4 different ways to wrap presents: Video tutorials

Finding the perfect gift within your budget is challenging enough — but then you’ve got to wrap it.

You’re wrangling boxes, searching for tape and scissors, and don’t have the faintest idea how to neatly tie a ribbon. Don’t fret! This wrapping guide will walk you through different ways to wrap a present. We’ll start with the basics, then move on to more advanced methods, like how to wrap without tape. Plus, we’ll suggest some clever alternatives that will put an even bigger smile on the recipient’s face.

Watch this video for a basic guide on how to wrap a present.

Wrapping 101

Have you ever noticed how wrapping paper tends to curl up when you’re trying to use it? Avoid that battle by rolling it out in the opposite direction so it curls toward the floor.

To decide how much paper you need to cover a present, place the gift at the edge of the paper and rotate it three times. Then allow a couple of extra inches and cut. As for the sides, the paper should come up about three-quarters of the way.

To neatly wrap a gift, place the box upside down on the paper. Fold up one side of the paper until it covers about an inch of the side facing you. Tape it in place. For a tidy wrap, make sure the paper is snug by gently pushing the box into the taped corner before moving on.

Wrap the other side of the paper over the box until it’s completely covered. You can tape it where the two pieces meet or fold the edge under to create a clean line.

For the ends, fold one corner in to create a triangle, then repeat on the other corner. Fold the triangles in and tape them down. Repeat on the other side, add a bow or ribbon, attach a tag — and it’s ready to give.

No tape? You can still wrap a present with paper. 

So, you don't have any tape and still have a pile of presents to wrap? With a little patience, you can tackle that tower without using a single strip of tape.

Once you’ve measured out how much wrapping paper you’ll need, grab one corner and fold it diagonally toward the opposite side until the edges line up. Because you’re not folding it all the way to the opposite corner, there will be excess paper. Cut off the extra, leaving a small safety margin.

Open up the folded paper and you’ll have a large square. Place the gift upside down on the paper at a 45-degree angle.

Are these directions confusing? Watching this video might help.

Pull one corner of the wrapping paper over the box until the paper covers both of the opposite corners on the top of the box. Then lay the corner back down.

Pull the opposite corner of the paper over the box. Hold it in place with one hand and use your finger to press a crease along one of the sides. Fold that section inward until the crease you made meets the outside edge. This should leave you with two sides covered in paper.

Repeat the fold with the triangle on the other side while keeping the already folded wrapping paper in place. Make sure the wrapping is tight and everything stays secure.

You’re three-fourths of the way done! The way the paper is folded should create a pocket on the end opposite the remaining side. Crease the edges, tuck in the sides and make the final fold, sliding the flap as far as possible into the pocket. Crease the edge for a clean seal.

Shop top-rated related products: 

• Set an automatic lighting schedule: Kasa Smart Plug Power Strip 
• Gift shopping: Find the most popular stocking stuffers with fast delivery 
• Wrap it up: Premium Wrapping Paper Storage Container 
• As seen on Shark Tank: Little Elf Wrapping Paper Cutter 2-Pack 
• Holiday decor: Shop festive pillows, garland, candles and more 
• Upgrade your smart home for the holidays: Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A 

Wrapping presents diagonally 

Is your box slightly too big for the wrapping paper you have? Try turning the box diagonally. Fold two opposite ends over the box — if the paper covers all four corners, you’ll be able to wrap it.

Not sure what that means? This video will show you.

To wrap, fold one edge over and secure it with tape. Next, pinch the corner and fold the edge up and over, then tape it in place. Repeat the same step on the remaining two sides — and you’re finished.

Creative ways to wrap presents without paper

Wrapping paper isn’t the only thing you can use to cover the gifts for your loved ones. Get creative with it!

If you’re out of paper, head to your kitchen for the aluminum foil, wax paper or parchment paper. 

You can also go down the sustainable holiday route and use burlap fabrics or scarves. The scarf becomes a bonus gift, and the burlap can be repurposed however you like.

Another option is to find novelty decoy boxes online. Alternatively, use what you have around the house, like cereal boxes, tissue boxes or the box from your favorite soft drink. To keep the mystery alive, wrap your gift in tissue paper before placing it inside so the recipient can’t shake it and guess what’s inside.

If you love a theme, use a disguise box related to the gift. For example, hide a new mug inside a box of coffee pods or slip a movie theater gift card into an empty popcorn box.

And, we can't forget, the classic method of putting it in the first gift bag you can find.