1) Carefully measuring and cutting the wrapping paper to cover the gift is important for a beautiful presentation. 2) Secure the paper with transparent tape, folding the sides neatly. 3) Finish with a centered ribbon bow on top and optional gift tag for a professionally wrapped gift that will delight the recipient.

1. Wrapping a Gorgeous Gift When giving a gift to someone, it is important to put just as much thought into the gift wrapping as the gift buying. When the recipient sees a beautifully wrapped present, it increases their excitement about unwrapping the present.

2. What you’ll need Nice-quality wrapping paper Sharp Scissors “ Magic” Tape Ribbon of your choice Gift Box* (optional) *You may want to put the gift in a box if it does not already have one

3. Measure your paper Place the gift in the unrolled paper Bring the paper up around the gift until you have enough paper to cover the gift Cut the paper so that you have about an inch of wrapping paper overlapping

4. Measure your paper (cont) Move the box to the edge of the paper so that both sides will reach about halfway up the sides Repeat on the opposite end of the box Mark the paper with a pencil and cut any excess paper

5. Time to Tape Wrap the paper around the box until the paper overlaps Secure the paper with the transparent tape

6. Folding the Sides Make sure the box is centered inside the paper Fold the sides until the paper overlaps

7. Tape the Flaps Tape the flaps using the invisible tape

8. Finishing Touches Turn the gift right-side up and center the unwound ribbon across the top of the package Wrap the ribbon around the package lengthwise and twist it in the center under the box

9. Tying the Bow Bring the ends back up around the sides of the box Tie the ribbon once in the center, then tie a bow

10. Trimming the Ends You can get creative when trimming your bow Try trimming the ribbon diagonally or adding a fancy notch

11. The End Result When finished, you should have a beautifully wrapped present sure to please everyone Don’t forget to add a gift tag! Get creative by adding fancy cards or writing the name on the package with a metallic marker

12. Outline I. Wrapping a Present A. Gathering the material 1. Tape, scissors, wrapping, ribbon B. Measure the Paper C. Taping the paper D. Trimming the bows

13. Bibliography Banner, Chrissa How to Perfectly Wrap a Present . Online. 01 Feb 2008. <http://crafts.slides.kaboose.com/105-how-to-perfectly-wrap-a-present/2>. Photos by Chrissa Banner