10 secret Christmas wrapping tips from a professional

Gift wrapping expert Louise Lewis. Picture: Graeme Rowatt Photography (Image: Supplied)

I’m Louise Lewis, and I’ve been professionally gift-wrapping for over a decade. I’ve wrapped everything from teddy bears to thousands of corporate gifts, and these days I love teaching others how to make their gifts look beautiful, too. My mission is simple: to take the stress out of wrapping and show that with just a little practice, anyone can do it.

Here are my top 10 tips:

Having the right tools to hand makes wrapping easier (Image: Supplied)

1. Create a wrapping toolkit

Don’t waste time hunting for scissors and tape every time you need to wrap. Keep everything together in one basket or box: paper, ribbon, tags, pen and scissors. Having a dedicated toolkit saves time and helps you wrap in short bursts rather than one late-night marathon.

Use a piece of ribbon to measure your gift. Measure twice, cut once (Image: Supplied)

2. Cut the paper to size

Using too much paper is the number one mistake I see. It leads to bulky folds and messy corners. The paper should just meet in the middle with a little overlap. A quick trick is to wrap a piece of string around your gift first and use that as a guide for how much paper to cut.

A little goes a long way! Using double-sided tape gives a polished finish (Image: Supplied)

3. Use less tape

More tape doesn’t make your wrapping more secure; it usually just makes it look messy (and difficult to get into). Three small pieces are enough for most gifts. For a really polished finish, use double-sided tape. If not using double-sided, grab a tape dispenser, so you’re not fighting with tape that sticks everywhere, except where you want it to.

A bow instantly lifts any gift (Image: Supplied)

4. Add a bow

Ribbon has the power to transform even the simplest-looking gift wrap. A roll of satin (I love double-sided satin) or grosgrain ribbon (has a slight ridge on it) can make even plain kraft paper look stylish and chic. Always use sharp scissors for clean edges, and if you want bows that hold their shape, go for wired ribbon.

Boxes are your best friend for awkward shapes. They make wrapping faster, tidier, and instantly more polished (Image: Supplied)

5. Awkward shapes

Sadly, not everything comes in a neat box. Soft toys, clothing or oddly shaped gifts can be tricky. Wrap them in tissue paper first and then pop them into a bag or box (you can always wrap the box, too.

Pick a colour scheme for each person, or choose a theme for the year, so you’re not buying wrapping paper you’ll never use. Avoid anything glittery as it cannot be recycled (Image: Supplied)

6. Pick a theme

Choose a theme and carry it through your wrapping, from your paper and ribbons to your tags. Whether you love a coordinated colour palette, a rustic mix of kraft and greenery, or a sustainable twist with fabric wraps (Furoshiki), consistency is what makes it feel pulled together. And it means you won’t be tempted to buy endless rolls of paper you don’t really need or use.

A simple tag, sprig of greenery or even a handwritten note makes your gift feel special (Image: Supplied)

7. Add personal touches

It doesn’t take much to make a gift feel thoughtful. A handwritten tag, a sprig of rosemary/holly, or a small decoration tied into the ribbon adds personality and charm. These little touches show care without taking lots of extra time (or expense).

Creating simple paper bows is a great way to use up those leftover bits of wrapping paper that would normally get thrown away (Image: Supplied)

8. Sustainable swaps

Wrapping can look great and be eco-friendly too. Avoid foil or glitter papers, as they can’t be recycled. Choose recyclable kraft paper, save and reuse ribbons, or invest in fabric wraps that can be used year after year. And make your own bows from leftover wrapping paper.

Write the tags as you go, so there’s no guesswork on the big day! (Image: Supplied)

9. Label as you go

In the Christmas rush, it’s all too easy to forget who a gift is for. Always attach the tag as soon as you finish wrapping. It avoids the panic of mystery gifts on Christmas morning and makes your pile of presents look complete. If you receive Christmas cards this year, think about cutting them to use as tags for next Christmas.

Take the stress out of Christmas wrapping by doing it in small batches. (Image: Supplied)

10. Wrap little and often

Don’t leave it all until Christmas Eve. Wrap in stages, 20 minutes here and there with a cup of tea and some festive music. Breaking it down makes it less stressful, and you might even start to enjoy it. With a bit of preparation and a few clever tricks, you can turn the chaos into calm, and maybe enjoy the process as much as giving the gifts themselves.