Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
How do you get crisp corners and a bow that looks finished? Measure before cutting, keep the paper snug, crease folds against the box, and make a neat overlap. For ribbon, tie it as you would shoelaces; for floppy or awkward gifts, add cardboard to create a shape that is easier to wrap.
Vivienne Anthon, a former CEO turned expert wrapper, says practice helps: “I wrapped everything I could find because it comes down to practice.” The tips below draw on her advice and published wrapping guides; no single technique is best for every paper or gift.
Before you start: gather the right supplies
- Wrapping paper, with enough width to reach about two-thirds of the way up each side of the box
- Sharp scissors
- Regular gift-wrap tape or double-sided tape
- Optional: ribbon and a gift tag
- For an awkward or floppy gift: cardboard to provide a flat base or rectangular shape
1. Measure before cutting
Place the box on the paper and check the fit before cutting. The paper should cover the sides, but excess at the ends can make neat folds harder. Hallmark recommends enough width to reach about two-thirds of the way up each side of the box.
#1 Best Overall
- DOUBLE SIDED TAPE FOR CRAFTS: 3 rolls of Scotch Double Sided Tape, each with a Tape Dispenser, offers a neat, clean, strong and long-lasting way to hold art and crafts projects together, making it a great addition to your crafting supplies
- MESS-FREE BONDING ADHESIVE: Both sides of the tape are coated with permanent adhesive for a strong, secure hold without the drips, clogs and air bubbles similar to white glue
- INVISIBLE TAPE: This double-sided clear tape holds things together without being seen, making it a less messy alternative to glue for school, art and office supplies
- TAPE WITH NO LINING, HAS PROTECTIVE WRAP: While the tape does not have a peel away liner, unlike scrapbook tape, there is an 8" protective liner that needs to be removed before tape can start dispensing
- IDEAL FOR SCHOOL, ART AND OFFICE SUPPLIES: Perfect for creating scrapbooks, cardmaking, paper crafts, gift wrapping, home decor projects, collages, holding work documents together, mixed media art and party decorations
- Set the box on the paper and test whether the paper can wrap around it.
- Check that the width will cover the ends without leaving excessive material to fold.
- Use a paper pattern as a cutting guide if you wrap boxes of similar sizes.
- Trim only after confirming the fit.
2. Make a neat overlap
A small, folded edge makes a tidy footing for the overlap and helps keep the wrap aligned without creating a bulky seam.
- Bring one long edge of the paper over the box and fold it under slightly to make a straight edge.
- Bring the other edge over it, snug against the box.
- Pinch along the box to mark where the paper should crease.
- Secure the overlap with tape.
3. Shape the end folds deliberately
Fold the paper against the box rather than gathering it loosely. Defined folds and pressure along the package corners help remove puffiness and create cleaner edges.
Rank #2
- DOUBLE SIDED TAPE FOR HOLIDAY GIFTING: 6 rolls of Scotch Double Sided Tape with 6 Tape Dispenser offer a neat, clean, strong and long-lasting way to hold gift wrap and gift bags together, making it essential this holiday season
- MESS-FREE BONDING ADHESIVE: Both sides of the tape are coated with permanent adhesive for a strong, secure hold without the drips, clogs and air bubbles similar to white glue, making it a great alternative to other adhesives traditionally used on presents
- INVISIBLE TAPE: This double-sided clear tape holds things together without being seen, making it essential for gift wrapping, holding Christmas boxes together and other activities that require bonding this Christmas season
- TAPE WITH NO LINING, HAS PROTECTIVE WRAP: While the tape does not have a peel away liner, unlike scrapbook tape, there is an 8" protective liner that needs to be removed before tape can start dispensing
- IDEAL FOR HOLIDAY SUPPLIES: Perfect for creating scrapbooks, easy ornaments, Christmas cardmaking, paper crafts, gift wrapping, collages, mixed media art and Christmas party decorations
- Fold in the side edges at one end.
- Crease the paper against the box to define the corners.
- Bring the triangular flaps inward.
- Fold the final flap over them and secure it with tape.
- Run your fingers along the package corners, then repeat at the other end.
4. Choose whether to hide the tape
Double-sided tape can conceal the seam when that finish suits the paper. Regular gift-wrap tape is also a practical choice; a visible seam is a matter of preference, not a wrapping failure.
- Fold the paper edge over slightly if needed to make it straight.
- Place double-sided tape under the folded edge if you want to hide the adhesive.
- Bring the other side over the tape and press the seam in place.
5. Add ribbon and finish it neatly
Ribbon is optional. Vivienne Anthon’s simple advice is to tie it as you would your shoelaces. Measure the ribbon while it is still on the roll before cutting it, as Hallmark advises.
Rank #3
- 3-pack of double stick tape rolls with dispensers; permanent adhesive on both front and back provides reliable, inconspicuous bonding
- Narrow width for precise results
- Double-sided design offers a no-mess alternative to gluing for light-duty attaching and mounting tasks
- This tape comes on a handheld dispenser for quick and portable use
- Great alternative for home use, school presentations, art projects, and more
- Wrap the ribbon around the gift and estimate the length while it remains attached to the roll.
- Cut the ribbon and tie a bow using the familiar motion of tying shoelaces.
- For a pennant end, fold the ribbon end in half and cut diagonally from the folded side.
6. Give awkward gifts a shape
Paper is harder to wrap neatly around a floppy or unwieldy object. Cardboard can provide a flat base for clothing or help turn a large gift, such as a tennis racket, into a thin rectangular shape that is easier to wrap.
- For a floppy item, place cardboard beneath it to give the package a firm base.
- For a large awkward item, place cardboard on either side to make a thin rectangular shape.
- Wrap the supported item like a box, using deliberate folds and a neat overlap.
Quick comparison: choose a wrapping approach
| Choice | When it helps |
|---|---|
| Trim excess paper | When extra material makes the end folds bulky |
| Regular tape | When a practical, visible seam is fine |
| Double-sided tape | When you prefer a concealed seam |
| Ribbon or bow | When you want an optional finishing detail |
| Cardboard structure | When the gift is floppy or awkwardly shaped |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much wrapping paper should I cut?
Test the paper around the box before cutting. Hallmark recommends enough width to reach about two-thirds of the way up each side. Avoid excessive paper at the ends, which can make neat folds harder.
Rank #4
- 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 & 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁: Different from the ordinary glue or glue stick, Double Sided Tape won't cause any mess, there is no drying time and no wrinkling, the tape is acid free and archival safe for scrapbooking.
- 𝗡𝗼 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Tape Double Sided does not have a peel away liner, it is very easy to use and remove, unlike scrapbook tape, it does not leave residue on phots and paper when removed.
- 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗱𝘁𝗵: Double Sided Tape for Crafts is 1/2 inch in width, Narrow width for precise results, suitable for crafts. Double Sided Tape with Dispenser is very easy to cut or tear off by hand for kids and adults.
- 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝘀, 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀: 2 Sided Tape is Perfect for creating paper crafts, scrapbooks, cardmaking, gift wrapping, home decor projects, collages, holding work documents together.
- 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: You are getting total of 4 packs Two Sided Tape with Dispenser. Each pack holds 0.5 x 300 inches double sided tape, and 100 feet length in total.
How do I make gift-wrap corners neater?
Fold the side edges in, crease against the box, bring the triangular flaps inward, and fold the last flap over them. Run your fingers along the package corners to smooth the folds.
Do I need double-sided tape?
No. Double-sided tape can hide the seam, while regular gift-wrap tape is a practical alternative. Choose according to the finish you want.
Best Value
- Sticky & Safe to Use: Our double sided tape for crafts was made of high quality glue, it is sticky but not destructive and will help to save your scrapbook or photos for a long time
- Mess-free & Fast: Different from the ordinary double sided tape or liquid tape, Secopad glue tape won't cause any mess and you don't have to wait for the glue to dry. It takes only a few seconds to finish the work
- Tape Glue Runner: The compact design and quality material make sure that the glue come out smooth and evenly. 4 Pack two sided tape can be use for home, school and office. It is easy for adults and children to use
- Alternative to traditional adhesive tape: This tape roller is muti-purpose, you can easily use it for scrapbook,photos, crafts and other arts projects
- Tip & Note: You can clean and re-tape the scrapbooking tape if you make a mistake in a short time. Low temperature may affect the stickiness of the tape, try to use in warm indoors
How do I tie a ribbon bow?
Vivienne Anthon recommends tying ribbon as you would your shoelaces. Measure the ribbon while it is still on the roll before cutting it.
How can I wrap a floppy or awkwardly shaped gift?
Use cardboard to give a floppy gift a flat base or to make a large unwieldy item into a thin rectangular shape. Then wrap it like a box.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
