How to Wrap a Gift: 5 Steps, Sizes and Toppers
Good wrapping is mostly measuring. This guide gives you five steps, one size rule for a 30 inch roll, and a list of toppers that are small gifts in their own right. You will need a roll of paper, scissors, tape and a ruler. Prices are as listed at the time of writing.
What you need
- Paper: the You Are Allowed to Change wrapping paper ($15.99 to $29.99). It is printed on 90 gsm fine art paper, in glossy or matte, and comes in three sizes: 30 by 36, 30 by 72 and 30 by 180 inches.
- Tape: double-sided tape gives the cleanest seam.
- A flat surface and good scissors.
Step 1: Measure the box
Wrap the paper around the box without cutting. You want it to overlap by about 2 inches. Our roll is 30 inches wide, so the rule is simple:
| Measure | How |
|---|---|
| Around | 2 x (width + height) + 2 inches overlap |
| Along | Length + height |
Example: a shoebox of 13 x 8 x 5 inches needs 2 x (8 + 5) + 2 = 28 inches around, which fits the 30 inch width. Along, it needs 13 + 5 = 18 inches. A 30 by 36 roll covers two such boxes.
Step 2: Cut and trim
Cut with the paper face down. Our rolls come with a short blank protective sheet at the start and a small white edge with a barcode or QR code, so trim that margin off before you start.
Step 3: Wrap the long side
Center the box, bring one edge up, tape it to the box, fold the other edge over by half an inch, and tape the seam. Keep the seam on the bottom for a clean top.
Step 4: Fold the ends
Push in the sides to form two triangles, fold the top flap down, and tape. Sharp creases help, and you can run a ruler edge along them.
Step 5: Add a topper
The topper is where wrapping becomes a gift. These are small enough to ride on top of a package.
| Topper | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pin button | $4.99 to $5.99 | Clips to a bag or jacket |
| Kiss-cut sticker | From $3.99 | For a laptop or journal |
| Aluminum bookmark | $12.99 | Tuck under the ribbon |
| Ceramic ornament | From $12.99 | Hangs from a gold string |
Common mistakes
- Cutting before measuring. Always wrap the paper around the box first.
- Using too much tape on the outside. Fold the edge instead.
- Wrapping gifts after you have already ordered late. Count back from the date you need it with the delivery date estimator.
Still choosing what to wrap? Try our 6-question gift decision guide, or read the last day to order for Christmas.