Gift Wrap for Books: Creative Techniques and Materials

Gift wrapping books can be a fun and creative way to make a thoughtful gift. You can use a variety of materials, including vintage maps, music sheets, or even book pages.

For a unique look, consider using a decoupage technique with cut-out images from old books or magazines. This adds an extra layer of meaning to the gift, as the images can be related to the book's content.

To make the gift more durable, you can wrap the book in a layer of clear contact paper or varnish. This protects the wrapping from wear and tear.

A simple yet elegant approach is to use a plain colored paper or fabric, and add a personal touch with a handwritten note or a ribbon.

To keep your wrapping paper smooth and crisp, make sure to work your scissors along the edge of the paper in thin, short snips. This helps create a smooth edge.

Related reading: How to Wrap Wine Bottle with Wrapping Paper

Grab a few pre-cut strips of clear tape and stick them along the side of a nearby surface for easy access. This saves time and reduces clutter.

Measure out a square of wrapping paper that's bigger than your book to ensure you have enough to wrap it securely. Place your book in the center of the paper to get an idea of how much you'll need.

To fold the wrapping paper over the book, grab the left side of the paper and flip it over the center of the book, running your finger along the folded edge to make it smooth. Repeat this process with the right side of the paper.

Here are the basic steps to follow when wrapping a book:

When choosing a wrapping material for your book, consider the texture and weight of the paper. This will help you decide whether to use a lightweight or heavier wrapping material.

A good option is kraft paper, which has a natural, earthy texture and is often made from recycled materials. Kraft paper is also great for adding a rustic touch to your book wrapping.

Burlap is another popular choice for book wrapping, and it's especially suitable for a more rustic or vintage look. It's also a great way to add some texture to your wrapping.

Gift bags can be a convenient and easy way to wrap your book, and they come in a wide range of styles and designs. They're perfect for a quick and simple wrapping solution.

Gift boxes are a great option if you want to add some extra protection to your book. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and can be decorated with ribbons or other embellishments.

To start, you'll want to have some pre-cut strips of clear tape on hand for easy access. This will save you time and frustration when wrapping your book. You can also use a roll of clear tape and snip off a few short pieces for your gift-wrapping needs.

Measuring out a square of wrapping paper that's bigger than your book is crucial. This will ensure you have enough paper to wrap the entire gift. You can use a fun, colorful roll of wrapping paper to decorate your gift.

Cutting out a large square or rectangle of paper is a bit tricky, but working your scissors along the edge of the paper in thin, short snips will help you create a smooth edge. This is especially important if you're using a larger book.

My Favorite Way to Wrap a Book is actually pretty simple and fun. You'll need to measure and cut the Kraft paper to wrap the gift entirely, adding an extra few inches on one side for the flap pocket.

To wrap the gift, place it in the center of the paper and fold the left side of the paper over the book first, covering the entire front cover and spine. This will give you a clean and neat look.

The flap pocket is where the magic happens. Angle the remaining side of the Kraft paper by folding it diagonally, then fold it over the book and wrap any extra paper around to the back, securing it with tape.

You can fill the flap pocket with bookmarks, stickers, pens, or other small, flat items to make it extra special. I personally love adding a gift tag and bow to complete the look!

If you want to add a personal touch, you can decorate the outside of the flap with washi tape, stamps, or ribbons. I chose a summer bookmark, book babe decal, and a Pippi gift tag for my last package, and it turned out adorable.

Fabric wrapping allows for creative and personal presentation, making it a great alternative to traditional gift wrap. It's also a sustainable option.

You can use various fabrics for wrapping books, such as furoshiki, handkerchiefs, bandanas, or napkins. The right design depends on the book's size and the fabric's texture.

For larger and heavier books, opt for thick cotton cloth or kitchen towels to ensure better coverage and support. This is especially true for books that need extra protection.

To start wrapping a book with fabric, you'll need a square piece of fabric, hair elastics or alternative fasteners, and optionally, decorative ornaments for personalization. This is the basic toolkit for creating unique fabric covers.

Experiment with different fabrics and designs to create personalized and delightful book presents. This is the best part of fabric wrapping - the endless possibilities.

Here are some fabric options to consider:

Fabric wrapping is not only a creative outlet, but also a sustainable gift-giving approach. By choosing fabric over traditional wrapping paper, you're contributing to a more eco-friendly practice.

Decorative Touches can make a big impact on your gift-giving experience. You can replace traditional wrapping paper with a newspaper to add a unique touch to your book gifts.

Tie twine around the gift for a rustic look that's easy to achieve. Simply grab a long section of thin rope or twine and loop it around your wrapped book, securing the string in a nice knot or bow.

You can also add a personal touch by taping a card with the opening paragraph of the book onto the gift. This gives the recipient a hint about what they'll be opening up.

Here are some decorative ideas to consider:

Using a spruced-up gift bag is a great way to add a decorative touch to a book gift. You can use an adorable gift bag with lots of tissue paper and a fun bow.

Adding a little extra to the bow can make it even more special. McDaniel suggests tying on a bookmark, highlighter, or cute post-its to add to the charm of the wrapping materials.

Decorative Options are endless, and you can get creative with even the most basic materials. You can replace traditional wrapping paper with newspaper, which is a great way to reuse and recycle.

Tying twine around a gift adds a rustic touch, and you can secure it with a nice knot or bow. A long section of thin rope or twine works well for this.

Adding a card with the opening paragraph of the book to the gift gives the recipient a hint about what they'll be opening. Print or right out the paragraph on a small piece of paper and tape it to the gift.

You can also glue holiday-specific decorations to the wrapping paper to give it a festive touch. Think about popular holiday symbols and recreate them on your book cover.

If you want to add a fun twist, use yellow wrapping paper as the backdrop for thin books and cut out special expressions for emojis using white, black, and other multi-colored craft paper. Glue the facial expressions to the front of the package.

For a unique look, create a chalkboard effect with black paper and white paint markers. Cover your thin books with black craft paper and draw out different designs with a white paint marker.

You can also play around with unique styles of wrapping paper, like replacing solid-colored paper with a bold, eye-catching pattern like polka dots. Basic brown paper is also a great option if you want something more simplistic.

Any book enthusiast would be thrilled to open a box filled with gifts that have thought behind each and every one of them.

Duffy Hofer, founder of Disguise the Surprise, recommends using dividers to curate a personalized gift that offers an experience for the recipient. Grab a box and place cardboard or plastic dividers inside.

Add the book in one section, then fill the other sections with comfy socks to wear while reading, some chocolates to nosh on, or a gift card to a favorite coffee shop or bookstore.

Include a pampering face mask or another self-care product to add a touch of relaxation to the gift, or maybe a small ornament or a scented candle to add some holiday cheer.

Presentation is key when it comes to gift wrapping books. A well-designed wrap can make a book look like a treasured keepsake.

You can use a variety of materials such as book pages, newspaper, or magazine cutouts to create a unique and personalized look. This adds an extra layer of meaning to the gift.

A simple yet elegant approach is to use a single piece of decorative paper that complements the book's cover. This can be a great way to let the book itself be the focal point.

To add some extra flair, you can use ribbons or twine to create a bow or a simple tie. This can be a great way to add some texture and interest to the wrap.

A gift wrapped book can be a beautiful and thoughtful way to give a book as a gift.