For some, gift wrapping is a daunting task. And if you detest it, the lead-up to Christmas can be filled with anxiety as you ponder which family member to enlist for help.
Many of us aspire to be the type who can effortlessly twist shiny red paper into beautiful bows or at least cut the paper in a straight line – but it often feels like an insurmountable challenge, leaving us dissatisfied with our wrapping efforts.
Fortunately, TikTok user Chantel Mila has come to our aid, sharing “four of the best ways to wrap the trickiest gifts” – and her tips are genuinely useful.
If you’re grappling with an “awkward-shaped gift”, she advises to “measure the wrapping paper around the gift” before securing it with tape. Demonstrating with a Jellycat bunny, Chantel measured the wrapping paper, then removed it.
Next, she instructs: “Fold the sides inwards and cut the corners”. This will transform it into something resembling a Christmas cracker. Once achieved, place the gift back inside and “tie the sides with ribbon” to complete the festive cracker look.
Chantel also showed how to “wrap a round gift” flawlessly. The initial step involves measuring the paper halfway across the base and top, followed by cutting strips, as she demonstrated.
Firstly, take the wrapping paper and encircle the gift, securing it with tape and ensuring all pieces converge neatly at the centre around the circular section. For an adorable touch, “finish with a bow”.
Chantel then moved on to “how to wrap an irregular-shaped gift”, using a cap as an example a challenge that would typically see many resorting to a simple gift bag.
To begin, she advises to “measure paper to fit around it and tape”, followed by “fold the base upwards”. Her instructions continue: “Create a diamond. Fold the base and top inwards and tape. Place the present inside and seal the top”.
Adding a “finish with a ribbon” gives it that extra flourish.
Her final piece of advice was for “how to wrap a wine bottle” to avoid the default option of a bag. The technique involves “wrap[ping] the paper around the bottle and secure”, then “wrap the base, fold the top into a zig-zag, and tie a ribbon around the gift” – allowing you to fan out the top where it’s been zig-zagged.
While these wrapping methods require a bit more time and care, they ensure your recipient feels truly cherished when they unveil their presents.