Gifts don’t always come in perfect boxes. Bottles, toys, clothes, round containers, soft goods, odd shapes, and many other things can complicate traditional gift wrapping.
Wrapping odd-shaped gifts does not have to mean forcing them into a square box. Using the right materials and methods, you can achieve a neat-looking result while letting the shape of the gift aid you.
Analyze the shape first
Examine the gift before deciding how to wrap it.
Note the length, breadth, curves, hard edges, and fragile areas. Will you need to keep the form on display, or will it be better to fully encase the gift?
This initial examination will help you select the appropriate wrapping materials and avoid awkward folds later.
Wrapping round gifts
It is tricky to make a square-cornered package out of regular wrapping paper for round objects.
When wrapping cylinders, set the object in the middle of a rectangular piece of paper and roll it up. Seal the main seam first, then do your best to fold the paper on either end.
Alternatively, try wrapping your gift in fabric or another type of soft wrapping material that conforms to the contours.
Small spherical gifts can be wrapped in an adorable little bag or pouch.
Wrapping bottles
Wrapping bottles is simpler if you use a longer piece of paper with ample wrapping surface.
Align the bottle to one side and roll carefully to the other. Gather the paper at the top and fold it back around the neck.
A ribbon may be tied around the gathered portion to hold it in place and add to the presentation.
Wrap bottles gently to avoid damage.
Wrapping soft gifts
Things like clothes, scarves, and blankets often lose their form when wrapped traditionally.
If you want to keep the item from looking lumpy, use a box or a gift bag.
If you wish to wrap the gift directly, use fabric. Lay out the fabric flat, place the item in the middle, and bring the four corners together on top.
The resulting package will look less stiff than paper-wrapped ones.
Wrapping odd-shaped gifts
Items that have many different angles or pieces that stick out present a challenge when you only have a sheet of wrapping paper to work with.
Wrap fragile pieces first and decide what should stay uncovered. Sometimes, it is better to simply put the whole thing in a box or another container and wrap that instead.
It makes the job much easier when you’re not fighting with angles and points.
Use a gift box
It’s not cheating to use a gift box. Gift boxes make gift wrapping much easier. Pick a box that’s big enough to fit the gift, but not so big that there’s a lot of air inside. Use tissue paper or something similar to fill any gaps if needed. This helps ensure that the gift doesn’t shift around in the box. Once you’ve got a box with the right shape, you can move on to more standard wrapping.
Choose Materials That Match the Shape
Some shapes might look better wrapped in certain types of paper or fabric. Flexible paper works well for curved shapes, and sturdier paper may be a good choice for boxes. Fabric is great for odd shapes, and a reusable bag could work well for a gift that’s too big or too soft to wrap. Don’t feel pressured to stick with conventional wrapping paper. The right wrapping material should make it easier to wrap the gift, while also looking good.
Keep the Design Simple
Because the package will already be unusual, it probably doesn’t need much else. If the package looks unusual, keep the design simple, using just one or two colors and one decoration. A clean ribbon, a little tag, or a single flower can do the trick.
Measure Before You Cut
It’s always important to measure before cutting wrapping paper, but it’s especially important for unusual gifts. You want to have enough material to cover the entire object, as well as some extra for folding over and taping down. But you also don’t want to cut off too much, because that will just create a messy-looking package. Ideally, you’ll want to wrap your gift once with cheap paper to see if it fits, before committing to the final product.
Practice the Folds
Most unusual-shaped gifts will require more folds than a standard box. Before you tape anything down, practice folding the paper or fabric around the gift. That way, you can figure out where you want the seams to go, and adjust as needed. It’s okay to take your time here. The first couple folds are usually the hardest, but once you’ve got them figured out, the rest is easy.
Add Structure With Ribbon
Ribbon isn’t just for decoration. On an unusual gift, it can actually help secure the folds and give structure to the package. It can also highlight the most interesting part of the shape. Make sure the ribbon is big enough for the size of the package, and don’t pull it too tight or it might damage the wrapping.
Think Beyond Traditional Wrapping
Unusual gifts are a great excuse to get creative. Rather than completely concealing the shape of your gift, consider using clear wrapping, fabric, a decorative bag, or an open-ended box. The goal is to make the gift look presentable without trying to make every gift look like a rectangular box.
Final Thoughts
It takes a bit more thought to wrap unusual gifts than it does a box, but it also offers more opportunity for creativity. Take a moment to understand the shape, then use the materials that work best with it. Don’t be afraid to use boxes, fabric, or other unconventional wrapping methods, when appropriate. Good gift wrapping isn’t about applying the same technique to every package. It’s about creating a package that looks great and makes sense for the gift.