By 
It's official: You've picked out the world's greatest gift! The hours spent meticulously browsing stores in person and online after scouring gift guides have lead you to this exact moment, finally able to gift this perfect object to someone you care about. But there's one thing that could stop it from being totally perfect: gift wrapping.
For anyone who groans at the thought of wrapping presents, this step-by-step guide on how to wrap gifts is for you. You no longer have to rely on a gift bag for fear of being mocked for your sloppy wrapping job, and say goodbye to the tangled mess of tape. These easy-to-follow techniques will give your gifts the makeover they deserve. (It was photographed in Ree Drummond's bakery, store, and restaurant The Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, so you know it'll be expertly done!)
Christmas presents (gifts for her and gifts for him!), birthday presents, anniversary presentsâyou name it, this guide will be your go-to. It has impeccably folded paper and a ribbon flourish on top, after all! And if you or they wince when they start tearing into the paper, that's just the sign of a job well done. Once you've read these simple steps, you'll be on your way to becoming a gift-wrapping pro in no time! (And check out these DIY gift wrapping ideas for some more inspiration.)
What You'll Need to Wrap a Gift
- Wrapping paper (the thicker, the better)
- Gift boxes
- Tissue paper (if needed, for fragile items)
- Sharp scissors
- Tape (opt for double-sided for a true professional look)
- Ribbon (optional)
Gift Wrapping Essentials
Solid Satin Ribbon, 12 Pack
Step 1: Measure and cut paper.
Roll out your paper with the pattern facing the ground and place your box face down. For a rectangle, itâs advisable to keep the box vertical, with the long sides parallel to the end of the roll. Cut above the box toward the roll, leaving enough paper on either end.
Step 2: Tape one side to the box.
With the box centered on your piece of paper, lift one side up and tape it halfway across the box. This helps keep the box in place.
Step 3: Fold other side and bring to the edge.
Unroll the paper, lift it all the way to the end of edge of the box, and cut. Fold the end in so you have a clean line and tape it down.
Step 4: Tuck and fold one end.
All thatâs left to tackle are the ends. Taking one at a time, tuck each side inward to make four 45-degree-angle flaps.
Step 5: Fold top down, lift bottom up.
Take the top and fold it down, creating a sharp crease where it meets the bottom of the box. Finally, lift the bottom flap up, fold the top for a clean line, and tape down.
Step 6: Flip the box and finish the last side.
At this point, you can flip the box so that it's the right-side up to repeat step five and fold in the last side.
Step 7: Add ribbon.
No present is complete without a ribbon on top. Lay the box facedown on a long piece of ribbon and pull the ribbon ends up over the box so they cross in the middle.
Step 8: Tie ribbon into a bow.
Turn the box over so that it's right-side up. Thread the ends under the ribbon and then tie in a bow in the middle.
Step 9: Embellish with gift toppers.
More is more when it comes to gift wrapping. Tie on a few artificial flowers, an ornament, or stick on a pretty label to go all out. You'll be so impressed with the finished product!
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
