Wrapping Boxes and Other Rectangles

• 1). Assess the item you need to wrap and check that you have enough wrapping paper to cover it.
  
  
• 2). Gather your wrapping supplies and lay them out on a flat surface with no clutter. Allow yourself plenty of room to work.
  
  
• 3). Place your gift in a rectangular or square box, if possible. In not, take stock of any odd edges or protrusions on your gift.
  
  
• 4). Unroll the wrapping paper and place the gift on top of it, with the bottom facing up. Determine how much paper to cut by folding the end of the wrapping paper that is not attached to the roll across the gift until it is tight. While holding the paper with one hand, and cut it in a clean, straight line with the other.
  
  
• 5). Rearrange your gift in the center of the cut paper, ensuring that it is still face-down. Stretch the paper halfway across from the left, and tape the paper to your gift. Repeat on the other side.
  
  
• 6). Wrap the ends of the gift by creating wings out of the paper. To do this, grab the top of the loose paper and fold it flat against the side of the gift. Two wing-like flaps, one on each side, will be left.
  
  
• 7). Fold each wing against the box and tape it down. This creates one triangle of paper at the bottom, which should be flattened, pulled tightly, and affixed with tape to the bottom of your gift.
  
  
• 8). Finish your gift with a festive bow in colors to match your wrapping paper, or thread a ribbon through an object like pine cones, fabric flowers or a baby rattle, depending on the occasion.
  
  

Wrapping Round or Oddly Shaped Gifts

• 1). Wrap round or oddly shaped objects using a pleat and fold technique. Follow the first two steps above to get your workspace set up.
  
  
• 2). Cut a piece of wrapping paper or fabric to cover at least three quarters of the object. Place your gift in the center of the paper with the item turned upside down.
  
  
• 3). Take one side of the paper and fold it across the object, making a tight pleat. Tape the pleat down.
  
  
• 4). Continue to move around the object, pleating and folding until it is covered. Add bows and other decorative elements, as desired.