Five Clever Gift-Wrapping Hacks for Every Shape and Size

If your wrapping paper is a little short, place the present on the paper diagonally. Pull the edges toward the middle to make a triangular flap, fold it over, and finish with a bow.

Want a gift to look like a little handbag? Fold the sides in and tape as usual, then take a wide ribbon, stick it at one end of the paper, fold it down toward the gift, and tie a bow. The result looks just like a handbag.

For stuffed animals or other awkward shapes, cut the paper, fold it into thirds, overlap the sides, and tape. Fold up the bottom into a diamond shape, fold the top and bottom corners in, and tape again. Slide the gift in, fold the top to the back, punch two holes, thread a ribbon through, and tie a bow.

Measure and cut paper, leaving a couple of inches at the bottom and extra at the top. Tape one side to the bottle and wrap the other side around, then cut strips along the bottom, fold and tape them in, and accordion-fold the rest up toward the top. Tape it down, bring the accordion sides together, and finish with ribbon or a small ornament.

For tiny gifts that could get lost, use a clean plastic ornament instead of paper: stuff it with cotton balls for a snow-globe look, tuck in the small gift, and add sequins or curly ribbon. Tie it all together with ribbon or twine through the ornament's top hole. It's all about the thought behind the gift, so enjoy the process.