Ah, the joy of gift-giving - the anticipation, the heartfelt messages, the awkward shapes... and the panic of wrapping them! If you've ever found yourself wrestling with wrapping paper, cursing at Sellotape, and contemplating just throwing the whole thing in a gift bag, you're not alone. Wrapping oddly shaped gifts is like trying to put a jumper on a cat - chaotic, frustrating, and ending with you questioning all your life choices. But fear not, intrepid gift givers, as we aim to help you make your lumpy, awkward gifts look almost presentable.

Step 1: Gather Your Wrapping Arsenal

Before you begin, make sure you have the essentials:

  • Heavy-duty wrapping paper (because the cheap flimsy stuff will betray you)
  • Tape and Double-Sided Tape (and more tape, because let’s be honest, you’re going to need it)
  • Sharp Scissors (which will definitely go missing right when you need them most)
  • Ribbon or twine (to distract from any wrapping mishaps)
  • Bubble Wrap and Tissue Paper (great for smoothing out awkward edges!)
  • A sense of humour (this will be crucial!)

Step 2: Choose the Best Wrapping Method

Oddly shaped gifts come in all forms, so your wrapping technique will depend on what fresh nightmare you’re dealing with. So, lets run through some of the most popular wrapping methods:

1. The "Just Smother It in Wrapping Paper" Method

Grab a giant piece of wrapping paper and aggressively crumple it around the gift. Secure it with an excessive amount of tape, so the recipient has to fight their way in. By the time the recipient gets to the actual present, they’ll either be really excited or just really exhausted. Either way, you win.

2. The "Box It Up" Scam

Take a normal boring box and put your weirdly shaped gift inside it. No one needs to know you struggled! It’s both a gift-wrapping hack and a trick to mess with the recipient’s expectations. (A teddy bear in a cereal box? Genius.) For a spot of added humour, why not put your gift in one of our prank gift boxes? With a silly product advertised on the box, your recipient won't believe their eyes when they unwrap it, until they look inside and find your real gift.

3. The "Just Roll With It" Technique

For items like wine bottles, plush toys, or awkwardly shaped kitchen gadgets, rolling the item in wrapping paper like a giant sweet is a great option. Just gather the paper at both ends, twist, and tie with ribbon. If anyone questions it, tell them you were going for a whimsical look.

4. The "When in Doubt, Use a Bag" Trick

Let’s be honest - gift bags are the lazy person’s best friend. If the gift is too weird, shove it in a bag, throw in some tissue paper, and pretend you made an effort. No one will judge you (or at least they’ll keep it to themselves).

5. Stick a bow on it

For a cheap and lazy approach simply wrap some ribbon round the item and stick a bow on it!

 

 

Step 3: Add Some Decorative Distractions

If the wrapping job looks questionable, here’s a pro tip - cover it up!

  • Add an excessive amount of ribbon and bows (people will be too distracted by the sparkle to notice the wonky wrapping job).
  • Use cute gift tags with funny messages.
  • Use stickers for decoration and pretend the mess was intentional.

 

 

Step 4: Own It

At the end of the day, gift wrapping isn’t about perfection - it’s about effort (and laughter). So, if your oddly shaped gift ends up looking like a crumpled ball of frustration, just say it was wrapped with love and enthusiasm!

Common Odd-Shaped Gifts and How to Wrap Them

Wrapping odd-shaped gifts doesn’t have to be a disaster. We've run through some of the techniques, so with a bit of creativity and a good sense of humour, let’s look at how you can make even the most unusual look gift-worthy.

1. The Stuffed Animal (a.k.a. "Lumpy Nightmare")

Unlike a nice square box, a fluffy, oddly shaped teddy bear will always refuse to cooperate with wrapping paper and Sellotape alike. Our best trick when it comes to wrapping stuffed animals is to wrap with tissue paper first. This will both look attractive and smooth out the lumps before you wrap it with your wrapping paper. It won't be perfect, but at least it won’t look like you fought it in battle. The humble gift bag is also an excellent solution to keep all limbs contained!

Here at Find Me A Gift, we offer some beautifully personalised teddy bears like the Bear Hug Teddy Bear or Birthday Balloon Teddy Bears. We also have some adorable microwavable plushies, from snuggling sloths, charming capybaras, to the cutest happiest loaf of bread!

2. A Bottle of Wine (or Any Bottle-Shaped Object)

You’ve got the perfect bottle of wine for a gift - cheers to that! But now you’re faced with the tricky task of wrapping it. A bottle’s not exactly the easiest thing to wrap, especially when it's shaped like…well, a bottle. A great easy option is the fancy twist - wrap the bottle in a square of fabric or wrapping paper, gather it at the neck, and tie with a ribbon. Or you could loosely wrap with some material or hessian, and finish off the neck with some ribbon and a gift tag. Another idea is to build up the neck by winding round some kitchen roll. You can then just wrap the whole item as a straight cylinder which is much simpler. Or of course for ease, just put it in a wine bag, there’s no shame. For a fun idea, our Wine Bottle Bouquet is a great way to wrap your bottle too. Holding your bottle upside-down, wrap the flower adorned card around it like a bouquet and present it to your lucky recipient!

From personalised bottles of wine or prosecco, to the more unique LED bottle lights, you'll be able to wrap them all like a pro now!

3. A Bicycle (Seriously?)

A staple of most childhoods, and every parent’s wrapping nightmare - the bicycle! One of the most tried and tested options is the 'giant bow' approach. Slap on a giant bow and call it a day! If you want to take it a step further, to amp up the anticipation, why not use a king-sized sheet to wrap the entire gift, and secure it with tape or ribbon. Or what about creating an interactive experience? Wrap every individual part separately - handlebars, seat, pedals - everything!

4. A Ball (or Any Perfectly Round Object)

It’s well known that wrapping paper and spheres don't play well together! No matter how much paper you use, a ball will just keep rolling away! One solution is to create a DIY gift box by cutting out 2 matching cardboard circles. Sandwich the ball between them and tape the edges with wrapping paper. Another option is to roll it in fabric or strong paper and tie the ends like a giant sweetie.

For footballs or rugby balls, creating a pyramid wrapping paper pouch is a brilliant idea. Roll the paper round the ball to measure out how much you will need to cover it. Then, bring both edges into the centre and fold. Tape down the centre and proceed to fold one open edge over a couple of times. Tape it to secure. Place your ball inside the open end, flatten the remaining paper and fold it over a few times before taping it down. It looks good and it’s really simple to do!

5. The Novelty Mug

Ever tried wrapping an awkwardly shaped mug and ended up with a crumpled mess of paper and frustration? We’ve all been there. Mugs are great gifts, and with so many novelty and personalised options nowadays, they've become a gifting staple. But some of them seem to defy the laws of wrapping - whether they’re oversized, handle-heavy, or just weirdly shaped! One great way to wrap a mug is with a layer of tissue paper and wrapping paper combined. Wrap them around the mug, and scrunch together at the top, using a ribbon to hold it together. Bubble wrapping first is also a good idea - it will both protect the delicate item and create smoother edges and make it easier to wrap.

Creative Gift-Wrapping Ideas: Unique, Easy & Beautiful Ways to Wrap Gifts

Wrapping gifts isn't just about the technique - it’s also an art form of choosing the perfect colours and patterns to create a swoon-worthy presentation. Eco-friendly wrapping is all the rage, and with good reason. Selecting recycled paper or fabric wraps not only lowers carbon footprints but also boosts that stylish, eco-chic look we all adore. Eyes are naturally drawn to classy colours such as rich jewel tones, soft pastels, or neutral shades, ensuring your wrapping papers emanate elegance and charm. Sprinkle in patterns like simple stripes or floral prints to up the sophistication ante. Gold, of course, reigns supreme during Christmas events, while floral designs whisper the promise of spring. Paired with good scissors and double-sided hidden tape, these classy colours and patterns will elevate your gift's appearance, making it a joy to both give and receive.

  

Adding Bows and Embellishments

Ready to jazz up your gift like a pro? Grab those ribbons and let's unleash some creative chaos! Bows and ribbons can cover a multitude of sins, but they can also really enhance presentation, adding a thoughtful touch. Try a plush velvet ribbon alongside a sleek satin partner, mingling together for a superstar combo that practically shouts, 'unwrap me now!' Who says bows need to be boring? Let your inner artist break free with wacky, double-loop concoctions or flower-shaped wonders that dazzle with their daring designs. Throw in some see-through organza ribbons in a rainbow of colours for that all-important splash of whimsy and leave everyone in awe of your genius gift-wrapping skills.

 

Inspiration from Innovative Designs

Innovative designs can transform these unwieldy surprises into showstopper pieces! Imagine the simple but effective Japanese art of Furoshiki, where fabric morphs into both the gift wrap and the gift. It's sustainable and perfect for those awkward shaped gifts, and people who love a bit of cultural flair. For a creative touch, use tissue paper layers to add texture and elegance to your gift, making it a visual treat even before it’s unwrapped. With Furoshiki, each wrap is like a thoughtful little surprise hug that keeps on giving - because it's reusable! Imagine recycling those forgotten scarves or your uncle's wildest Hawaiian shirt to serve your wrapping needs; it's like a fashion show and a present all in one. And hey, you’re not just wrapping a gift - you’re wrapping it in intrigue, a nod to tradition, and a sprinkle of what-on-earth-will-they-think-of-next!

 

Sustainable Wrapping Hacks

Embrace your inner eco-warrior by mastering the art of gift wrapping with sustainable flair! Transform your dreaded mountains of awkward gifts into stylishly wrapped masterpieces using eco-friendly materials. Say goodbye to boring and hello to wow-worthy! Add handwritten notes or calligraphy gift tags, injecting a personal touch that screams thoughtfulness. Opt for recycled paper or fabric wraps adorned with raffia for an elegant finish. Feeling fancy? A wax seal or shiny ribbon can elevate your wrapping to aristocratic status. Furoshiki wraps, a Japanese tradition, offer an eco-conscious option that doubles as part of the gift. Meanwhile, brown paper bags can be jazzed up with stencils or DIY designs, morphing into captivating wraps. Let your wrapping reflect your eco-chic style while keeping Mother Earth smiling!

 

Using Minimalist and Biodegradable Decorations

Who says you need glitter and glam to make your gift stand out? Let’s take it down a notch and make simplicity your new best friend. Picture this: your present, crowned with dried flowers, twine, or a sprig of leaves, effortlessly stealing the show with its eco-friendly vibes. It's like you’re gifting a piece of nature wrapped up in love!

Dive into a world of delightful textures with sustainable materials like uncoated and unwoven cotton curling ribbons. Your gifts will be as plastic-free as a dance floor at a vegan festival. Feel like sprinkling a little luxury? Go for metallic or satin papers that add just the right amount of sparkle without going overboard. Prefer something a bit more timeless? Kraft paper and linen wraps have got you covered, offering a classic look that whispers elegance.

 

Using Newspaper and Maps Creatively

Unleash your inner creative wizard by transforming everyday items into gift wrap gems! For all you budget-conscious magicians out there, newspapers and old maps are the magic tricks you never knew you needed. If you're wrapping a gift for a travel junkie, turn those old maps into a passport to nostalgia - before they've even torn off the paper, they'll be planning their next escapade! Feeling a bit more cheeky? Wrap your gifts in yesterday's news - you’ll give them a grin and a giggle as they unveil your thoughtful surprise. Got a foodie friend? Recipe pages are your go-to, perfectly pairing their culinary dreams with your exceptional taste. And for the music buffs, why not wrap their gifts in sheet music and watch as their heartstrings play the perfect tune? These everyday items are the unsung heroes of wrapping that not only save the planet but also add a sprinkle of uniqueness that no mass-produced wrap can copy!

 

Happy Wrapping!

In conclusion, mastering the art of wrapping awkward gifts can transform your gift-giving experience from daunting to delightful. Creativity is your best ally, so remember, the key to success lies in embracing the process with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. With the right techniques and a bit of imagination, even the most challenging gifts can be presented in a way that is both beautiful and memorable. So, let your creativity shine as you conquer those awkward gift shapes with style and ease. Happy wrapping!