Xmas gift wrap guide

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How To Wrap Christmas Presents

Add an extra touch of thoughtfulness to your celebrations with Christmas presents that look almost too good to open.

Browse Gift Wrap

This Christmas, follow our wrapping guide and wow your loved ones with your gift-wrapping techniques — thank us later!

What you’ll need

  • Scissors

  • Tape

  • Wrapping paper

  • Gift wrap accessories (optional)

No wrapping paper? No problem! The candy cane Christmas print on our in store paper shopping bags double as wrapping paper and gift tags. Simply cut along the guidelines for a budget-friendly alternative!

Gift wrapped in Hello Kitty present
Gift wrapped in Hello Kitty present

How to wrap a gift, step by step

Step 1: Measure the right amount of wrapping paper

Place the Christmas gift on top of your wrapping paper and measure how much is needed to cover the whole the gift. Remember: it’s better to have too much paper, than too little!

Step 2: Cut the wrapping paper

Enjoy the satisfying glide of the scissors and cut off the amount of wrapping paper you need.

Step 3: Fold over

Once you have the amount of paper necessary to cover your gift, begin wrapping by folding one side of the paper to cover half of the gift. Hold it in place by taping it down to the gift before repeating this step for the other side.

Step 4: Fasten the corners

Fasten the corners by folding up the edges to a clean triangular shape and taping securely. Our top tip? Use double sided tape for a polished look.

Step 5: Add the finishes touches

Once all the sides are covered and taped neatly, it’s time for the fun part! Decorate your gift with bows and ribbon or add a written gift tag for a personal touch.

Still shopping? We’ve got you! Check out our Christmas Gift Guide for inspiration and ideas.

How to wrap a ribbon on presents bow

Step 1: Cut the ribbon

Measure enough ribbon to go around the present at least twice. The general rule is to cut a length of ribbon that is about 2-3 times the width of the box for a nice bow.

Step 2: Position the ribbon

Place the gift-wrapped present upright on a flat surface. Take one end of the ribbon and position it under the present.

Step 3: Wrap the ribbon around

Bring the ribbon around the sides of the present, crossing it at the top. Make sure it’s centred and straight. This will create an “X” shape on top of the present.

Step 4: Tie the ribbon

Flip the present over so the back is facing up. Tie a knot with the two ends of the ribbon to secure it. You can make a simple knot or a double knot for extra security.

Model is decorating a wrapped gift
Pile of wrapped gift

Step 5: Make the bow

If you want to make a bow, create loops with the ribbon. For a classic bow, create two loops, one on each side, and tie them together in the centre.

Step 6: Adjust and fluff

Adjust the loops and tails of the bow to make them even and fluff them up to give the bow a fuller appearance.

Step 7: Trim the ends

Cut the ribbon tails at an angle or in a V-shape for a polished look.

Step 8: Secure if needed

If you’re concerned about the ribbon slipping, use a small piece of tape to secure it underneath.

Pile of gifts

FAQs

How to wrap gifts without tape?

Stickers and ribbons are a great substitute to wrapping presents when you have no tape. Alternatively, the origami wrapping style is a great method.

How to wrap a large box?

To wrap large presents, you’ll need to use more wrapping paper. But don’t fret! You can make the task a breeze by wrapping the box in sections.

How to wrap circular gifts?

To wrap a round gift, begin by cutting a large square of wrapping paper then place the gift in the centre. Bring the paper’s edges up around the gift, gathering it at the top, twist the gathered paper to secure it. Make sure the gift is fully covered, then tie the twisted portion with a ribbon or tape it down for a secure hold.

If you prefer a neater finish, fold the paper evenly around the gift as you gather it at the top. Trim any excess paper, then add a bow or decorative ribbon to complete the look.

How to wrap with tissue paper?

To wrap a gift with tissue paper, it’s important to use a few sheets until you can’t see through it. Follow the wrapping steps above with extra care to avoid rips and tares.

What is an alternative to wrapping paper?

Newspaper, fabrics, baskets, boxes and paper bags are great alternatives to wrapping paper — get creative!

Pile of christmas gifts
Home decorated for christmas with gifts