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Angled Pocket Giftwrap Gingerbread House
I created this Angled Pocket Giftwrap Gingerbread House in the Christmas of lockdown. I love designing new things and although I’ve seen many pocket giftwrapping ideas, I have never seen another in the style of a gingerbread house.
It proved very popular with — not only the recipients of the gifts — but also my Instagram when I shared it last year!
It is really cheap and easy to do. You just need brown recycled paper and a chalk pen — and some imagination!
Wrapping Paper Ideas
Long gone are the the days of a standard wrapped present, these days there are so many creative gift wrapping techniques. TikTok, Insta and Pinterest are full of them! One of my favourite wrapping paper ideas is this angled pocket gift wrapping, in the style of a gingerbread house.
It’s easy to create, and the little pocket gives a perfect place to pop a gift card — as well as the name of the recipient!
What Are Some More Creative Ways to Wrap a Gift?
Wrapping a gift in a creative way can make the present inside feel even more special. Here are some fun and creative ways to wrap a gift:
1. Map Wrap: Use old maps as wrapping paper. It’s a unique and personalized touch, especially if the recipient loves to travel.
2. Newspaper or Comics: Wrap the gift in a newspaper or colourful comic pages for a quirky and eco-friendly option.
3. Fabric Gift Wrap: Use a beautiful piece of fabric as a reusable gift wrap. It adds an elegant touch, plus the fabric can be repurposed.
4. Furoshiki Wrapping: Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. Learn a few furoshiki techniques to wrap gifts in a stylish and environmentally friendly way.
5. Origami Gift Box: Create an origami gift box instead of using a traditional gift bag or wrapping paper. It’s a gift within a gift!
6. Photo Wrap: Print out a photo of the gift recipient or a memorable moment and use it as wrapping paper. This personal and thoughtful touch is great for family-centric gifts.
7. Balloon Surprise: Place the gift inside a large, transparent balloon and inflate it. This creates a fun and interactive unwrapping experience.
8. Duck Tape Designs: I use Duck Tape for all kinds of things — including making a cheap and easy bumble bee costume! You can also use duct tape (Duck Tape) to create patterns or designs on plain brown kraft paper. It’s a modern and edgy way to wrap a gift.
9. Reusable Tote Bag: Use a reusable tote bag as both a gift bag and an additional gift. This is a practical and eco-friendly idea that will keep costs down.
10. DIY Lino Print Wrapping: Use recycled or brown paper and stamp with homemade lino-cut designs.
11. Chalkboard Paper: Wrap the gift in chalkboard paper and write on personalised messages or doodles in chalk-pen for the recipient.
12. Gingerbread House Gift Bag: Draw a gingerbread house design on a brown paper bag. You can find the full Gingerbread House Christmas Giftbag tutorial here.
Angled Pocket Giftwrap Tutorial — Step by Step
Make an Angled Pocket Giftwrap Gingerbread House
Want some different wrapping paper ideas for Christmas? This charming angled pocket gift wrapping technique, made to look like a gingerbread house, is perfect for square and rectangular presents.
Materials
- Brown kraft paper
- White card
- Sellotape
Tools
- Scissors
- White chalk or acrylic marker
Instructions
- Cut your paper three times the width of the present you want to wrap. Position the gift on the left-hand side of the paper.
- Holding the paper securely to the gift at one end, roll the gift over in the paper until it is fully covered and you have a third of paper left.
- Hold the right edge of paper and bring it down to meet the bottom edge of the gift. This will create a 45 degree angle in the loose edge of paper.
- Cut your folded, angled edge of paper along the bottom, in line with the edge of the gift.
- Fold the paper over the gift.
- Secure the end of the wrapping paper with tape to the side of the gift.
- Tuck the bottom edges of the gift in, as you would do when you wrap a regular present.
- Secure the edges with tape. Then repeat steps 7 and 8 with the other end of the parcel.
- Once your parcel is wrapped and all the edges are secure, you can begin drawing your gingerbread house on the paper with chalk or acrylic pen. Use the edge of the angled pocket as a guide for the roof.
- Next, cut a little rectangle of the card to look like a chimney; this will slide into the pocket fold.
- Finally, write the name of the recipient on the 'chimney' card and slide into position.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
