How to Use a Ribbon for Gift Wrapping?

What if the secret to making your gifts look store-bought perfect was already sitting in your drawer? We’ve all been there—staring at a wrapped box that feels like it’s missing something. That “something” is often a simple ribbon. But not just slapped on—it’s how you use it that makes all the difference. Think it’s just tying a bow? Not quite.

So, how do you use ribbon for gift wrapping?

You measure, wrap, tie, and finish with creative touches that match the occasion.

But hold on—we’re not jumping ahead just yet. There’s more to it than you think, and a few clever tricks can make your wrapping stand out every time.

Ribbon Techniques to Make Gifts Stand Out

Ribbons can turn the simplest wrapping paper into a thoughtful, polished gift. A ribbon adds charm and a personal touch if you're wrapping for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

1. Choose the Right Ribbon

Before you begin, select a ribbon that complements your wrapping paper and the occasion. Here are some common types:

• Satin Ribbon – Smooth and shiny, great for elegant gifts.
• Grosgrain Ribbon – Textured and sturdy, ideal for structured bows.
• Organza Ribbon – Sheer and delicate, perfect for weddings or baby showers.
• Curling Ribbon – Budget-friendly and fun for casual occasions.

Tip: Make sure the ribbon width matches the size of your package. Narrow ribbons work well for small boxes, while wide ribbons suit larger gifts.

2. Measure and Cut the Ribbon

Wrap the ribbon around your box to measure how much you need. A good rule of thumb is to leave extra length for tying bows or knots—usually about 5–8 inches extra on each end.

Steps:

1. Wrap the ribbon around the box once or twice, depending on the style.
2. Add enough slack to tie a bow.
3. Cut with sharp scissors to prevent fraying.

3. Wrap the Ribbon Around the Gift

There are a few ways to wrap ribbon, but here’s a classic method:

The Cross Wrap:

1. Place the gift box face-down on the ribbon.
2. Bring the ribbon ends up and cross them over the top.
3. Flip the box and bring the ribbon ends to the opposite sides.
4. Tie the ribbon where the lines intersect in the center.

This creates a simple, clean, crisscrossed look.

4. Tie the Perfect Bow

A well-tied bow makes the gift stand out. Here’s how:

1. Cross the ribbon ends and make a basic knot.
2. Create two loops (bunny ears).
3. Tie the loops together like you would shoelaces.
4. Adjust the loops and tails until even.

Optional:  Use double-sided ribbon for a more polished finish.

5. Add Personal Touches

If you want to go beyond the basics, here are a few creative ideas:

• Layered Ribbons: Use two ribbons of different widths or colors together.
• Add a Tag: Thread a gift tag through the ribbon for personalization.
• Include Extras: Add small ornaments, dried flowers, or pine sprigs for decoration.
• Use Curling Ribbon: Run scissors along the ribbon to make spirals.

3 Cool Ways to Use Ribbon on a Present

When it comes to gift wrap decorations, ribbon is your secret weapon. It adds personality, polish, and that "wow" factor to even the simplest wrapping. If you’re looking for different ways to use ribbon on a present, here are three timeless styles—plus a few tips on how to mix them up with small bows for presents, layered looks, and cool present wrapping ideas.

Horizontal Bow

If you're short on time but still want your gift to look polished, the Horizontal Bow is a solid choice. Just wrap the ribbon once around the box and tie a bow at the center—simple, fast, and neat. It's perfect for small bows for presents, especially when you’re wrapping in bulk or putting together last-minute gifts.

Mix and match these ribbon techniques with layered textures, curled ends, or personalized tags. If you're using gift wrap ribbons for holidays or birthdays, trying these styles will instantly upgrade your presentation.

Tiffany Bow

The Tiffany Bow is a timeless favorite, often recognized from the famous light blue Tiffany & Co. boxes tied with crisp white ribbon. It’s elegant, clean, and works for nearly any occasion—from weddings to birthdays. 

Use a double-sided gift wrap ribbon, since both sides will show once it's wrapped around the box. Its symmetrical loops and neat cross-wrap design add a high-end finish to your gift. If you're aiming for that store-bought perfection, this bow is hard to beat.

Diagonal Bow

For something a bit more modern, the Diagonal Bow wraps across the corners of your gift box, creating a striking X-shaped look. 

This style is perfect when you want your ribbon on presents to stand out. It gives your wrapping a dynamic feel without being complicated. Ideal for both kids’ gifts and more formal events, it’s a great way to add variety to your gift wrap decorations.

Wrap It Like You Mean It

Gift wrapping isn't just about hiding what's inside—it's about showing you care. A ribbon isn’t just decoration. It’s the finishing touch that turns “I bought this” into “I made this special.” So why settle for plain when you can wrap like a pro?

Use ribbons to tell a story—try a diagonal wrap, layer two textures, or curl the ends for fun. These little touches stick in people’s minds. And guess what? You don’t need to be a DIY genius. You just need the right ribbon.

BBcrafts has you covered with wholesale ribbons—satin, grosgrain, organza, velvet, and more—perfect for holidays, birthdays, or “just because” gifts. Whether it’s a small bow or a bold statement, you’ll find a style that fits.

So go ahead—open that drawer, grab your ribbon, and make someone’s day. Because the right wrap doesn’t just hold a gift—it holds meaning.

Key Takeaways

Ribbon Adds the Wow Factor

A ribbon can instantly upgrade plain paper into eye-catching gift wrap decorations. From satin to grosgrain, picking the right ribbon style and size helps set the mood for your gift.

There Are Many Ways to Style It

Explore different ways to use ribbon on a present—horizontal bows, diagonal wraps, and layered ribbons all add character. Use small bows for presents or mix colors for truly cool present wrapping.

Finishing Touches Matter

Adding gift tags, curled ends, or extra details makes your ribbon on presents more personal. With high-quality gift wrap ribbons from BBcrafts, you can create thoughtful wrapping that feels just as meaningful as the gift inside.