Most people learn to wrap gifts through trial and error, picking up habits that create problems. These common wrapping blunders are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Let’s look at 5 gift wrapping mistakes you are probably making and how to avoid them next time.
You Use the Wrong Amount of Paper
If you end up piecing together scraps or waste half the roll, it creates messy results. You need enough paper to wrap around the entire box, plus about 2–3 inches of overlap on each side.
Lay your box on the paper and check that you can bring both edges together with a couple of inches to spare. For the short sides, fold the paper up and over the box to cover it completely.
You Skip the Pre-Fold Step
When you just wing it during the wrapping process, it leads to crooked lines and uneven edges. This gives a sloppy appearance that screams “last-minute effort.”
Before you place your gift on the paper, fold all your edges first. Fold about half an inch along each edge of your paper for crisp borders, and run your fingernail along each crease to make it extra sharp.
You Use the Wrong Paper
Your paper choice can work against you before you even start wrapping. Thin paper tears when you pull it tight around corners. Paper that’s too thick won’t fold properly and creates bulky, uneven edges.
Pick paper that matches your gift size and shape or even opt to craft your own paper from bulk rolls. Lightweight gifts can handle delicate papers, but heavier items need something more substantial. 20lb bond paper is perfect for creating custom wrapping paper because it offers a balance of strength and flexibility.
You Get the Tape Situation Wrong
The amount of tape you use is key to neat construction. If you go overboard, it feels like you are prepping the package for a cross-country move, and unwrapping turns into a total hassle. But if you don’t use enough, the wrapping might come undone before the present is even opened.
Use small pieces of double-sided tape whenever possible. When you must use regular tape, keep pieces small and try to hide them along edges or underneath flaps.
You Disregard Ribbon and Bow Placement
Ribbons and bows often look like afterthoughts because people randomly add them. To avoid this, center your ribbon horizontally and vertically on your package. For rectangular gifts, run ribbon around the box in both directions, creating a cross pattern on top where you will place your bow.
Pull everything tight before you make the bow so it doesn’t shift around. If you are using stick-on bows, place them at the intersection of your ribbon lines for a balanced look.
Knowing the gift wrapping mistakes you are probably making is the first step to easily correcting them. Start practicing these techniques for your next gift; you will be amazed how much more thoughtful your presents will look.
This post shares 5 gift wrapping mistakes.
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