We wrap hundreds of gifts a month, and the ones that come over the counter most often are not neat boxes. They are mugs with handles, round candles, wriggly soft toys and bottles. Here is how we deal with them, no special kit needed.
1. Give it a box, even a rough one
The easiest way to wrap something awkward is to stop it being awkward. A shoebox, a cereal box cut down to size or a fold of thin card turns most shapes into a rectangle. Nobody sees the inside.
If you have no box, roll the gift in a sheet of tissue first. It softens hard edges and stops corners tearing the paper.
2. Mugs: stand them up and gather the top
Stand the mug on a square of paper, bring the four corners up over the top and gather them together like a little sack. Tie with ribbon and fluff out the top. It looks deliberate, and it is far quicker than trying to fold around a handle.
3. Round things: pleat as you go
For candles, tins and jars, roll the paper around the sides first and tape it. Then work around the top in small pleats, pressing each one flat before you make the next. Finish with a round sticker or a tag over the centre.
4. Soft toys: use a bag and a bow
Soft toys hate being wrapped. Pop them in a paper bag, fold the top over twice, punch two holes and thread a ribbon through. It takes a minute and the bunny's ears survive.
5. Finish with something real
A sprig of rosemary, a dried orange slice or a small hand-written tag makes even a slightly lumpy parcel look loved. We keep a jar of dried flowers on the counter for exactly this reason.
If all else fails, bring it in. Wrapping is free for anything bought in the shop, and we will happily show you how we do it.
