How to wrap a gift card

If you're short on time but still want your gift to look presentable, this simple method takes just a few minutes and requires nothing more than a small box or envelope, some tissue paper, and a ribbon.

1. Find a small gift box or sturdy envelope that fits the gift card neatly.
2. Place a small sheet of tissue paper inside the box, letting the edges fold over the sides.
3. Put the gift card in the centre of the tissue paper.
4. Fold the tissue paper loosely over the top of the card to conceal it.
5. Close the lid and secure it with a ribbon.

Even this simple approach transforms a gift card into something special and memorable.

• Wrap it in a small book. Choose a paperback the recipient will enjoy, fan the pages apart in the middle, and tuck the gift card inside. Wrap the book as normal and let them discover the gift card when they flick through the pages.
   
• Create a paper wallet. Fold a piece of decorative paper into a small wallet shape, secure the edges with washi tape, and slide the gift card inside. Decorate the outside with stickers, illustrations, or a handwritten message.
   
• Put it inside a balloon. Carefully fold the gift card and slip it inside a balloon before blowing it up. The recipient will need to pop it to retrieve their gift, making for a fun reveal.
   
• Layer it in a jar. Place the gift card at the bottom of a small glass jar and fill the rest with sweets or chocolates. Seal with a lid and tie a ribbon around the top for a sweet present.

• The endless box. Place the gift card inside a small box, then put that box inside a slightly larger one, and keep going until you have a comically large package. The recipient will spend several minutes unwrapping layers before finding their gift card right at the centre.
   
• The comically oversized present. Wrap the gift card inside a large, oddly shaped box filled with scrunched-up newspaper to make it feel heavy and substantial. The larger and more confusing the package, the better.

For gaming gift cards, wrap the card in a box decorated with gaming-themed imagery, or tuck it inside a gaming magazine alongside some snacks and drinks for the ultimate gaming session gift package.

For theatre gift cards, present the card inside a simple folded booklet with the recipient's name on the cover, as if it’s a programme or playbill. Alternatively, wrap it in black tissue paper with gold ribbon to match the glamour of a night out in the West End.

For spa and beauty gift cards, tuck the card inside a small toiletry bag alongside a candle and a bath bomb to create a simple pamper hamper. For food and restaurant gift cards, attach the card to a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates to set the tone for an indulgent meal.