12 Helpful Tips For People Who Struggle With Gift Wrapping

Picture-perfect wrapping is easier than it looks with a few simple tips! And make sure to keep Scotch® Double Sided Tape on hand to secure ribbons, bows, and finishing touches.

1. Always wrap gifts on a hard surface like a table or hard floor.

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You'll be able to cut and measure the paper more accurately and avoid weird wrinkles. (Seriously, get off the carpet!)

2. Measure carefully to make sure you're not using too much or too little paper.

Courtesy of Anne-Marie Kovacs / The Succulent Wife / Via thesucculentwife.com

Too much can look sloppy and too little means you'll be tempted to patch up bare spots. The Succulent Wife has more tips for perfect measuring, cutting, and wrapping.

3. Don't forget to wrap your gift upside-down so the seam is on the bottom.

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This sounds obvious until you're knee-deep in wrapping paper and ribbon!

4. Neat edges = a super-professional finish.

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Fold the edges of the paper under and crease all the seams as you go by gently pinching between your fingers. For more tips on how to wrap a seamless gift, check out The Shabby Creek Cottage.

5. Use double-sided tape to secure the paper invisibly.

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And you probably only need three pieces: one on the bottom of the package and one on each end.

6. Add an awe-worthy bow to really wow your gift recipient.

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Learning how to tie a pretty bow is easier than you'd think. This tutorial video will show you how it's done.

7. If you're worried about matching up edges, try using a plain gift wrap like kraft or butch paper.

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Your gifts will look chic and minimalist.

8. Upcycle materials you have lying around your home to add a unique touch.

Courtesy of How About Orange / Via howaboutorange.blogspot.com

Make a super-awesome gift bow from an old magazine. How About Orange has the tutorial — and it's easier than it looks!

9. Add cute personal twists to make an average-looking gift fabulous.

Courtesy of Hello Natural / Via hellonatural.co

Find out how to use rubber stamps to create one-of-a-kind paper at Hello Natural.

10. Package odd-shaped gifts — or food — in old chip canisters.

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These birch-log-inspired canisters are incredibly easy to make, from Sense and Simplicity.

11. Or put unusually shaped gifts in cute homemade bags.

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Courtesy of Sheri Silver / Donuts, Dresses And Dirt

See how simple these are to make at Donuts, Dresses and Dirt.

12. Top it off with a cute DIY gift tag:

Courtesy of Lil' Luna

A personal touch will distract from less-than-perfect wrapping. See how easy (and mess free!) these are to make at Lil' Luna.

And get even more tips for gorgeous gifts from Scotch® Brand!