How to Wrap a Present

Knowing how to wrap a present is a crucial gift-giving skill. It takes time, practice and the right tools to make it look flawless (and avoid sending paper and ribbon flying). Whether you prefer a simple, classic design or one with a pop of color, the perfect gift wrap is sure to delight your recipient and give the impression that you spent hours on the wrapping.

To cut wrapping paper into the precise dimensions needed for a box, you’ll need a pair of scissors or other cutting tool. A blade with a smooth, swift cut will also help to ensure that your wrapping is neat and tidy. Fiskars multipurpose scissors have a sharp, comfortable grip and a blade that is perfect for any paper task. This pair is especially good for making straight cuts and comes in a pack of two.

Depending on the size of your gift, you may also need some tape or a glue gun. This Scotch gift wrapping tape has a strong adhesive that helps to secure your presents. The dispenser is easy to open and close, and the roll has a clear container that makes it easy to see how much tape remains.

A good set of colored pens or markers will come in handy when marking measurements and writing gift tags, but you’ll want to steer clear of thicker ones like sharpies, which might bleed through thin wrapping papers. You’ll also need a ruler to measure out your wrapping paper, and a pair of scissors will work well for any cutting needs.

For some items, like a bottle or jar, you’ll need to use a more advanced wrapping technique that involves rolling up the item in the paper. Start by placing the gift wrap on a flat surface and then place the item on top of it. Check that you have enough paper to cover the item by pulling it up and down on each side of the package. Once you have the amount of paper you need, tuck the ends under the sides to create a neat and clean finish.

The best gift wrap cutters will fit over a sleeve of wrapping paper and cut it without unraveling the roll. One option is the Little Elf Gift Wrap Cutter, which was featured on Shark Tank and is getting great reviews. This inexpensive gadget simply slips over the end of a roll of wrapping paper and uses a shielded blade to cut it into a neat strip that can easily be pulled off.

If you’re still shopping for the perfect gift wrap, you’ll find plenty of options at your local department store or online. For a one-stop shop, you can always head to Amazon where you’ll find the most popular wrapping paper brands in a variety of colors and patterns. You’ll also find a wide selection of scissors, tape and other essentials to help you get the job done right.