Rectangular objects are far-and-away the easiest to wrap neatly. Books are excellent, and anything else will either come in a box or can be put in one.
Cardboard Boxes for Gifts
It is easy to get hold of 'flat-packed' cardboard boxes of varying dimensions (for example from the Post Office in the UK), or the thrifty could even save old boxes! Flat boxes are easy to assemble, and if the correct size is used then sufficient padding can safely house even the most fragile of presents.
Wrapping the Box with Paper
Simple brown paper can be used (instead of commercial Christmas paper) to give a nice 'anti-commercial' feel to the final object and making the gift somewhat more personal.
- The first step is to cut the paper to the correct size, and the more 'anally retentive' might even like to measure the paper before cutting. Four times the length of the box (plus a smidgen), and three times the width - more than strictly necessary, but giving a neater finish.
- Begin with the longer edges of the box and fold the paper tightly all the way round. It is a good idea to attach the first edge to the box with adhesive tape (sellotape in the UK) before folding the rest - this gives neater edges. When folded all around stick the final edge down.
- With the box central in the tube that has just been made, carefully fold the edges of the two ends to make 'wings'. Tight creases at this stage make for a better job.
- Push the wings in towards the box, and then lift up the pointed bit that is left (there is always a 'scruffy' overlap here - but it can easily be tucked away and hidden). Fix the tips of the just-folded pointy bits with adhesive tape, and notice how the extra paper allowed for a very neat finish!
Tying the Package with String
Garden twine could be used to wrap the present, giving an obvious extra 'hand-made' and personal touch. Once round the long sides, cross the string and continue around the shorter sides - ending with a knot.
Real panache can be achieved at this stage if a blob of sealing wax, or red candle-wax is melted over the knot, and pressing a coin onto the cooling wax makes it look like a personal seal!
Alternatively use ribbon and finish with a bow. (Watch a YouTube video showing how to tie a bow neatly.)
Giving Unusual Presents
A good present will show that the donor knows the recipient well, and has put a lot of thought into the choice of gift. The monetary value is often not relevant, and it is even possible to give "mathoms" - as suggested in a previous article.
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