How to Wrap a Gift Without a Box

With the right technique, a box isn’t always needed for wrapping a present.

• Unroll a large square of wrapping paper face down on a work surface and then add a few sheets of tissue.
• Position the gift in the center and then lift each corner of the wrapping paper.
• Gather the paper tightly directly above the gift, with the paper edges flaring outward.
• Tie a double knot using twine or wire-edged ribbon to hold the bundle together.
• A bow can finish off the package, if desired.

A clean, empty wine bottle can be an alternative to a typical gift box for jewelry.

• Use a thumbtack or push pin to secure the clasp of a necklace or bracelet to the underside of a cork.
• Lower the necklace into the bottle and plug cork back into the bottle.

If wine is the gift, position a piece of simple burlap to cradle the bottle and secure it with a ribbon for a rustic presentation.

For other presents, try the art of furoshiki, the Japanese technique of wrapping gifts in fabric.

• Start with a roll of burlap and clippings from evergreen shrubs or Christmas tree trimmings.
• Pine cones, left natural or painted in chalky finish or spray paint, can be tied to the package with floral wire.

When the contents of a clear glass jar are visually appealing, such as the measured ingredients for baked treats or a homemade potpourri blend, your present doesn’t need to be covered up. Instead, a small ribbon or raffia bow can complete the wrapping without distracting from what’s inside the jar.

A box isn’t necessary if you neatly fold a sweater or other piece of clothing. Tightly fold the garment and then wrap as you would with a box. Using craft paper and tying the parcel with twine can give it a rustic or shabby-chic look.

Gift bags are a quick and easy solution for wrapping an oddly shaped present without a box. Tufts of tissue paper can conceal the present and also add a bit of flair to the presentation. Use your own embellishments to personalize a plain bag to express your personal style.

Neatly wrapping cylindrical gifts like jarred candles can be done simply and with attractive results.

• Roll paper around the item and fasten the bottom with tape.
• Gather the excess paper on the top and tie it with string for a clean look.

Use empty rolls of toilet paper or paper towels to create a cylindrical container for small presents.

• Fold in opposing edges on the ends of the tube to hold the gift inside.
• Then wrap paper around the tube, trim as needed and tie the ends with ribbon.

A clean paint bucket with lid is an unconventional solution for gift wrapping.

• Fill the 5-gallon plastic variety with car wash supplies or gardening tools.
• Use a smaller, gallon-size metal bucket that can be decorated for oddly shaped gifts without a box.
• A 5-quart metal pail designed for paint can provide the base for a gift basket that has a simple rustic or industrial look.

Wrap your gift using another functional present, such as an apron. If the recipient enjoys baking, a new set of bakeware can be wrapped with an apron, or you can use one to tie up long-handled grilling tools for an outdoor cook. For a gardener, bundle tools they can use within an apron that will keep dirt off their clothes.