Epic Wrap Battles: 7 Ways To Package Odd-Shaped Gifts Like A Pro

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Epic Wrap Battles: 7 Ways to Package Odd-Shaped Gifts Like a Pro

Written by Saundra Montijo on October 29, 2020

Boxless bundle
DIY gift pouch
Party streamers
Recycled box
Fabric covering
Gift bow
String lights
tl;dr

The season of giving is almost upon us, which means facing a pile of presents to wrap up nice and pretty. But not all gifts are shaped equally.

Eventually, we all face the ultimate challenge: wrapping a seriously odd-shaped item.

Fear not, gift giver! We’ve got seven ways to avoid a wonky wrap job and deliver a picture-perfect package.

1. Create a no-box bundle

Photography by Janelle Jones, Prop styling by Allison Ritchie

Got an item without nice, clean edges? No problem! Creating a bundle is super simple — and it looks pretty darn schnazzy too!

Your supplies

wrapping paper
tape
2 ribbons
scissors
hole punch

How to do it

Cut the paper so it’s a couple inches bigger than your item on all sides.
Wrap the paper around the gift to form a tube. Tape that edge!
Pinch one end of the tube flat, fold it over, then fold again to hide the paper’s edge. (Unfolding on you? Fasten with an itsy-bitsy piece of tape.)
Repeat step 3 on the other end.
Hole-punch the ends. You’ll need at least two holes per side, but you can use more if the item is larger.
Thread a ribbon through the holes. Tie it up nice and pretty!

Pro tip: Get creative with the number of holes you punch and the ways you thread and tie the ribbon!

2. DIY a festive gift pouch

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Photography by Janelle Jones, Prop styling by Allison Ritchie

This variation on the bundling method works best for flatter, smaller items.

Your supplies

wrapping paper
tape
6- to 10-inch strip of ribbon or twine
hole punch
scissors
evergreen, rosemary, or holly sprigs (optional)

How to do it

Cut wrapping paper about twice as wide as your item and a few inches taller.
With the paper’s blank side up, fold both sides inward so they overlap about an inch in the center.
Secure the overlap with tape.
Fold the bottom up about an inch, fold again to hide the edge, then tape.
At the open end of the pouch, use the hole-punch to make a centered hole for the ribbon or twine.
Put your gift in the pouch.
Thread the ribbon or twine through the hole at the top and tie into a bow or handle.
Feeling fancy? Tuck a little sprig of cheer into the knot.

Pro tip: Use thick wrapping paper to keep the ribbon or twine from ripping through.

3. Break out the streamers

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Photography by Janelle Jones, Prop styling by Allison Ritchie

Up your game with party streamers! Your gift’s shape will peek through, prompting your recipient to guess just what’s under the colorful wrapping.

Your supplies

a roll of crepe paper streamers (have fun with the color or pattern!)
clear tape
decorative bow (optional)

How to do it

If it won’t damage your gift, tape the end of a streamer on it to start.
Wrap the streamer around and around, making sure the crepe paper overlaps to cover the item.
Once the item’s completely hidden, secure the end with tape.
Optional: Cover the tape with a bow for some flair!

Pro tip: Avoid this method with plush or squishy gifts. And be wary of what the item may look like wrapped… some things are better *not* left to the imagination.

4. Reuse an old box

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Photography by Janelle Jones, Prop styling by Allison Ritchie

Got a bunch of empty boxes from online shopping? Put one to use! You’ll give the box a second life (three cheers for recycling) and make your gift wrapping a breeze.

Your supplies

a box big enough for the item
wrapping paper
tape
newspaper or bubble wrap (optional)

How to do it

Put the gift in the box.
Add newspaper or bubble wrap to pad the gift (if necessary).
Close the box and tape it.
Wrap it up.

Pro tip: Reusing the box from a champagne-priced item for a beer-priced gift? You *might* wanna cover the logo or picture to avoid trickery. Have fun with it by decorating the box with stickers, sweet notes, or puns.

5. Make a fort

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Photography by Janelle Jones, Prop styling by Allison Ritchie

No time to wrap a giant, odd-shaped gift? It doesn’t get any simpler than covering it up with a blanket or tablecloth!

Your supplies

a blanket, tablecloth, sheet, or beach towel

How to do it

Drape the gift.
Invite the recipient to remove the covering when they’re ready. (Flourish optional!)

Pro tip: Make it meaningful by using a festive blanket, the quilt grandma made, or a beach towel you had on vacation with the gift recipient.

6. Put a bow on it

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Photography by Janelle Jones, Prop styling by Allison Ritchie

A bow is perfect for anything that’s too large or awkwardly shaped for traditional wrapping.

Your supplies

a bow (size, shape, and color are up to you!)
tape (if needed)

How to do it

Place the bow on the item.
Secure the bow with tape if it’s wobbly. Just be careful not to use tape in a place that could damage the gift.

Pro tip: Store-bought bows come in all types and sizes, but you could also DIY your own. The internet is full of tutorials if you want to give it a whirl!

7. Light it up

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Photography by Janelle Jones, Prop styling by Allison Ritchie

String lights can jazz up more than your Christmas tree or dorm room. Light up your recipient’s day by using lights to make an oddly shaped gift merry and bright!

Your supplies

set of string lights

How to do it

Wrap the lights all around the gift.
Plug ’em in.
Voila!

Pro tip: String lights come in a variety of colors and bulb sizes. Have fun choosing a type based on the gift or the person you’re giving it to!

The wrap-up

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. When traditional wrapping techniques won’t do the trick, it’s time to get creative. From boxless bundles to light-wrapped presents, there are plenty of clever ways to make the most odd-shaped gifts shine.

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Written by Saundra Montijo on October 29, 2020

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FITNESS

1. Create a no-box bundle

Your supplies

How to do it

2. DIY a festive gift pouch

Your supplies

How to do it

3. Break out the streamers

Your supplies

How to do it

4. Reuse an old box

Your supplies

How to do it

5. Make a fort

Your supplies

How to do it

6. Put a bow on it

Your supplies

How to do it

7. Light it up

Your supplies

How to do it

The wrap-up

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