Get everything together
Wrapping your gifts isn’t going to be any easier if you have to run around hunting for tape part way through. Before you start wrapping, make sure you have everything you need:
- Wrapping paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- Ribbon
- A flat surface big enough for the gifts you want to wrap
Figure out how much paper you need
It pays to get this right. Too little and you’ll have to start all over again; too much and you’ll make things more difficult as you fight with bundles of excess paper.
Unroll your paper, and place the gift on it. Pull the paper over the gift until you have enough to cover all four sides. Then, estimate how much you’ll need to cover the ends.
Tying the perfect ribbon
OK, we’ve dealt with the paper, now for the finishing touch. Start by cutting the right length of ribbon — around five times the length of your gift.
- Lay the wrapped gift upside down on top of your ribbon (lengthwise).
- Lift the ribbon ends up and cross right over left, pulling them widthwise.
- Holding tight so the cross you have made doesn’t slip, turn the gift over and bring the ribbon ends around over the top of the gift.
- Bring the ribbon ends under where it runs lengthwise across the top of the gift.
- Double-not the ribbon around the lengthwise section.
- Tie a bow. Neaten the bow’s loops with your fingers after you have done so.
- Finish off your bow by cutting the ribbon ends. First, pinch the ribbon, and then cut at 45 degrees. This creates the forked ends.
Voila! You’re done. (Except for all the other gifts, of course.)