Ready to wrap a million presents in a couple of hours? It may seem pretty daunting when you have large piles of gifts to wrap and not much time to do it, but these fun, easy and creative gift wrapping ideas will show you how to wrap a gift in amazing ways you never thought of. We included step by step gift wrapping basics for those of you who need them, and some cool quick ideas like how to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper. Not just for wrapping Christmas presents, either. Cute holiday ideas as well as clever and cool birthday present wrapping ideas and artistic ways to decorate the paper itself. Learn how to make clever bows and DIY gift boxes in tons of awesome shapes, too! Check out all of these brilliant ideas and learn how to wrap a present like a pro.
How To Wrap A Gift – Wrapping Tutorials & Ideas
1. DIY Stenciled Wrapping Paper
Here is the cure for a closet stuffed with half rolls of paper: buy one plain white or kraft roll and stencil it to suit whoever is getting the gift. A Night Owl tapes the paper down flat, tapes the stencil on top and fills it in with a foam pouncer, then slides the stencil along once the paint dries, which is how one roll became four boxes in quatrefoil, chevron, arrow and bird. Load that pouncer lightly. A soaked one creeps under the edge of the stencil and blurs every line. And do not buy bargain paint for this, since the cheap stuff has less pigment and more filler, so you do three coats to get what one good coat owed you.
2. How to Wrap a Gift with Short Paper
I don’t know about you, but I always seem to run out of wrapping paper right when I need it most, usually on the very last gift under the tree. This short paper hack is my new favorite fix because it turns a scrappy little leftover piece into a wrap that looks totally intentional. No more digging through the closet hoping you squirreled away one more roll. It stretches what you have and still gives you that neat, gift shop finish. I have the full tutorial over on DIY Joy if you want to see exactly how it comes together.
3. Linoleum Hand Stamped Gift Wrap
This clever wrapping idea is a lot of fun to make, at least for those of us who like carving and playing with ink pads. Created from linoleum stamps and inexpensive carving tools, these stamps will last forever so you can make your own signature designs for your wrapping paper. I think you could also go the traditional route I learned in preschool and make some stamps with carved carrots and potatoes for a similar effect, but you probably will not want to save those stamps, you know?
Warning: Before you look at this tutorial, know you are likely to be mad at yourself for not knowing this was possible. We understand you will question yourself, and how you could possibly spend 100’s of dollars on gift bags in your lifetime when this easy solution has always been there. It’s ok. We feel your pain.
Looking for cool DIY gift ideas for your friends and family, too?
Be sure to check out The Ultimate DIY Christmas Gifts list which includes:
DIY Present Ideas for Men
Awesome DIY Gift Ideas Mom and Dad Will Love
41 Fun DIY Gifts to Make For Kids
31 Best DIY Gift Ideas for Her
27 Expensive Looking Inexpensive DIY Gifts
27 MORE Expensive Looking Inexpensive DIY Gifts
5. How to Wrap A Gift
Need present wrapping basics? Here is an awesome Youtube video tutorial that shows you exactly how to wrap a present with easy to follow step by step instructions. Follow along and learn how to wrap a gift like a pro. Be sure to Pin this handy guide, too, so you will have it on Christmas Eve when you need it! Even beginners will be wrapping presents quickly and beautifully if they follow along in this awesome video by One Kings Lane.
6. Kraft Paper Gift Wrap with Buffalo Check Ribbon
Ribbon is where the wrapping budget quietly disappears, so I love that Kenarry swaps it out for strips of quilting fabric. Wrap the box in plain kraft or white paper, cut your fabric anywhere from an inch and a half to four inches wide, no measuring required, then tie two knots and trim the tails at an angle. Black and white buffalo check with a sprig of greenery tucked under the knot looks like it came off a boutique counter, and it costs you a scrap of a fat quarter. One tip from her post worth stealing: make sure the paper is thick enough that nothing shows through, and check the postal section if the wrapping aisle lets you down.
7. Magazine RIbbon Gift Bows
I love DIY bloggers. These are my people. Who else could come up with such brilliant uses of ordinary items and then make them actually not look terrifying to make? I did go and try making one of these bows myself, and they are just as easy as they look. If you ask me, this one it totally worth your time. I end up squashing any bow I buy and do not use immediately, so nice fresh, homemade bows made from magazine and scrapbook paper odds and ends are my favorite new thing this holiday season.
8. DIY Gift Box with Lid
No novelty shape here, just a plain square box with a lid that actually fits, which is the one you always need and never have. Gathering Beauty makes hers from two squares of scrapbook paper, 5 inches for the lid and 5 and 7/8 for the base, so the bottom sits an eighth of an inch smaller and the lid slides instead of sticking. Score your fold lines first, with a scoring board or with a ruler and an embossing tool, because a folded crease is never as crisp as a scored one. About 20 minutes start to finish, and she adds extra tabs to the lid, since scrapbook paper is very pretty and not remotely sturdy.
I found the perfect DIY gift wrapping for someone going on a trip, a DIY tiny suitcase! I used a matchbox and plain paper, the tutorial was simple to follow. These DIY gift wrap suitcases are excellent for small items, such as jewelry, tickets, or money. They look great as dollhouse accessories as well. This DIY suitcase will not disappoint anyone on your gift list old or young.
9. Punched Polka Dot Gift Wrap
This one had me for a second, because the dots are not glued to anything. You wrap the box in kraft paper, scatter big punched circles in red, mint and patterned paper over it, then pull a tight layer of clear cellophane around the whole package and tape it at the back, which traps the dots and lets you slide them around until the layout looks right. Mique from Thirty Handmade Days shared it over on The Polka Dot Chair, using an extra large circle punch, one of those tools that sits in a drawer for years and then earns its keep in an afternoon. Keep the cellophane snug. Loose cello wrinkles, and then you see every bit of it.
I love DIY gift wrap and I have never found one easier than this polka dot plain paper idea. I had plenty of brown paper, that i use for just about everything and simply followed the tutorial using a pencil eraser dipped in craft paint. It makes a great project for children, using nontoxic paint of course.
10. Origami Paper Pyramid Gift Boxes
linesacross
Love free printables? I am a huge fan of making clever 3-dimensional things out of paper, but I had never seen some of the fabulous box designs on this blog. This one is for a pyramid gift box, which you can make in any color or pattern in which you can find heavyweight paper, and in any size you like. Impress them all with these, and all you need is some good colored card stock and your handy Exacto knife and hole punch to do it. Oh, fine, use scissors if you insist. I say go ahead and have lots of these ready for last minute gift wrapping. (Thank yourself later.)
11. Paper Cup Gift Box
More adorable gift boxes! Did I tell you I LOVE paper crafts? I guess I better start actually buying and making some Christmas gifts now that I see all these amazing wrapping tutorials. Thank you Pinterest. When I do not waste hours of my time hanging out with you, there are those special moments you inspire me to be a better person….
12. Santa Christmas Gift Bag
pazzles
This fun DIY Santa gift bag is from the Pazzles blog, which is a company that makes a high end scrapbook cutter I love. If you have a Cricut or other cutter, you can have the machine do the cutting and drawing for you. However, if you have not yet purchased a fancy machine to do your cutting for you, you can probably wing this one just fine.
13. Hand-Stamped Wrapping Paper
No potatoes this time, I promise. These stamps are cut from an old cardboard box, a tree or a star or a little bird drawn freehand, then glued onto a second piece of cardboard so you have something to grip while you press. Brush acrylic paint straight onto the shape, press it down on brown parcel paper for a few seconds and lift slowly, and keep going until the sheet is full. Alicia’s guest tutorial on Persia Lou also covers the fancier version with a carving block and a lino cutter if you want crisper edges, but the slightly rough cardboard prints are the ones that look handmade in the good way.
14. Mini Wreath Gift Tags
Unoriginal Mom cuts short pieces of mini garland, twists them into little rings and hot glues them onto a banner shaped tag, and the finished thing looks like it came with the paper. She sketches and cuts her tags on a Silhouette so the lettering is drawn by the machine, then ties them onto kraft packages with baker’s twine. Size your wreath against the tag before you glue, since the two need to overlap a bit for the glue to grab. A whole tree of matching handmade gift tags out of one garland from the dollar aisle is a very good trade.
15. 7 Easy Christmas Bows With No Bow Maker
Bows used to intimidate me until I learned you do not need a fancy bow maker gadget to get a gorgeous one. These Christmas bows come together with just ribbon and your own two hands, and honestly they look better than some of the store bought ones I have grabbed in a pinch. I love having a few no tool tricks like this in my back pocket during the holiday rush. They dress up even the simplest wrapping paper in seconds. Head over to DIY Joy for the full step by step on all seven bow styles.
16. DIY Chalkboard Gift Wrap
OK, if I happen to get tired of my wreath tags (and I were not so OVER chalkboard by August this year) this will be my runner up “go to” wrapping idea. It wins second place because it requires one thing only, that I might not have around, which is black butcher paper. Buy a roll online and keep your white paint pen handy for last minute gift wrapping fun, literally. If you love to get creative and draw, this ones for you.
17. Easy Finger Crochet Yarn Bow
Yarn is one of those craft supplies I always have way too much of, so I love finding new ways to put it to use, and this finger crochet bow is such a fun one. You do not need a crochet hook, just your fingers and a little patience, which makes it perfect for a cozy night in. The finished bow has such a sweet, textured look that pairs beautifully with kraft paper or plaid wrap. It is an easy win even if you have never crocheted a stitch in your life. I walk through the whole thing over on DIY Joy.
18. Photo Gift Wrap
Ever seen printed photo paper and thought it was either way too expensive to do or too daunting a technical task for you to accomplish? Check out this clear step by step method for getting beautiful big custom photo printed wrapping paper from Bri at Googly Eyes and Glitter. She pretty much holds your hand in the walk through so that you feel encouraged and empowered to try this yourself at home. (You need a few days to order prints from Staples but everything can be done easily online. No serious design skills required)
19. Printable Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas
Do you love how to wrap a gift wrapping ideas? This printable holiday gift wrap ideas idea is exactly the kind of thing I go looking for. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the gift wrap ideas. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Liagriffith has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
20. Scarf Gift Wrapping
I am a big fan of an easy tutorial, and this scarf gift wrapping idea is one of my favorites. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. You can grab the whole recipe from Polkadotbride at the link.
21. DIY Wrapping Paper Gift Bag
A flat sheet of wrapping paper turns into a real gift bag in four folds, and this one is ours, so I can tell you exactly how it goes. Glue the side seam, fold the bottom up about three inches and tuck the corners into triangles for a flat base, then accordion fold the top eight times and fan it open before the ribbon goes on. There is a second version in there too, where you fold the top down and punch two holes for ribbon handles. Bigger paper simply makes a bigger bag, which is how one leftover roll covers a candle, a sweater and everything in between. The full step by step and the video are on DIY Joy.
22. DIY Bow Out Of Wrapping Paper
I am a big believer in never buying a separate ribbon bow when the wrapping paper itself can do double duty, and that is exactly what this trick does. You use a little extra paper to fold and tuck your own coordinating bow, so everything matches without a single extra purchase. It is one of those ideas that feels obvious once you see it, but it took me forever to think of it myself. Perfect for using up the last bit of a roll before it goes in the recycling bin. Full instructions are up on DIY Joy.
23. Fabric Gift Pouch
Fabric Gift Pouch – yes please. This one delivers on homemade treats without any fuss. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Check out Aspoonfulofsugardesigns’s full tutorial for all the details.
24. Beautiful Parcel Packaging Idea
This is fun crafts, and I never get tired of it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the parcel packaging idea. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Obstinatepursuit has the full step by step tutorial if you want to make it yourself.
25. Tissue Paper Pom Pom Topper
Whether it is a weeknight or a get-together, this tissue paper pom pom topper idea fits right in if you love DIY gifts. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. You can grab the whole recipe from Oipaketti at the link.
26. 5 Wrapping Hacks You Need To Know
Some years I want one single post with every wrapping trick I need instead of hunting all over the internet, and that is what inspired this roundup of quick hacks. From crisp corners to a no tape trick that keeps edges looking clean, these are the little things that make wrapped gifts look like they came from a professional. I picked up a few new favorites myself putting this list together. It is a great one to bookmark before your next wrapping marathon. See all five hacks over on DIY Joy.
27. Felt Mistletoe and Jingle Bells
Stephmodo nailed it with this felt mistletoe and jingle bells idea – step by step instructions, no fuss. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the mistletoe jingle bells. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Head over to Stephmodo for the complete recipe.
28. Water Color Gift Wrap
My family always asks for handmade goods liks like it took way more time and skill than it actually does, and this water color gift wrap idea is one we keep making. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Check out Minted’s full tutorial for all the details.
29. Easy Candle Jar Gift Wrapping Hack
Wrapping anything jar shaped, like a candle or a mason jar full of treats, always used to leave me stumped because boxes never fit right. This hack skips the box search completely and shows you how to wrap right around the jar so it still looks polished and gift ready. It is one of my go to tricks for homemade candle gifts and pantry mixes in jars. The jar stays protected and the wrap still looks intentional, not just thrown on. I show the whole process over on DIY Joy.
30. Gold Accented Holiday Gift Wrap
I have always loved a fun DIY, and this gold accented holiday gift wrap idea is a great example why. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. You can grab the whole recipe from 100layercake at the link.
31. Cozy Christmas Gift Wrap from an Old Sweater
boxwoodclippings
This cozy christmas gift wrap from an old sweater idea is quick, easy, and a real win for an easy tutorial. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get our full step by step tutorial to try it yourself.
32. Foil Cup Cake Liner Toppers
Why make it complicated? This foil cup cake liner toppers idea keeps a clear how-to simple. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the cake liner toppers. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Head over to Blog for the complete recipe.
33. DIY Christmas Stamped Wrapping Paper
Foam prints softer than cardboard, so it is worth keeping both kinds of stamp in the drawer. Moms and Crafters traces a tree onto a craft foam sheet, at least 3mm thick so it has some spring, cuts it out and glues it to a cardboard base with tacky glue, then rolls a strip of cardboard into a handle for the back. It has the body to sit on foam instead of soaking into the cardboard. Brush on paint, press, repeat across a sheet of plain paper, and you have a roll of handmade wrapping. Her template is offline at the moment, which does not really matter, trace around any cookie cutter you already own.
34. DIY Cute Paper Santa Tags
usefuldiy
Here is homemade treats, and I keep coming back to it year after year. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. We’ve got the complete tutorial for you right at the link.
35. 5 Ways To Make A Bow
I am forever changing up how I tie my gift bows depending on my mood and what ribbon I have on hand, so I rounded up five of my favorite methods in one place. Some are classic and simple, some are a little fancier for a special gift, but they are all doable with basic ribbon and no special tools. Once you get the hang of a couple of these, wrapping gifts becomes almost fun instead of a chore. It really is all in the wrist once you see the technique. The full video walkthrough for all five is on DIY Joy.
36. DIY Snow Globe Gift Card Holder
The jar goes on upside down, and that is the whole trick. You build the scene on the lid instead: a plastic lid glittered and glued down as a riser, then a bottle brush tree tied to the roof of a little red car, or a snowman among bow-trimmed trees. Slide the gift card in behind them, add mini styrofoam balls for snow and screw the jar down over the top. No water, so nothing leaks. Old jam and pickle jars work, so if you keep lots and lots of jars, and I do, you are halfway there. In a small jar, use a cardboard gift card, because a plastic one will not bend. Red ribbon and a bow glued around the base finish it. Every step is photographed on DIY Joy, video included.
37. Lego Gift Wrapped Box Idea
Coolmompicks really knows DIY gift ideas, and this lego gift wrapped box idea idea shows it. A friend of mine swears by doubling the batch, since it never seems to last as long as you think it will. Even on a busy night, this one is realistic to actually make. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Coolmompicks for the complete recipe.
38. Easy 2-Minute DIY Ribbon Rose
This little ribbon rose is one of my favorite two minute tricks because it turns a plain wrapped gift into something that looks like it took way more effort than it did. All you need is a length of ribbon and a couple of folds, no glue gun or floral wire required. I love using these on Mother’s Day and Valentine’s gifts especially, they add such a romantic, handmade touch. Once you make one you will want to add them to everything. Grab the full tutorial on DIY Joy.
39. Vintage Map Wrapping Paper
thechicsite
Looking for an easy tutorial that actually works? This vintage map wrapping paper idea is it. My first attempt at this was not exactly picture perfect, but it still turned out great, which taught me not to stress over it. No fancy equipment needed, just a few basics you probably already have. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. We’ve got the complete tutorial for you right at the link.
40. Ice Cream Cone Gift Wrap
letswrapstuff
I will admit it, I am obsessed with a clear how-to, and this ice cream cone gift wrap idea proves it. I learned the hard way that rushing this one is not worth it, so give yourself the extra few minutes. It’s simple to put together and always turns out great, especially with the cone gift wrap. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Our full tutorial walks you through every step.
41. Paper Bag Gift Wrap
thechicsite
This paper bag gift wrap idea is fuss free and delivers on gift ideas. I almost skipped this one the first time around, and I am glad I did not, because it turned into a regular around here. It keeps well too, so it’s easy to make ahead of time. Even if you are newer to this, it is a forgiving one to start with. Get our full step by step tutorial to try it yourself.
42. Old Sweater Gift Bag
No need to overthink homemade treats – this old sweater gift bag idea is refreshingly simple. This is one I originally made by accident, sort of, after improvising with what I had on hand, and it stuck. It comes together faster than you’d expect for how good it tastes. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Head over to Ahomemadeliving for the complete recipe.
43. Upcycled Oatmeal Canister Gift Holder
Bottles, candles and anything breakable are the gifts that defeat wrapping paper, and this is the fix. Single Girl’s DIY covers an empty 18 ounce oatmeal canister with a 14 inch square of plaid fabric, glues the side and bottom hems down, then runs one inch satin ribbon through the top hem so the fabric gathers up and ties into a big bow. There is no sewing anywhere in it. The cardboard tube does the real work here, protecting whatever is inside on the drive over, and because the top just cinches, the same container handles something tall or something short.
44. 5-Minute Ribbon Tying Hack
Getting a ribbon bow to sit perfectly centered on a gift used to take me way more tries than I want to admit, until I learned this five minute tying trick. It gives you a neat, even bow around the whole package every time, no lopsided loops or slipping knots. This is the technique I use most often now because it just works, even with slippery ribbon. It is a small thing that makes a big difference in how finished a gift looks. See the full how to on DIY Joy.
45. DIY Paper Gingerbread Man Gift Tags
Print, color, cut, tie on. The Country Chic Cottage prints Jen Goode’s gingerbread man onto brown craft paper or cardstock, decorates him with craft paint or glitter glue, then punches a hole and ties him to the package with twine. Write the to and from on his back so you are not hunting for a gift tag later, or give him a tiny sign to hold with the name on it. A Cricut will print then cut these for you, and if you do not have one, scissors have been handling this job for a very long time. I have volunteered to run the craft table at more events than I can count, and this is the kind of project that works with a whole group of kids at once.
46. Santa Christmas Gift Box
Put this santa christmas gift box idea on your list next time you want an easy tutorial. I used to overthink this one, but it turns out the simple version is just as good as the fussy one. A little effort goes a long way with this one. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Get the full recipe from Creationsonpaper to see every step.
47. Recycled Bread Tag Snowman Gift Toppers
Save the little plastic clips off your bread and bagel bags. Crafts by Amanda paints them into snowman faces, and they finish off a plain treat bag better than a bow does. Dab the pink cheeks on with an old scruffy brush, use a toothpick for the orange carrot nose, and dot the eyes with the handle end of a small paintbrush instead of the bristle end, which is the trick to getting two dots the same size. Colored tags need a coat of white acrylic first. And if you draw the mouth on with a Sharpie, let it sit several hours before you spray the sealer, or the ink runs and your snowman looks like he has had a rough week.
48. DIY Curly Wrapping Paper Ornaments
I hate throwing away pretty wrapping paper scraps, so this curly ornament idea felt like such a satisfying use for the odd little pieces left after wrapping. You curl the paper and tuck it inside a clear ornament ball, and the result is such a fun, colorful addition to the tree. It is a great project to do right alongside your wrapping so nothing goes to waste. Kids love helping with this part too. The full tutorial is up on DIY Joy.
49. Easy DIY Heart Gift Card
A handmade card topper is such an easy way to make a wrapped gift feel extra personal, and this heart card is one of my favorites. It comes together with just paper and a few folds, no fancy supplies needed. I love tucking one of these onto a gift for a birthday or anniversary, it adds a little something special right on top of the wrapping. It is simple enough to make a whole stack in one sitting. Find the full tutorial on DIY Joy.
50. Toilet Paper Roll Pillow Box Gift Card Holders
Gift cards are the hardest thing on this whole list to wrap, and a cardboard tube solves it. Fold both ends of an empty toilet paper roll inward into a curve and you have a pillow box, which Create Craft Love then wraps in a two and a half inch strip cut from six inch scrapbook paper and ties with twine. Her observation made me laugh, because it is completely true: nice toilet paper comes on flimsy cardboard that folds easily, and the cheap industrial stuff comes on good sturdy cardboard that fights you the whole way. Earrings and other small jewelry fit in these too.
51. DIY Confetti Dipped Presents
This diy confetti dipped presents idea is about as easy as a fun DIY gets. The first time I tried this I rushed it, and it taught me that a little patience really does pay off here. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without any fuss, especially with the confetti dipped presents. You can scale it up or down depending on how many people you are making it for. Get the full recipe from Stylecaster to see every step.
Love These DIY Ideas? Pin It To Save And Share On Pinterest
Skip the fuss – this long slender fold flat box idea is a fun DIY done the easy way. I will admit I have messed this one up before by skipping a step I thought did not matter, so trust the process. This one always gets asked about when I bring it out. The whole thing comes together with basic tools and ingredients, nothing fancy or hard to find. Head over to Pootles for the complete recipe.
