Printable gift wrap is ideal for small presents, gift card holders, jewelry boxes and favors, where a patterned sheet that matches the card and tag makes a simple gift look considered. It is not a replacement for a roll of wrapping paper on a big box, but there are tricks for medium gifts too.
What paper to print on
Wrap needs to fold without cracking, so skip cardstock. A 24 to 32 lb matte text paper (about 90 to 120 gsm) folds crisply and still looks substantial. Thin paper also lets you crease sharp corners. Let prints dry fully before folding, so ink does not crack along the creases.
How big a gift can one sheet wrap?
A Letter or A4 sheet wraps a box up to roughly 4 x 3 x 1.5 in, such as a jewelry box, a soap bar, a deck of cards or a gift card box. To check any box, measure around it across the width (twice the width plus twice the height) and add 1 inch for overlap. That number must fit along the long side of your sheet. Then add the box length and height together for the ends: that must fit along the short side. If both fit, one print is enough.
Wrapping bigger gifts
- Tile two or more sheets. Join prints with double-sided tape on the back, matching the pattern if you can. Simple repeats such as plaid, gingham and stripes hide the seam best.
- Print 12 x 12 sheets at a print shop. A full 12 x 12 sheet wraps a small book. See how to print 12×12 paper.
- Use printed paper as an accent. Wrap the gift in plain kraft paper and add a wide printed belly band, a patterned tag and twine. One sheet dresses up any size of box.
Other ways to wrap with printable paper
- Gift bags: fold a Letter sheet into a small bag for favors and treats. Fold the bottom, crease the sides in, and punch two holes for ribbon handles.
- Pillow boxes and envelopes: print on light cardstock for small favor boxes. Envelopes are covered in tags, envelopes and bookmarks.
- Bottle and jar wraps: a strip of printed paper around a jar of jam or a candle, held with twine.
- Cookie and treat bag toppers: fold a 4 x 4 in piece over the top of a clear bag and staple.
Make a matching set
The nicest part of printable wrap is coordination. Print the wrap, the tag and the card insert from the same pack, and use a coordinating solid or stripe for the ribbon or belly band. Our packs are built with 20 coordinating papers, so a gift set takes a few minutes to put together.
Seasonal ideas
- Christmas: vintage poinsettia wrap with a gingham tag.
- Valentine’s Day: rose and envelope prints for chocolates.
- Birthdays: confetti and candles for favors.
