Wrapping a Gift Basket: Can it Be Done?

When it comes to gift-giving occasions, few gifts are as exciting as a gift basket that’s filled with all kinds of goodies, uncovered one by one by the recipient. But, one drawback of a gift basket is that the recipient can already see what’s inside before they unwrap it. This can be particularly unfortunate if you’re at an event like a shower or a holiday, where the gift basket has been sitting out long before the gift-opening portion of the day has taken place, meaning that when it’s time to open, everyone already knows what’s in there.

But, there’s an alternative: gift-wrapping your gift basket. If you want to keep the contents hidden until the big reveal, simply grab your favorite wrapping paper and ribbon, and you’re good to go.

Yes, it turns out that you can absolutely wrap a gift basket in wrapping paper – although before we get into the process, we will say that wrapping an enormous gift basket may be a bit trickier as it can require extra steps, and a lot of wrapping paper. If you’re ready to wrap a gift basket, let’s begin with this step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation

First, you’ll want to prepare your wrapping station, which means finding a large, flat, and smooth surface for rolling out your paper, and having your gift basket, scissors, tape, and ribbon nearby. 

Step 2: Roll Out Your Paper

Now, roll out your wrapping paper with the decorative side down, facing you. Roll out a long enough sheet so that all sides of the wrapping paper can be lifted upward to completely cover the gift basket, with several inches extra of paper on top. Place your gift basket in the center, and cut across the paper where the roll begins.

If your gift basket is too large, then just roll out enough paper that the front and back edges can reach to the top of the basket, with extra paper on top, and cut. Then, roll out the same length of paper, to cover the sides.

Step 3: Start Wrapping

Now, with your gift basket still centered on the wrapping paper sheet (or two sheets, like we mentioned above), take the bottom-left and top-right corners of the paper and bring them upward to cover the gift basket, allowing the corners to meet. While holding the corners together with one hand, do the same with the other corners still laying flat. Then, using your hand, hold all four corners together. Smooth out the wrapping paper by running your hands from the bottom of the gift basket upward, still holding the four corners together.

Step 4: Tie

With the wrapping paper smoothed out, and still holding the bunch of wrapping paper at the top, grab your ribbon and tie a bow where the top of the wrapping paper meets the top of the gift basket. Make sure to tie it nice and tight so that it’s secure. Now, you’ll have a bunch of wrapping paper sticking out at the top of the ribbon. Fluff it with your hand to make it look tidy – it won’t look perfect, and that’s okay. Finally, embellish the gift basket with a bow or any other accessories you prefer.

Wrapping a Gift Basket is Easy!

It turns out that wrapping a gift basket isn’t nearly as intimidating as it may sound – in fact, it’s the same process as wrapping a gift basket in cellophane, which is standard with gift baskets sold in stores. So, all that you need to do is pick out the right wrapping paper and accessories at Waterleaf Paper Co, and you’re ready to start wrapping!