it online. But if you find them expensive and not going to spend any extra money, then it's time to switch on to your crafty side. This DIY gift bag is easy to get your hands on.

Things You Will Need

  • Wrapping paper
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Cardboard
  • Ribbon
  • Measuring tape
  • Hole Puncher
  • Glue

Steps To Make a Gift Bag

  • Take your favourite wrapping paper, unroll it and place it on a flat surface, more likely on a table.
  • It's crucial to measure your gift's height, width, or circumference just to get the idea of how much paper is needed. Or you could simply make a bag of any size that fits your gift.
  • Leave at least an extra 1 or 2 inches on all sides, including the top and bottom, leaving enough space to make a bag and then cut the paper.
  • Now pull both the sides of the paper inward towards the middle, making sure that extra inches overlap, and tape them in the middle.
  • Now that the bag's body is ready, you need to seal the bottom. For that, you will have to make a fold of the bottom half towards the centre and unfold it.
  • It's time to create a diamond in the bottom half. For more convenience, bring the other side over the taped side. Now place your finger on the seam from the inside (inside the paper) and gently pull the upper portion back towards the centre to create a diamond.
  • For creasing the bottom folds, press the diamond flat nicely and gently.
  • Now, keep your finger at the bottom point of the diamond and slowly bring the other point(top point of the diamond) inward towards the centre of the diamond.
  • Take off your finger and similarly, bring the bottom point inward towards the centre and make sure that both the points touch or slightly overlap each other. Now crease the folds and tape the points together. Your gift bag is almost ready.
  • For a neat finish, make the bag stand upright and try folding all the sides along the crease and then release. You may skip this step if your wrapping paper is on the thinner side.
  • If you want your gift bag to be a bit sturdy, you may place a piece of cardboard in the bottom and glue it. For this, you will have to measure the bottom width of the bag and cut the cardboard accordingly. You may glue it either on the inside or outside the bottom.
  • Now place your gift inside the bag.
  • Finally, punch holes and tie a ribbon on both sides to make a handle. Your gift bag is ready!

Tips

  • Use a double-sided sticky tape for convenience.
  • Use a premium or sturdy wrapping paper.
  • For bigger gifts use a cardstock paper.

Gift Box

Source ohjoy.com

No clue of how to wrap assorted skincare products or chocolates or just some random picks of your choice? All you need is a happy gift box. It is the ultimate choice for all those weird shaped presents. This Valentine's day, it's not just flowers and cakes; surprise your girl with a gift box. Grab a gift box from stationery stores or online. If not, make one for yourself.

Things You Will Need

  • Printable gift box template
  • Scrapbook Paper or Cardstock paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape
  • Ribbon

Steps To Make a Gift Box

  • Print your favourite template.
  • Score along the dashed lines to make fold easier.
  • Fold and assemble the box and tape at the necessary points.
  • Add a personal touch by adding a tag or ribbon. Your gift box is ready!

Solid Base Bundle

Scratching your head to wrap your mom's favourite mug that you bought from the mall? Don't worry; all you have to do is make a solid base bundle. Gift anything from teapots to a small flower vase or anything your heart desires. Making a bundle is way too easier than you think. This DIY solid base bundle is adorable and a must to try.

Things You Will Need

  • Cardboard
  • Tissue papers
  • Museum Wax
  • Ribbon
  • Scissors

Steps To Make a Solid Base Bundle

  • Place your gift on a piece of cardboard and draw a circle leaving a few inches along the circumference of the base. The base must be a little bit wider than the gift for a neat wrapping.
  • Now, cut the circle and place your gift in the centre.
  • Secure the gift in the middle of the circle with museum wax. Make sure it doesn't tumble down.
  • Now, place the base to the centre of the staggered tissue papers. Use tissue papers of the required size.
  • Slowly pull the edges of the tissue papers on the top and fasten them together with a ribbon or fancy twine. Your gift is ready to be dispatched!

Tips

  • You can also glue the circle's base to the first tissue paper for more balance.
  • Try the same with good quality gift wrappers.

Gift Pouch

Looking for something that's both attractive and petite to wrap a sugar candy? Or rather a headphone? Or maybe a Necklace? Or anything small? Gift pouches are just the thing. They are the miniature version of gift bags. They are delicate but can easily conceal delicate gifts. And the best part is they can be made in no time.

Things You Will Need

  • Wrapping paper
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Hole puncher
  • Ribbon

Steps To Make a Gift Pouch

  • Cut the wrapping paper a few inches wider and taller than the gift, considering all the sides.
  • Now, bring both sides towards the middle and tape them at the point where they overlap for half an inch.
  • Fold the bottom twice for about an inch and tape them. By folding twice, the cut edge gets covered and looks neat.
  • Place your gift inside the pouch.
  • Finally, punch holes and get creative with your ribbon. Your cute Gift pouch is ready!

Tips

  • Use a good quality wrapping paper.

Envelope Wraps

A thoughtful gift need not always have to be big; it can be small and have weird shapes. You may want to gift a pair of socks, embroidered handkerchiefs, or knitted gloves but stumbling on presentation? Envelope wraps are at your service. They are extremely easy to make. This DIY envelope wrap is a cute way of wrapping your odd-shaped softies.

Things You Will Need

  • Wallpaper
  • Scissors
  • Double-sided tape
  • Ribbon or tag

Steps To Make an Envelope Wrap

  • Cut the paper according to the size of your gift.
  • Keeping the plain side up, make a small fold in both the sides for about ½ an inch.
  • Bring in the top two corners towards the centre so that they meet but don't overlap. This forms the envelope flap.
  • Fold the bottom edge inwards. This forms the pouch.
  • Now unfold the bottom edge and the envelope flap, leaving only the inner folds.
  • Add double-sided tape along the inner folds of the two sides.
  • Secure the envelope by folding in the bottom edge and the two top corners.
  • Keep your gift inside.
  • Finally, tape along the seam of the two corners and stick them down, sealing the envelope.
  • Add a tag or a ribbon.

Tips

  • Use only double-sided tape.

Crepe Paper Wraps

Source marthastewart.com

Crepe papers for gift wrapping? Sounds weird? But yes. It's time to show your creativity with these lenient and vibrant coloured party darlings. It's fun to wrap and cover something from head to toe. You can wiggle and jiggle from wrapping a guitar to a cricket bat, or an antique and what not? It's a lot of wrapping. But the fun part is you can wobble up from top to bottom or finish the middle, and accentuate a classy look or a funny look, more like a candy or a poufy top? The pleasure is yours.

Things You Will Need

  • Ribbon crepe paper
  • Scissors
  • Tape or glue
  • Ribbon or fancy twine

Steps To Wrap With Crepe Paper

  • Wrap your gift with a crepe paper streamer and secure with tape at the beginning and endpoint.
  • Embellish with a ribbon or a fancy twine.

Tips

  • Go for additional layers for sturdiness.
  • Try using different colours.

Light Up

Source sunset.com

Gifting your grandpa his long-awaited rocking chair, and you are puzzled how to present it? Just adorn with lights! Gifting big is purely satisfying. A cycle, or an end table, a cradle, or maybe a toyhouse, for all these big and bizarrely shaped gifts, finding something to wrap is frustrating. But if you choose to present them in a way that you could cherish for a lifetime, string lights are your pal in the nick of time.

Things You Will Need

  • Battery-powered LED light
  • Zip tie or ribbon

Steps To Light Up

  • Check the lights for any damage.
  • Fashion the string lights around the gift the way you want.
  • Make sure to secure the cords with a zip tie or a ribbon.

Tips

  • For safety, try to use UL approved string lights.
  • Wait until it’s dark for the eye-grabbing effect.

Drape It

Scrabbling your mind to wrap a gigantic and extravagant gift? Why wrap while you can drape it! It's an interesting way to add up the curiosity of your loved one.

Things You Will Need

  • Shiny cloth
  • Ribbon
  • Tape

Steps To Drape

  • Cover the gift with a piece of cloth. Make sure that the gift is fully covered to the floor.
  • Decorate with ribbons or simply tape a bow.

Tips

  • Use shiny cloth such as silk or satin. Duchess satin suits well.
  • Avoid wrinkles.

Candy Wraps

Source kidspot.com.au

Round is a ball, and so is your son's first professional cricket ball. Make it a double sweet treat by wrapping it in candy wraps. From homemade bathing bars to trendy paperweights, anything that's round or spherical can turn into candy. Try these amazing DIY candy wraps and surprise your dear ones.

Things You Will Need

  • Tissue paper
  • Cellophane
  • Tape
  • Ribbon

Steps To Make Candy Wraps

  • Place your gift on the edge of a tissue paper and start rolling it along with the paper. Make sure that the paper fully wraps your gift. If not, try adding a few more tissue papers.
  • Secure the point where the paper overlaps.
  • Repeat the same process with cellophane paper and tape it.
  • Twist the extra peeking wrapper at both sides and secure with a ribbon or twine. It's candy time!

Tips

  • Use a glittery cellophane paper for a more candy look.

Yarn Ball Wraps

Source buzzfeed.com

If you are crafty and have lots of time to indulge in the guilty pleasure of creating something that's going to be ripped off, then yarn ball wraps are just for you. Tiny artefacts or anything odd-shaped that holds in your palm can be made into a ball if you have the patience.

Things You Will Need

  • Cotton thread skeins or yarn
  • Glue
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Tissue paper
  • Ribbon or tag

Steps To Make Yarn Ball Wraps

  • Star wrapping your gift from the middle with a nice yarn and keep wrapping all the way up and down until it fully conceals your gift.
  • Use tissue papers to wrap for a more ball-like appearance. You can even use pieces of cardboard, buttons, ribbon, or anything that works for you to make it round.
  • Tape or glue them if necessary.
  • Again, start wrapping with yarn until it becomes a big ball of yarn and glue it.
  • Finally, add a tag or a ribbon.

Tips

  • Add layers of different coloured yarns for a sigh-free unspooling.
Writer
Sunandha Wilis
After spending 12 years in the hectic corporate world, Sunandha quit the industry to follow her passion for writing. She enjoys writing on a variety of subjects including travel, health, beauty, fashion and technology. Apart from writing she also dons the hat of an editor from time to time. Her time off is spent listening to music and wrestling with her boys.

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From our editorial team

People Do Care about a Nicely-wrapped Gift!

As the saying goes, "The first impression is the last.", it holds for gift wraps as well! Although what truly matters is the gift you're going to present; but, a nicely wrapped gift takes the experience on a wholly different level. You should make sure the receiver won't be able to guess what you have got them - we bet you yourself must have felt that minute-long anticipation as to what's going to be inside that gifting wrap!