The exact size of the paper depends on the size of your gift. It’s better to err on the side of caution, though, since you can always trim off extra paper at the end.
The short sides should be to the left and right of the gift, and the long sides should be in front and behind it. Use a bowl or tape roll that’s small enough to hold your object up without letting it slip through.
You can make the folds large or small, depending on the size of the gift and the look you’re going for. As you get to the other side of the ball, switch hands so that you’re folding with the hand closest to the unbent paper.
Cut your ribbon before you start wrapping so you don’t have to hold the paper and cut the ribbon at the same time.
If your gift is larger, you might need a bigger piece of tape, or even a few separate ones. Use your best judgment to see what works the best.
Pull the side flaps in as tightly as you can to make the wrapping neat.
The flat ends of the gift should be facing the long sides of the paper.
For a neater look, you can use double-sided tape. Before you pull the paper over the gift, place it on the underside of one edge of paper, then roll the paper and smooth the tape into place.
Hold the two creases in place tightly with one hand.
You can roll the gift as you go to make it easier to fold.
If you want to hide the center of the creases, tie or stick a bow over it.
