Grab a few lightweight objects, like your scissors and tape roll, to use as temporary paperweights. Place these onto the corners and near the tube to hold the paper in place and prevent it from rolling back up.
For a standard shirt box, you should leave about 4 to 5 in (10 to 13 cm) of paper on either short side. Deeper boxes will require more paper on either side. [3] X Research source If the box is too long for this orientation, turn it 45 degrees so that the short end of the box is perpendicular to the cut end of the paper. Make sure the gift inside is carefully padded with tissue paper (especially if it’s fragile) so that it doesn’t get jostled around. Although it’s not necessary, you may tape the lid of the gift box down using a piece of matte gift wrap tape on each side.
Alternatively, you can use a ruler or tape measure to calculate the perimeter of the box and measure it out on the wrong side of the wrapping paper.
Some wrapping paper comes with lines marked onto the reverse side. If yours has lines already, just follow the closest one to your 3 in (7. 6 cm) mark.
Some wrapping papers will snag and tear if you do this, especially if they are very thin or very stiff. Instead, you can simply cut the paper along the line in short but clean strokes.
You may use double-sided tape right along the inside edge of the paper or place matte gift wrap tape on the top edge, overlapping the paper and box. Either way, use about a 2 in (5. 1 cm) length of tape. For a long box, use 2 or 3 pieces to hold the paper in place.
By following this process, the folded edge should be aligned at or near the corner of your box. Even though this will be the bottom of your gift box, it will still have a neat and attractive finish.
Now you’ll have triangular flaps on the top and bottom, with the paper folded at a 45-degree angle.
If the top flap overlaps the bottom flap of paper significantly, you may trim off the excess paper from the top flap at this point. [10] X Research source
Think outside the box when it comes to selecting your ribbon. Metallic ribbon can be eye-catching on jewel-toned or pastel wrapping paper. Twine can create a cozy, rustic appearance, especially when paired with simple brown kraft paper. If you’re using curling ribbon, measure out a much longer length so that you can curl the ends into a bouncy ribbon bundle.
If you’ve already wrapped the ribbon around the box the long way, you’ll now wrap it around the short way.
If you’re using a wider ribbon, you can either trim the ends to a neat 45-degree angle or cut out a decorative V-shaped notch. [18] X Research source If you plan to include a hanging gift tag in your wrapping, thread one of the ribbon ends through the hanging gift tag’s loop before you complete the overhand knot and bow. Tuck a sprig of berries or branches into the bow for a fresh festive touch.
