If you’ve ever gifted something round, you know how much of a hassle wrapping it can be. Gifts like footballs and wine bottles with curves and contours can seem impossible to wrap tidily, resulting in a crumpled mess and a resigned trip to the gift bag aisle.
However, there’s a little-known trick that can make neatly wrapping rounded gifts a breeze. By forming the wrapping paper into the shape of a gift bag, you’ll be able to create an attractive and festive wrapping that’ll look great under the tree. All it takes is a few basic supplies.
What You’ll Need to Wrap Rounded Gifts
- Wrapping Paper
- Scissors
- A ruler
- Scotch tape
- A one hole punch
- A spool of string, twine or ribbon
Wrapping paper designs we recommend: Funny Wrapping Paper, Christmas Wrapping Paper, and Birthday Wrapping Paper
Wrapping your Round Gift
Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to get started! Here’s how to do it:
1. Measure the width of the object you wish to wrap, add an inch to that measurement, and cut.
2. Overlap the wrapping paper and tape down. Press the edges of the wrapping paper to fold and flatten on one end only. This end will be the base of the “bag” you’re creating with the wrapping paper. Make sure to leave the other end open.
3. Create the base of the bag by measuring the bottom of the object and folding inward at that length.
4. This next part looks tricky, but it’s actually very easy. Simply press on the sides of the flap, creating a diamond shape. This will expose the inside of the wrapping paper.
5. Fold the bottom and top flaps inward and use a piece of tape to secure the base, completing the “bag” structure.
6. Slide your gift into your handmade bag and fold down the excess wrapping paper like you would a paper lunch bag.
7. To complete the package, punch two holes in the center of the folds a few inches apart. String the twine or ribbon through the holes and tie a bow to secure the package.
No matter the shape or size of the gift, these custom bags make wrapping oddly-shaped items easy. Sure, you could throw it in a gift bag with tissue paper, but this charming way of wrapping them creates a unique and appealing look – and gives your recipient the satisfaction of tearing open the wrapping.
Do you have a favorite gift-wrapping technique for rounded, oddly-shaped, or larger gifts? Let us know in the comments. And if you try this method to wrap your next gift, please share it with using the hashtag #zazzlemade on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. We’d love to see your custom bags!
That’s a wrap! 😉
All Photos: Zazzle.com
More Wrapping Paper Ideas & Inspiration
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Jenny is Zazzle’s Associate Art Director. She loves DIY projects and making things with her hands. When she’s not getting crafty, you can find her hosting dinner parties, reading books, or cuddling her cat, Luna.
The bags are cute. However, if I were in a pinch, I’d grab the wrapping paper, an adhesive, and a disposable shopping bag. A brown paper shopping bag (think Whole Foods) works best, but any shopping bag will do. The next step is cutting the wrapping paper to cover the large sides so the shopping bag. Adhere them and you’re done.
Thanks for the comment and the suggestion! We like that idea too, including it, and many others in our “Have an Eco-Friendly Christmas” post.
Help! I so want to learn Jenny’s technique of wrapping. However, I am having difficulty with the flap folding at the bottom. I have spent way too much time trying to master this. Are there any other depictions out there of how this is done?
Hi Sheri!
Here’s a video we found that shows the same method – hope it helps!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6DJhB26zKY
i like the idea of adding a hole punch and threading string or curly string to make it look fun !~