by Ruth Belena

Created on: November 19, 2010   Last Updated: November 29, 2010

A gift can sometime be difficult to wrap, particularly when it is extra large or easily breakable. Gift wrapping can be even harder when your gift has a bulky outline or is of an awkward shape. Using creative gift wrapping ideas for a hard to wrap gift can make a great gift seem even more special, whatever the size or shape of that gift. 

• How to wrap an extra large gift

Wide ribbon and big bows are ideal for finishing off a gift that is simply too big to wrap. Any gift that can be enclosed in a box is easy to tie with decorative ribbon and finished off with a huge bow, but for something extra large you could create the effect of gift packaging by draping it with lengths of silky fabric, shiny netting or wide bands of ribbon. Add some balloons, banners and pennants for maximum effect.

If a bicycle or outdoor play equipment is enclosed in plastic materials or polythene bags it can be tied up with ribbon, but extra care must be taken if the gift is given to a young child. To avoid the danger of suffocation, plastic bags or polythene sheeting should always be removed to a safe place immediately after revealing the special gift inside.

• How to wrap something breakable

Luxury food gift items often come in big glass jars, and expensive drinks are generally bottled in breakable glass. These should be wrapped in a layer of bubble wrap or corrugated card, even when placed inside a box, before adding wrapping paper. 

Glass and china items need to be carefully enclosed in soft packaging that will prevent accidental breakage. Delicate items should be placed in gift boxes or gift bags after being individually wrapped up in tissue paper, or enclosed in bubble wrap. Each piece should be secured in its wrapping with a little sticky tape or elasticated thread, before being placed inside a box or a bag. A gift box or bag can be safely packed with tissue paper, cotton wool or shredded paper.

• How best to wrap an odd shaped gift

Whatever its size, a gift that does not easily fit into a square or oblong package needs careful wrapping. Bubble wrap and tissue are most useful for padding an article, before adding the final layer of wrapping paper.

Soft or fine fabric can be a better option than paper, for gift wrapping a hard to wrap gift with bits that stick out, such as handles or spouts. The more fabric wrapped around the object the better, and safer, it will be. Satins, silks, netting or any soft material look attractive when tied up in ribbon or with decorative cord.

The most important consideration in choosing gift wrapping, for a hard to wrap gift, is safety and protection. Choose packaging material that is safe to use, quick to open and easily disposable. Add sufficient layers or wrapping around each piece or part to protect against damage to the gift if the package is accidentally dropped, stepped on or crushed.       

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