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How to Wrap Awkwardly Shaped Gifts

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When it comes to wrapping Christmas gifts, some things remain elusive; how should you wrap obvious gifts, like a bike or a puppy? What about jewelery or sports equipment? Margaret Merten, Westfield Christmas Gifting Expert, shares her tips for disguising these oddly shaped and obvious gifts so they’re ready for the big reveal.

How to Wrap Oversized Items

If you’ve got a brand-new bike for a lucky recipient, definitely put a bow on it. I think the best way to surprise anyone with a large present is to wheel it in last when all other presents have been opened. That way you get the special moment when they see it for the first time rather than leaving it under the tree.

How to Disguise Obvious Gifts

I love putting precious things such as jewelry or clothing into a lovely box. Surround the item with tissue paper, or even under layers of tissue paper to heighten the surprise factor. It’s really easy to find pretty boxes in stationary shops these days, or ask the retailer for one too. For balls, I’d recommend keeping it simple and adding a ribbon or bow around it. An alternative is to put the ball into a large box and wrap the box with pretty paper.

Sending Gifts by Mail

The number one thing is to wrap it properly. Nothing’s worse than getting something gorgeous, then finding out it’s broken! I’d recommend actually wrapping it properly in Christmas paper first, then adding the layers of bubble wrap. Don’t try squeezing it into a package or envelope that is too small, either, as it can split and ruin the gift.

The Top Tip for Gift Wrapping

My mother has a policy of wrapping all presents without using sticky tape. She keeps the beautiful paper and re-uses it every year. This is a lovely tradition. The trick is to choose good-quality paper that folds precisely, and then use beautiful ribbons to hold the wrapping in place.

I’ve adapted this approach but use tiny amounts of sticky tape. It works surprisingly well and means you can re-use the paper again. Always have a pair of scissors and a small scalpel handy on Christmas Day for opening tricky presents that small children are desperate to get into. And don’t forget to stock up on batteries for any gifts that need them.

This article was originally written by Homes to Love editors. For more, check out our sister site, Homes to Love.

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