For many people, gift wrapping is the least enjoyable part of the festive season. Long after the presents have been bought, it is the struggle with awkward shapes, torn paper, and tangled tape that causes the most frustration. From wrapping wine bottles to trying to disguise the shape of a Squishmallow, turning gifts into neat parcels can quickly become overwhelming.
This annual stress is exactly why professional gift wrapper Louise Lewis has built a thriving career teaching others how to master the art. According to Lewis, wrapping is not about perfection or expensive supplies it is about technique, preparation, and confidence.
From Boots Manager to Professional Gift Wrapper
Louise Lewis, 54, from County Durham, made the bold decision to leave her managerial role at Boots in 2015 to pursue gift wrapping full-time. While it may sound unconventional, her leap of faith paid off. Today, she runs highly sought-after workshops, works with major brands, and shares her expertise online.
Her classes, which can cost up to £147, attract a wide range of people from couples and families to colleagues looking for a creative team activity. Despite the price tag, demand remains high, particularly during the Christmas season when stress levels peak.
Going Viral by Wrapping the Impossible
For those unable to attend her workshops, Lewis shares her knowledge freely on TikTok, where her tutorials have attracted hundreds of thousands of views. One of her most popular videos shows how to wrap a soft toy penguin a task many would abandon in favor of a gift bag.
Instead, Lewis demonstrates how to construct a paper gift bag complete with a handle, transforming an awkward item into a thoughtful, polished present. Other videos show how to pleat wrapping paper for a luxury finish or seamlessly join two pieces of paper when a roll runs out mid-wrap.
The First Rule: Prepare Before You Wrap
One of Lewis’s strongest pieces of advice is preparation. She encourages creating a dedicated wrapping toolkit containing paper, ribbon, tags, pens, and sharp scissors. Having everything within reach saves time and prevents frustration.
She also warns against wrapping on the floor or bed, which often leads to sore backs and torn paper. A table or kitchen worktop provides the stability needed for clean folds and precise cuts.
Measure First, Cut Once
Guessing how much paper is needed is one of the most common mistakes Lewis sees. Using too much paper creates bulky folds and messy corners, while too little paper causes panic.
Her solution is simple: measure using ribbon or string. Wrapping it around the gift first gives an accurate guide for cutting paper and eliminates unnecessary waste. According to Lewis, this single habit can instantly improve the look of a wrapped present.
Why Less Tape Looks Better
Contrary to popular belief, more tape does not mean a better-wrapped gift. Lewis says excessive tape makes gifts harder to open and often looks untidy.
She recommends using no more than three small pieces for most packages and strongly advocates for double-sided tape. This creates a seamless finish with no visible shine. For those using standard tape, a dispenser helps avoid sticky mishaps and wasted strips.
Let Ribbon Be the Star
When it comes to decoration, Lewis believes simplicity is key. A well-chosen ribbon can elevate even the most basic wrapping paper. Satin or grosgrain ribbon works particularly well, while wired ribbon helps bows hold their shape.
Sharp scissors are essential for clean ribbon edges, and Lewis advises against overloading gifts with unnecessary embellishments. “A simple bow can make all the difference,” she says.
Wrap in Stages to Avoid Burnout
Rather than wrapping everything in one exhausting session, Lewis encourages wrapping in short bursts over several days. Setting aside 20 to 30 minutes at a time helps maintain consistency and keeps stress levels low.
She also advises attaching gift tags immediately after wrapping each present. This prevents the Christmas morning confusion of guessing who each gift belongs to.
Turning a Passion Into a Profession
Although people sometimes look surprised when Lewis reveals her job, her career continues to thrive. She has wrapped gifts for brands such as Aldi and P&O Cruises, once wrapping 1,800 presents for children onboard a ship. She has also appeared on ITV and worked on high-profile projects, including a recent installation at the King’s Highgrove estate.
In quieter months, Lewis takes on administrative work, but Christmas remains her busiest and most fulfilling season.
Teaching the “Little Things” That Make a Big Difference
Lewis begins each workshop by presenting what she calls an “exhibit gift” and asking attendees whether it looks well wrapped. Most say yes—until she points out the small flaws, such as excessive paper, visible Sellotape, or poorly tied ribbon.
When she rewraps the same gift using better techniques, the transformation is often met with amazement. “They’re small changes,” she explains, “but they make a huge difference.”
The Ultimate Wrapping Game-Changer
If Lewis had to name one essential tool, it would be double-sided tape. Affordable and easy to use, she says it instantly elevates the appearance of any gift.
Ultimately, her message is reassuring: gift wrapping does not need to be stressful, expensive, or perfect. With a little preparation and a few expert techniques, anyone can create beautifully wrapped presents that feel thoughtful, polished, and festive without the panic.