How to Wrap a Gift

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 1
Lay the box facedown atop gift wrap, leaving paper attached to roll. Cut paper along one side, yielding a wide enough sheet to cover both sides of the box.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 2
While standing on the same side of the table as the roll, pull paper tautly up and over the far end of the box. Adhere with double-sided tape, and crease paper along the box's edge with thumb and forefinger.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 3
Unroll paper and bring it to meet the already wrapped end. Cut paper from roll, leaving an inch of overhang. Fold that inch under and crease along the fold. Adhere using double-sided tape.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 4
Now it's time to tackle one of the open ends of the box: Push sides of paper inward, creating four 45-degree-angle flaps, then crease along flaps.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 5
Fold down top flap. Crease sharply along the top of box, then crease again where paper meets the bottom edge of box. Cut paper along that bottom crease. Adhere to the box.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 6
Fold under any excess paper on the bottom flap so that it lines up perfectly with the top of box. Apply double-sided tape to the bottom flap, then fold it over top flap and adhere.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 7
Repeat steps 4 through 6 on the box's remaining open end. Finish all sides by running your pinched thumb and forefinger along edges to create sharp lines.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 8
Lay the wrapped box facedown on a length of ribbon (about five times as long as box). Pull ends of ribbon up and bring right end over the left. Pull widthwise so they cross.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 9
Turn the box over. You should have two ribbon ends of about the same length. Thread each end under the ribbon already in place, as shown.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro

Step 10
Double-knot the ribbon, then tie into a simple bow. Use your fingers to shape the loops.

Wrap a Gift Like a Pro