Present Wrapping Tips + 3 Easy Gift Wrap Ideas

Do you struggle to wrap a pretty package? My fun and easy present wrapping tips make it a snap to give a beautiful gift! Plus, I'm sharing three easy gift wrap ideas for you to try.

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Present Wrapping Tips

I've always loved wrapping gifts. It's so fun to add that special touch that makes the outside of the present almost as good as what's inside.

My mom was always very creative with her gift wrapping, creating intricate bows and fun designs. I loved those packages growing up, and my goal is always to make my gifts look half as nice as hers did.

As much as I enjoy the process, I haven't always been that great at it. I've been practicing though, and after lots of poorly wrapped gifts, I've learned some present wrapping tips that will guarantee a gorgeous package.

Today, I'm sharing my best present wrapping tips and tricks ... from wrapping things up to tying a beautiful bow to adding a special touch with heat embossing. Plus, I've got three easy gift wrap ideas for adding that extra special touch.

Present Wrapping Supplies

Once you master these easy present wrapping tips, you'll never give a wonky-looking gift again!

You'll need:

• wrapping paper
• scissors
• clear tape
• double-sided tape

How to Wrap a Present

The trick to creating a gorgeous, seamless package is to use double-sided tape anywhere regular tape might show:

1. Place the box upside down on a sheet of wrapping paper. Pull the paper to the edge of the box and tape in place with regular tape (shown). Trim the loose end of the paper so it reaches halfway across the package (fold the edge over for a neat seam, if you wish). Place a long strip of double-sided tape on the edge and fold it over the package, smoothing into place. You should have an almost invisible seam.
2. Work on one end of the box at a time. When folded down, the paper edge should almost meet the bottom of the box. Trim it if necessary. Press the center of the paper down and tape into place with regular tape. Crease the edges of the paper to make two neat triangles on either side.
3. Place a strip of double-sided tape on the inside of each triangle and fold in neatly to seal.
4. After both ends are folded in, you should have one triangle at the base of the package. Cover the edges with double-sided tape and fold up.
5. You will have a neatly folded end with no visible tape. Repeat on the other side.

It really is easy to get a beautifully package with these present wrapping tips. The key is to use double-sided tape and to make sharp creases as you work.

How to Tie a Beautiful Bow (without a Bump Under the Package)

Recently, I learned how to double-wrap ribbon around a package without creating a bump under the box. I thought this tip was worth sharing!

Here's how to create that perfect bow with a double wrap:

1. Start with your present facing up. Place the ribbon underneath the box.
2. Draw both ends of the ribbon up to the top of the box. Adjust the ribbon so you have one long end (long enough to wrap around the box) and one short end.
3. Twist the ribbon on the top of the box, and then wrap only the long end all the way around the box. The short end stays on top of the box.
4. Tuck the long end under the twist on top of the box to hold it in place.
5. Tie a standard bow, taking your time to twist everything perfectly into place. Fold the end of the ribbon in half and cut it on an angle to create a double point.

Isn't that a cool tip? I wish I had always known that!

Add a Special Touch with Heat Embossing

Have you ever tried heat embossing?

It's a really simple stamping technique that creates a beautiful raised finish. I'm slightly obsessed with it right now!

Heat embossing is perfect for creating cards, making gift tags, or adding a special embellishment to a flat surface (it works on paper, wood, and fabric). You need the following tools:

• heating tool (a blow dryer will NOT work)
• embossing powder (I used gold and silver for the projects below, but it comes in a lot of different colors if you'd like to experiment.)
• VersaMark Stamp Pad
• stamps (Any stamp will work.)

The basic steps for heat embossing are this: press your stamp onto a VersaMark Stamp Pad, stamp the image onto paper or another surface, cover the image with embossing powder, then heat the powder with a heating tool to form a raised image.

Once you have the basic steps down, you can experiment with colored inks, special effects, different embossing powders, and even special embossing pens.

Here's a quick video showing you how it works. You won't believe how easy it is!

You only need a little powder for each design (dump anything you don't use back in the container), so a bottle lasts a long time, as does the stamp pad.

Three Easy Gift Wrap Ideas

Okay, are you ready for some gift wrapping inspiration? I created three easy ideas, each with a custom embossed gift tag!

Stars, Stripes & Glitter

For this package, you'll need:

• striped wrapping paper (I found mine at Walgreens.)
• glitter ribbon
• glitter star stickers
• card stock
• VersaMarker Pen
• gold and silver embossing powder
• heating tool

This gift wrap idea couldn't be easier. Start by covering the box with the striped paper.

Then, wrap the ribbon over one corner of the box, pull it under the box, and then bring it up over the other corner and tie a bow. This uses less ribbon that double wrapping it around the package (like I demonstrated above), so it works well when you're short on ribbon.

Next, I used a combination of gold and silver stars to decorate the top of the box. Create a pattern you like before committing to sticking them on.

The package is finished with a simple "J" gift tag that I created using my heat embosser. For this tag, I used a VersaMarker Pen instead of a stamp.

I drew the large "J" with the pen, embossed it in gold, then went back and added the accents with the silver embossing powder.

So simple, yet so pretty!

Hearts & Strings

This package may have been even easier than the first! It makes the perfect wrapping for a teen or any woman really. Switch the colors up for a guy.

You'll need:

• kraft paper (You could also use a grocery bag.)
• pink hemp cord (or another color)
• clear tape
• card stock
• heart pattern stamp
• VersaMark Stamp Pad
• gold embossing powder
• heating tool

Start by covering your package with the kraft paper.

Then wrap the string around the present multiple times, overlapping in places. Tape the ends of the string in place on the bottom of the package.

Press the heart stamp onto the VersaMark stamp pad and then onto your card stock. Cover with gold embossing powder and then emboss with the heating tool.

Write a name or message on the back of the card and then tuck it under the string.

This makes such a quick and distinctive package, plus, it's perfect for shipping since there are no bulky bows or ornaments to crush.

Classic Gold & Stripes

I love how this pretty package turned out. You can never have enough gold around the holidays, and with the striped ribbon, it almost has a nautical look.

Here's what you'll need:

• gold wrapping paper
• striped ribbon
• card stock
• VersaMark Stamp Pad
• gold embossing powder
• heating tool
• stamp (The peace joy love stamp I used is no longer available, but this stamp is similar.)

Cover the package with the gold wrapping paper, then tie a bow using my tips above.

Cut a small gift tag out of the card stock. Press the stamp onto the stamp pad and then onto the card stock. Cover the image with the gold powder and then emboss it with the heating tool.

Add a message inside the card and then tuck it under the ribbon.

I hope you found these present wrapping tips inspiring! Let me know if you try any of them out.

Do you enjoy wrapping gifts, too? Which gift wrap idea is your favorite?