Top Tips for Wrapping Awkward Gifts

We’ve all been there. You’ve found the perfect gift – maybe it’s a basketball, a quirky sculpture, or a bottle of premium wine – only to face the ultimate holiday challenge. Wrapping it. Suddenly, your scissors and tape seem woefully inadequate, and that roll of paper you bought isn’t cooperating. But don’t worry – wrapping awkwardly shaped gifts is an art anyone can master with a little guidance.

This blog will walk you through everything you need to know to conquer those tough-to-wrap treasures. From selecting the right paper to tricks for dealing with odd shapes, and even eco-friendly alternatives, we’ve got you covered (pun intended).

Choose the Right Wrapping Paper

Before you even attempt to wrap that tricky gift, start with the basics – your paper. Not all wrapping papers are created equal, and selecting the wrong one can turn a promising wrapping job into a crumpled disaster.

What to Look For:

1. Durability: Avoid flimsy paper, which tears far too easily when dealing with sharp corners or irregular shapes. Look for thicker, high-quality wrapping paper or kraft paper, which is strong and forgiving.
2. Flexibility: Gifts with odd dimensions need paper that bends and folds smoothly, so steer clear of overly stiff options or glossy finishes that crack under pressure.
3. Appropriate Size: Is your gift larger than life? Opt for rolls of paper rather than sheets. For smaller or oddly proportioned gifts, consider scraps from previous wrapping sessions or smaller, patterned pieces.

Pro Tip: Having a stash of neutral wrapping paper (like brown kraft paper) on hand means you can dress it up for any occasion using colourful ribbons or decorations.

Master the Art of Measuring

Not sure how much wrapping paper you need? Proper measuring is key to avoiding waste and frustration. There’s nothing worse than running out of paper halfway through wrapping a Rubik’s Cube or having enough left over to wallpaper your living room.

Steps for Measuring:

1. Lay It Out:

Place the gift in the centre of your wrapping paper. Ensure there’s enough paper to fully wrap around the object and overlap slightly.

2. Account for Height:

For taller or unusually shaped gifts, add a few extra inches of paper to accommodate folds or “tucking” allowances. Too much is better than too little!

3. Straight Edges Matter:

Use a ruler or straight edge to guide your scissors – clean lines make everything look sleeker in the end.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, err on the side of generosity. Excess paper can be folded away; too little means starting over.

How to Wrap Awkward Shapes Like a Pro

Now for the good stuff – tackling those unruly shapes. Whether it’s cylindrical, spherical, or even completely asymmetrical, there’s a solution for everything.

Wrapping Cylindrical Gifts (e.g., candles or bottles of wine):

1. Cut enough paper to cover the circumference and height.
2. Wrap around the middle of the cylinder and secure with tape.
3. Twist the paper at each end like a bonbon (secure with ribbon or ties for extra flair).

Wrapping Spherical Gifts (e.g., footballs or globes):

1. Place the sphere in the centre of the paper.
2. Gather the excess paper at the top and twist it neatly, securing it with a ribbon.
3. Smooth out folds as much as possible to avoid bulky sections.

Wrapping Unusual Shapes (e.g., figurines):

1. Use a Box (if possible): For truly irregular shapes, placing the item in a gift box can save you hours of frustration.
2. Fabric Wrap: Use fabric or scarves to gently tuck and secure the object without the worry of paper tearing.

Pro Tip: Don’t fight the shape! Work with the angles and be creative with folding and securing.

Add Finishing Touches

No gift wrapping job is complete without a bit of flair. This final step lets you turn even mildly lumpy wrapping into something worthy of admiration.

Ideas for a Polished Look:

1. Bows and Ribbons:

Tie a big, bold bow to hide imperfections or add satin ribbons for an elegant touch.

2. Tags:

Personalised gift tags instantly elevate your wrap game.

3. Decorative Accents:

Pinecones, sprigs of holly, or miniature ornaments all make great, festive add-ons.

Pro Tip: Choose decorations that match the recipient’s style – a subtle, personalised touch goes a long way.

Save Time with Smart Wrapping Hacks

Wrapping several gifts in one sitting? Here’s how to stay organised and efficient:

1. Set Up a Wrapping Station:

Clear a wide, flat space with all your materials (paper, tape, scissors) within easy reach.

2. Pre-Cut Paper:

If you’re wrapping multiples, cutting to size beforehand can speed things up.

3. One Type of Gift First:

Tackling similar shapes all at once helps maintain rhythm and prevents wasted effort.

Think Green with Eco-Friendly Wrapping

Why stop at impressive wrapping when you can also be sustainable? Eco-conscious wrapping materials are as creative as they are kind to the planet.

Sustainable Ideas:

1. Fabric Wraps:

Use scarves, tea towels, or fabric scraps for a zero-paper solution.

2. Reusable Bags:

Gift bags and tote bags are reusable and chic.

3. Recycled Materials:

Old newspapers, maps, or comics make for quirky, upcycled wrapping paper.

Pro Tip: Pair these choices with biodegradable ribbons or twine for a fully eco-friendly package.

Wrapping awkward gifts doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing the right materials, getting creative with shape-specific techniques, and adding those all-important finishing touches, you can turn even the most challenging present into a showstopper.

Got your own tried-and-tested wrapping hacks? Share your tips with us in the comments. Happy Wrapping!