Packaging gifts in paper without cardboard

A gift doesn’t always need an extra box. Books with a solid cover, textiles or a product in its stable sales packaging can often be inserted directly into gift wrapping paper. It is crucial that the paper fits the shape and does not strain the surface of the gift. A suitable outer packaging with appropriate upholstery is added for parcel shipment.

Check shape and paper before cutting

First place the gift on a sufficiently large bow. The paper should completely enclose the object without creating very thick layers at the ends. For a rectangular book, you can check the required length by careful handling. Cut only when there is enough material on the side for clean foldings.

Thin paper adapts well to soft shapes, but can quickly tear down sharp edges. Firmer paper facilitates straight folding. A sensitive surface protects you with a suitable intermediate layer. Adhesive strips belong on the packaging paper, not on a book cover, a painted object or the visible product packaging.

Rectangular and soft gifts fold differently

For rectangular shapes, guide the long paper sides around the gift and close the overlap. Then fold the short sides inwards, creating two triangular flaps at each end. Smooth the folds with your fingers and fasten only the final flap. Too much adhesive tape makes opening and later reuse difficult.

A loose packaging in candy form is suitable for a soft garment. Roll the fabric neatly together, beat it into paper and wrap the overhanging ends together with a ribbon. Do not wear the tape so hard that the paper tears at the transitions. Tip or fragile gifts require a more stable solution.

Planning decoration and transport protection separately

A ribbon, a pendant or a small paper strip often suffices as a design. Choose as few materials as possible, which can be easily separated from each other when unpacked. Check whether the packaging can be opened without scissors and whether a handle under the gift remains possible. Decoration is meant to facilitate the presentation, not assume a supporting function.

Gift wrapping paper hardly protects against shocks and pressure. When the gift is shipped, place the finished presentation in a matching shipping box and fix the content. A particularly beautiful folding does not replace these protective layers. For personal handover, however, the carefully folded paper cover is often sufficient for suitable, robust objects.