How do I wrap my presents perfectly?

Have you asked yourself that question in the past few days? Yeah, well I used to ask myself that too. I'll give you a little background. Even if you don't want it. When I first started working at JAM, I told everyone I would never be able to craft. Or represent JAM’s fine products in a way that actually makes them look like how they are supposed to look. Since that time (almost two years), I’ve tried many projects. Projects that failed, succeeded, even things I did just to try and see what happens (that craft is now on the first page of google – yes I’m bragging). So when I thought wrapping gifts to promote our amazing Christmas paper was the best way to get more traffic, I hoped I’d be decent. Well, I found out I’m a WRAPPING PROFESSIONAL. And throughout the time I've wrapped, for fun, for social, for email promotions, for blogs, I've learned the answer to the question: how do I wrap my presents perfectly? Let me help you sad puppies out. First and most importantly you need ...

1. Patience/Time

Without patience, you’ll certainly mess up. It’s the number one rule. Take an hour out of the day to tell yourself you’re going to wrap presents. If not, you’ll expect to be done in a few minutes. And when something becomes stressful or unexpected, it's no longer fun. If you have a lot of family members or a lot of money for a lot of gifts, you’ll need about 180 minutes (trust me). So take your time, put your favorite Christmas movie on, relax, and wrap!

2. Muscles 

Beauty is pain. SO PULL AS HARD AS YOU CAN. There should be no air or space, molecules or atoms, between the gift and the wrap. Circulation to your fingers is not necessary.

3. Creases

Hopefully you’re wrapping a box-like gift since it’s the easiest way to make creases (if not, contact me personally. I'm kidding sort of). When you are done tightening as much as possible (without ripping the wrap – which I’ve done a lot of times), crease your paper. This is great for us who have long nails. Take the tip of your nails to fold the two side of the wrap together. Just like that time in 3rd grade when you had to fold your paper perfectly in half for that spelling test. When you're younger, they call it cool things like fold it like a ‘hot dog’ or ‘hamburger’. But we're grown-ups now, so it gets tough. Now there's an object in the way and we just call it, well, folding. So stop the crease RIGHT where the box begins, and you'll get a beautiful gift instead of an A++ sticker or candy ... oh and a bill towards your credit card. Dang adulthood.

4. Cut Downs

A lot of people don’t think about this part. so pay attention. You’re never going to measure your gift perfectly when you first lay it out. There will almost always be extra wrap. On the sides when you have to do the ‘dreaded triangle’ fold, you probably mess up because there’s just way too much wrap. This will cause your gift to bulge out on the sides (think skinny). So cut down small strips, fold, and if you still have more wrap, cut again! Trust me, it’s so easy once there’s just enough. Goldilocks can back me up on that one…

5. Tape

A LOT OF TAPE. It’s hard to keep your wrap from moving around, especially if it's glossy. The way to stop this is with this tool called tape. It’s this sticky material that won’t let your wrap slide around. And it’s also A LOT of fun to watch the person unwrap your almost indestructible gift wrap. Especially if it’s a gag gift. Ugh, the things I appreciate in life.

6. Accessories!

When you don’t like how something comes out (which happens even to the best of us), there are these things called ‘wrapping accessories’ aka gift bows, ribbon, and tags. Here I used scraps from a random wrapped gift (like those skinny strips you always throw away), ribbon'd and tagged it up! So if there’s a rip somewhere or a crease you hate, stick some accessories on the spot! And viola, it disappears!

7. One More Thing...

Never, ever let them see the back ;)

Is your question how do I wrap my presents perfectly answered?

Mastering the Art of Present Wrapping

Wrapping presents can be a daunting task, especially if you want them to look perfect. But fear not, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can become a present-wrapping pro in no time. Start by choosing the right wrapping paper and ensuring you have all the necessary tools, such as scissors, tape, and ribbons. Measure the paper carefully to avoid any excess, and neatly fold and secure the edges. Add a personal touch with decorative ribbons or bows, and don't forget to attach a thoughtful card. With a little practice and attention to detail, you'll soon be wrapping presents like a professional, impressing friends and family with your beautifully wrapped gifts.

The Benefits of Perfectly Wrapped Presents

Perfectly wrapped presents not only look visually appealing, but they also show the recipient that you've put time and effort into their gift. A well-wrapped present can elevate the entire gift-giving experience, making the recipient feel special and valued. Additionally, neatly wrapped presents create a sense of anticipation and excitement, as the recipient eagerly awaits the unveiling of their gift. By mastering the art of present wrapping, you can enhance the joy and sentiment behind gift-giving, making the experience even more memorable for both you and the recipient.

Use Cases for Perfect Present Wrapping

Perfect present wrapping is ideal for a variety of occasions, including birthdays, holidays, weddings, and other special events. Whether you're giving a small token of appreciation or a grand gesture, beautifully wrapped presents can convey thoughtfulness and care. Additionally, mastering the art of present wrapping can be particularly useful for those who enjoy DIY projects, as it allows for creativity and personalization. No matter the occasion, perfectly wrapped presents are sure to leave a lasting impression on the recipient.

Alternatives to Traditional Present Wrapping

While traditional present wrapping is timeless and elegant, there are alternative methods that can add a unique and creative touch to your gifts. Consider using fabric or scarves as eco-friendly and reusable wrapping options, or explore the art of furoshiki, a Japanese technique of wrapping gifts in fabric. Another alternative is to use decorative gift bags or boxes, which can be just as visually appealing and convenient. By exploring alternative wrapping methods, you can add a personal and eco-friendly twist to your gift-giving traditions.

Tips for Using Different Wrapping Materials

When it comes to wrapping presents perfectly, the choice of wrapping materials can make a significant difference. For delicate or irregularly shaped gifts, consider using tissue paper or cellophane to create a neat and secure wrapping. If you're wrapping multiple gifts for the same recipient, coordinating the wrapping paper and color scheme can create a cohesive and visually appealing presentation. Additionally, experimenting with different textures and patterns can add depth and visual interest to your wrapped presents. By understanding the unique properties of each wrapping material, you can elevate the presentation of your gifts.

Adding a Personal Touch to Your Wrapped Presents

One of the joys of present wrapping is the opportunity to add a personal and creative touch to each gift. Consider incorporating personalized gift tags, handmade ornaments, or dried flowers to enhance the visual appeal of your presents. You can also experiment with different folding techniques, such as origami-inspired folds or decorative pleats, to create a unique and eye-catching presentation. By infusing your personality and creativity into the wrapping process, you can make each gift feel truly special and memorable for the recipient.