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How to Wrap a Present in 2 Easy Methods (Video)

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It’s the holiday season and that means you have to wrap some — or maybe a sleighful — of presents. In case you’ve forgotten (or never learned how), we’ve put together a fun video to teach you the basics of how to wrap a present.

The first method presented is the most common in America (this data comes from a super-scientific poll that consisted of asking three coworkers) and the second approach is termed “The Japanese Method.” This particular style of wrapping presents, that’s more origami than anything, is supposed to be the most expedient (after some practice, you should be able to wrap a gift in 15 seconds) and the most economical (some claim they can wrap any entire gift in this method using a single piece of tape).

Good luck, and remember: Even if your gift wrapping looks like you did it one-handed and blindfolded in a hurricane, it doesn’t matter. It’s the thought that counts.

How to Wrap a Present

The Traditional Method

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What you’ll need: Wrapping paper, scissors, and tape. Optional: Ribbons, bow, and name tags.

  • Step 1: Place gift box right-side-down in the center of an unfurled wrapping paper.
  • Step 2: Wrap the free edge around the gift box and hold in place.
  • Step 3: Wrap the other side over the box to determine how long wrapping paper should be.
  • Step 4: Cut wrapping paper an inch longer than required.
  • Step 5: Wrap both ends of paper around the box and secure to back using a single piece of tape.
  • Step 6: Take an end of the box and fold down the top flap, leaving two paper wings on the shorter sides.
  • Step 7: Fold both wings toward the center and secure with tape.
  • Step 8: Flip box and fold remaining flap down and secure with tape.
  • Step 9: Repeat with the other end of the box.
  • Step 10: Gussy up with ribbon and bows as desired.

The Japanese Method

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What you’ll need: Wrapping paper, scissors, and tape. Optional: Ribbons, bow, and name tags.

  • Step 1: Make sure the wrapping paper is large enough to cover both the back and sides of the box.
  • Step 2: Place box diagonally on paper and position it closer to the edge nearest you.
  • Step 3: Pull the edge of the paper closet to you up the side of the box and fold excess over the top.
  • Step 4: Hold the excess paper in place with one finger and use the other hand to fold up the left side, origami style.
  • Step 5: Repeat step four with next side.
  • Step 6: Finally, fold the remaining side like you would in for the traditional way and secure with tape.

Still looking to cross a few gifts off your list? Why not check out a few stocking stuffers, gift ideas for her, or products made in America.

Chase McPeak
Chase McPeak
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where… Read Full Bio
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