COMMON GIFT WRAPPING MISTAKES (and How to Avoid Them)

Gift-giving is an art - but so is gift wrapping. A beautifully wrapped gift adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness. Whether you’re wrapping for birthdays, holidays, weddings or any other occasion, avoiding common gift wrapping mistakes can make a big difference in presentation.

Here are some of the most common gift wrapping mistakes - and how to avoid them like a pro:

MISTAKE: USING POOR QUALITY WRAPPING PAPER 

Starting off with the wrong paper has an effect on the overall outcome of wrapped gifts. When choosing wrapping paper, you’ll want to look for a heavier weight paper. Wrapping paper that is too thin is prone to ripping and tearing easily, especially on corners.

THE FIX: Look for better quality wrapping paper which will typically say “premium” on the label. Choosing a thicker-weight wrapping paper makes such a difference. It makes wrapping gifts so much easier and you’ll be able to see and feel the distinction immediately.

MISTAKE: USING DULL SCISSORS 

Using scissors that are dull is a pretty common mistake when wrapping gifts which leads to crooked cuts. Many people use whatever scissors they have on hand and are used for everything. Dull scissors create very jagged edges in both paper and ribbon.

THE FIX: Ideally you want to have TWO pairs of scissors for gift wrapping. One pair to cut wrapping paper and the other used solely for ribbon. I recommend getting yourself a pair of fabric scissors for ribbon which will help you avoid frayed edges. You always want to start with a sharp pair of scissors to help get those clean straight cuts.

MISTAKE: USING TOO MUCH PAPER 

Wrapping your gifts with too much paper leads to gifts that look puffy, easily wrinkled and with bulky corners.

THE FIX: Measure and cut your paper to the exact size you need. Trim any extra paper to avoid bulky corners. Another tip is to look for wrapping paper that has the grid lines. This will help you cut in a straight line and keep an equal amount of paper on each side of your gift reducing excess.

MISTAKE: NOT PULLING YOUR PAPER TIGHT ENOUGH 

Loose fitting paper around a gift causes air pockets and extra bulk which results in wrinkles, ultimately producing a poor appearance.

THE FIX: You want to make sure the wrapping paper is tightly hugging the gift by pulling the paper taut and smoothing it with your hand and creasing the edges as you go. This is where quality wrapping paper helps because it’s more resistant to tearing, allowing you to apply more tension.

MISTAKE: USING TOO MUCH TAPE 

Gifts wrapped with an excessive amount of visible tape everywhere looks amateur and provides a poor presentation. 

THE FIX: Use double-sided tape for a seamless look. Try to use no more than 2-3 pieces per gift if possible. Less is more! Another option is to use a favorite tape from Scotch - the classic purple packaged gift wrap tape. It has a satin finish and blends nicely giving gifts a smooth finished look. 

FINAL THOUGHTS
Gift wrapping doesn’t have to be complicated, but avoiding these few key mistakes can instantly improve your gift wrapping skills. Thoughtful wrapping is so much more than just pretty paper and presentation, it’s part of the gift itself. It truly is about making your gift special for the recipient and giving it that personal touch. This shows the thought, care and attention that went into it, which elevates the entire gifting experience for both the receiver and the gift giver. And remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try new styles or experiment with fun materials.

Happy wrapping!

 

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