We tested out four popular gift-wrapping hacks to see if they actually work

Almost all of the hacks exceeded our expectations

We tried four popular gift-wrapping hacks - these were the results (TikTok / @sarahbrithinee)

The results of present-wrapping each holiday season rarely live up to our expectations, with the gifts usually coming out of the tedious and time-consuming process looking quite amateur. 

But, the undertaking does not have to be the frustrating chore it often is, according to TikTok users, who have filled the app with countless hacks for perfectly wrapped gifts.

While these videos frequently wrack up thousands, if not millions, of views, it’s hard to say for sure whether they actually work - so we put them to the test.

After choosing five TikTok videos that show improved methods for everything from wrapping irregularly shaped presents to tying the perfect bow, we embarked on a gift-wrapping spree in our pyjamas, since we’re still working from home.

These are our results.

If you have cut a piece of wrapping paper that is too small

According to a TikTok video by Sophie Liard, who goes by the username @thefoldinglady on the app, there are ways to salvage that moment you realise you’ve cut a piece of wrapping paper only to find that it doesn’t fit around the gift.

The solution? Turn the present slightly to the side so that it faces the pointed corners of the wrapping paper.

@thefoldinglady

who knew #fyp #presents #wrapping #hack #lifehack #gift #christmas

♬ Sleigh Bells (PhatCap! Trap Remix) - Ronettes

The first time we tried this hack we tried to wrap as fast as Liard does in the tutorial, before realising that the TikTok video was likely sped up.

The hack didn’t work in every instance  (Chelsea Ritschel)

In our second attempt, we found that the hack actually works perfectly and we were able to use a piece of wrapping paper that we thought would have to be saved for a much smaller gift. While our gift didn’t turn out completely smooth in the corners, with more practise it easily could have.

The hack didn’t work, however, when we tried to wrap a box containing a lightbulb, which led us to believe the trick works best when wrapping thinner gifts.

For wrapping an irregular present - or when you need a gift bag

Sometimes a gift bag really is the best way to go, but, according to one TikTok hack, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to shell out $6 on one - as they can also be made at home with wrapping paper.

In a video uploaded by Tracie Garrett, which has been viewed more than 2m times, she shows how to create a makeshift bag in just a few steps - a technique she says is perfect for wrapping gifts such as a bottle of wine.

@beeandblooms

Gift wrapping hack if you don’t have a gift bag, great way to wrap a bottle of wine! #wrappingpaperhack

♬ Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson

We didn’t have a bottle of wine handy, so we used a bottle of white wine vinegar for our experiment, which, full disclosure, we’re not actually gifting to anyone.

To our surprise, this technique works pretty well - with the only downside being a bottle of wine is quite heavy and can be quite expensive, whereas the makeshift bag you’re left with doesn’t seem especially sturdy.

But, if you’re wrapping a bottle and then hand-delivering it to the recipient, while holding tightly on the middle of the bottle, this does the trick.

We tried to create a gift bag for a bottle using wrapping paper  (Chelsea Ritschel)

In another TikTok uploaded by Lindsay Roggenbuck showing nearly the same technique, she shows how the hack can also be used to wrap irregularly shaped gifts, with her explaining how to use it to wrap a stuffed moose.

@lindsayroggenbuck

Gift wrapping hack #lifehack #lifehacks #momhacks #todayyearsold #learnontiktok #christmastiktok #christmashack #christmashacks #giftwrappingideas

♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

This version of the hack is helpful as it comes with captions - and Roggenbuck shows viewers how to tie a bow at the top of the bag as an alternative to the crumpled mess we left our attempt in.

Unfortunately, an attempt to wrap an oversized Christmas dog toy for our family puppy using the technique wasn’t successful, as the bag ended up too narrow to fit the toy.

Overall, we think this hack is useful if, and only if, you find yourself unable to go out and buy a gift bag.

For tying the perfect bow

We personally loved this hack from Sarah Brithinee as we think bows and ribbons are the best way to dress up and distract from a present that has been poorly wrapped.

@sarahbrithinee

How to tie the perfect gift bow 🎀 #christmasgift #wrapping #tiktokpartner #learnontiktok #perfectgift #howtowrap #howtowrapapresent #howtotieabow

♬ original sound - sarah

While it did take us a few tries, and at least 10 views of the video, we eventually ended up with the perfect bow - and it didn’t require using our finger to try to hold the ribbon in place while simultaneously trying to tie a knot.

This was our favourite wrapping hack  (Chelsea Ritschel)

Upon rewatching our attempt, we realised that we didn’t actually get the technique down correctly, but the gift looked pretty anyway.

We recommend using this hack to put a bow on every present.

For wrapping clothes

Unboxed clothes may be the most annoying gift to wrap, as the sleek edges you expect to end up with when gift-wrapping are nearly always missing when attempting to wrap a shirt.

@mama_mila_

Wow guys TYSM for 11M on my first wrapping video 🤍🤯 as requested here’s a fun way to wrap clothes 🎁 #holidaytok #holidayvibes #12daysofxmas

♬ Christmas Trap (In the Hall of the Mountain King) - Equanimous

This video by a user named Mama Mila promised to show a “fun way to wrap clothes like a pro,” with the end result a beautifully intricate gift that also manages to double as a holder for a sprig of white flowers.

Our version didn’t turn out quite like the TikTok hack (Chelsea Ritschel)

For our own attempt, we started by adding a piece of cardboard to the T-shirt, which did make it easier to wrap overall, before following along intently as the clip shows how to manoeuver the various sides of the wrapping paper.

Despite attempting the technique four different times, we did not end up with the same result as the video, continuously getting lost around step three.

Although we had to wing it during the last few steps, we did end up with a decently, and uniquely, wrapped T-shirt, which we consider a win overall.