Preparing gifts using Scotch® Double-Sided Tape and Scotch™ Scissors

Celebrate occasions all year round with our tips on how to wrap a present

Whether it’s for birthdays, religious holidays or just to say thanks, giving gifts has a strong meaning in many cultures. Not only is the gift itself important, but how it's wrapped and the impression it creates also counts as well. A perfectly wrapped gift shows your loved ones that you really care and provides a great opportunity to do something fun and creative.

Check out our full gift wrapping how to page. Get guidance on gift wrap product recommendations and useful tips including creative gift wrapping ideas and advice on how to wrap odd shaped presents.

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Gift wrapping how to: Start by choosing the right tools

Learning how to wrap a present starts with selecting the right tools. The tools you choose can have a big impact on the end result - whether it’s the scissors you use to cut the paper or the type of tape you use to put it together. That’s why it’s important to know what gift wrapping tools you’re working with and how they’ll affect the final appearance.

Do you know how different tape finishes affect gift wrapping?
Have you ever considered what type of tape you're using when gift wrapping? The choice you make has a noticeable affect on how the finished present with look. It helps to understand the difference between tapes, tape finish and how they affect the look when used on wrapping paper.

Scotch® Magic™ Tape is an invisible tape with a matte finish, while Scotch® Crystal Clear Tape creates a clear finish that will create a shiny look. Designed specifically for the job, Scotch® Gift-Wrap Tape leaves a flawless satin finish that disappears on most wrapping paper.

See the difference between tape finishes in the image above:

1 - Scotch® Magic™ Tape – matte finish

2 - Scotch® Crystal Clear Tape – glossy finish
Must have gift wrapping tools from Scotch™ Brand
Add these Scotch products to your gift wrap station and combine with our gift wrapping how to guides and tips to help make your presents look perfect.

Scotch® Gift-Wrap Tape – Designed with a unique satin finish that blends in almost completely on most wrapping papers. It’s virtually invisible on presents and packages for a flawless finish.

Scotch® Double-Sided Tape – This tape is the right choice if you don’t want to see even a trace of tape on your finished gifts. It has adhesive on both sides so you can pull the edge of the wrapping paper over the tape, covering it completely.

Scotch® Magic™ Tape – This tape is great if you want an invisible matte tape finish on your chosen gift wrap paper, and can also be used for hundreds of other uses around the home and office.

Scotch™ Titanium Scissors – Cut perfect, straight lines when cutting wrapping paper with these precision titanium scissors. They’re also ideal for cutting ribbons and string to help you make extra special presents.
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Set up a gift wrapping station and wrap like a pro

There are many occasions to celebrate throughout the year including birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries and various other occasions. For each one it's important to find the time without having to rush, as gift wrapping can be a pleasing activity when you can let your creativity run free.

One way to help give you the time and space you need is to create a dedicated gift wrapping station. If you have the space available, creating a wrapping area can make the task of wrapping lots of presents quick and easy, and help you make every gift look as good as your best.

A gift wrapping station allows you to keep everything organised in one place, including wrapping papers, ribbons, bows, tapes and scissors. Alternatively, create a box or hang them on the wall. You can also choose a designated drawer in your home or office to keep all your wrapping tools together.

Looking for instructions on how to wrap a book or gift box?

Wrapping a gift box, book or any other straight shaped item requires a pair of sharp scissors and the right clear tape. Once you’ve got these essential items, follow this guidance on to perfectly wrap a book or box, and bring your gift wrapping ideas to life.

STEP 1

Choose the paper you want to use. Take your scissors and cut the wrapping paper to the size you need. To determine the right size, place the present in the centre of the wrapping paper. Keep enough room around the ends and sides of the present to cover it completely.
STEP 2

Next, take two sides of the wrapping paper and overlap them across the present. Tear off a strip of your Scotch® Tape using the cutting edge on your tape dispenser, and stick the overlapped sides together.
STEP 3

Fold the end pieces inwards to create a triangle shape, then pull them over the top of the gift, and seal down as tight as possible. Do the same for both ends. If the paper is too long on either end, cut it down to shape. Finally, add any string, ribbons or bows to add your personal touch.

Want to know how to wrap round gifts and other odd shaped presents?

Learning how to wrap a book or other rectangular shape isn’t too much of a challenge. However, knowing how to wrap round gifts and other odd shapes is what can really show off your wrapping skills. Learn how to wrap odd shaped presents by following these simple steps:

STEP 1

First, choose the wrapping paper you want to use. Measure the paper from the bottom of the present to the centre of the top. Put the present in the middle of the wrapping paper.
STEP 2

Carefully fold the paper to accommodate any awkward angles, without causing any stress that could damage the paper.
STEP 3

Use strips of cardboard, cushion wrap or cloth on any sharp points to prevent the paper from tearing.
STEP 4

Once you’re ready to tape, trim off excess paper to contour the gift. Then continue with the same steps as you would for wrapping a gift box or other rectangular shaped present.

How to wrap an odd-shaped present - step-by-step instructions

Personalise your presents with these creative gift wrapping ideas

By thinking a bit outside the box, you can find all sorts of unique gift wrapping ideas that are already right at your fingertips. Whether it’s creating your own wrapping paper by using a tape roll to make prints, or decorating your gift with found objects from around the home. Your creative touch will turn your gift into something more than just a present – it will become a personal, beautiful and unique expression.

When considering how to wrap a present, think about the occasion and find a gift wrapping idea that makes your gift stand out. If it’s for a birthday go for lots of colours and happy vibes, or for a wedding focus on a more chic style. Or reflect the time of year, adding real or paper flowers for spring or summer, pinecones and leaves for autumn or cut out paper snowflakes for winter. Check out some of these ideas for more inspiration:

Design your wrapping paper with tape rolls

This project is a fun, easy way to make wrapping paper that’s truly your own – for kids and adults. Start with brown craft paper and use an empty roll of Scotch® Tape as a printmaker. Dip the side of the tape roll into a small container of white paint and press the roll onto your paper. Make any pattern you want – any way you paint it, you’re being resourceful, and creating something beautiful and unique.
Wrap a gift box with confetti tape

Surprise your loved ones with a gift box wrapped with confetti tape. Make colourful, confetti tape by sticking some confetti to the adhesive side of your tape and using it to decorate your gift. Try this with glitter, petals or leaves for another idea.
Make gift wrapping colouful for kids and colour lovers

Add some extra colour to your presents by decorating them with ribbons or colourful paper strips. You can add almost any design you want using Scotch® Double-Sided Tape to create presents that make your personality shine through.
Make it fresh

Use green elements such as floral decorations or dried flowers. Place them under the bow or attach using Scotch® Double-Sided Tape to create a present that’s sure to be remembered.
Perfect for various occasions, especially in spring or summer.