Easy Washi Tape Gift Wrap on Brown Mailing Paper

Plain brown mailing paper, a few strips of patterned washi tape and a marker are enough to turn a framed gift into something that looks designed. Tape flowers bloom across the front, and a name is written in bold letters. It takes just a few minutes.

Brown mailing paper, the heavy kraft kind sold in rolls for shipping, is sturdy and smooth, and it folds into crisp corners. It is also usually cheaper than decorative wrapping paper, and one roll lasts a long time. The neutral color makes bright tape stand out, so even simple shapes look cheerful. Kids can do most of the decorating, which makes this a good wrap for a handmade teacher gift.

Supplies

Brown mailing paper (kraft paper)
Two or three patterns of washi tape that coordinate
Regular clear tape for the seams
Scissors
A permanent marker
The gift, such as a picture frame or a boxed present

How to make it

Unroll enough paper to go around the gift with a couple of inches to spare. Cut it with a clean, straight edge.
Set the gift in the middle. Bring the long sides up and over and tape the seam down with clear tape.
Fold in the ends like an envelope, creasing each fold firmly, and secure them with clear tape.
Pick two washi patterns that look nice together. One can be a solid or a dot, and the other can be bolder.
Tear or cut short strips. Press them onto the paper in a flower shape: arrange several short strips like petals around a center, then add a longer strip for the stem. Use the second pattern for the center or the leaves.
Add a name or a short message with the marker. Adults should supervise children using a permanent marker, and it helps to put scrap paper underneath so nothing bleeds through.

Variations

Washi tape comes in many colors and designs, so you can match the wrap to any occasion. Red and green stripes suit winter holidays, pastels suit a spring gift, and bright dots suit a birthday.

Shapes: Try stripes, plaid, hearts, triangles for a pennant, or a tape border around the edge.
Gift tag: Stick a strip of tape on a scrap of the paper, fold it over, and write the recipient’s name on it.
Ribbon look: Run a long strip of tape across the middle of the package and cross it with another. Finish with a tape bow.
Handwriting: A large “Thank you” in marker across the center makes a quick teacher gift.
Stamps: Add simple stamped or drawn designs between the tape shapes.

Tips for tidy results

Washi tape is meant to be repositionable, so if a flower looks lopsided, peel it up gently and try again. Press each strip down firmly with a fingertip so the edges don’t curl. Cut ends at an angle or snip petals into points for a neater look.

Keep the design simple and let the brown paper show. Two patterns look better than five. Practice on a scrap of paper first if you want to plan the arrangement.

Brown paper also suits other add-ons: a length of twine, a sprig of greenery, or a paper tag all look good on it. Younger children can handle the tape and sticking, while an adult does the cutting and wraps the corners. Small parts such as buttons should be kept away from children under three.