11 Genius Tools That Make Gift-Wrapping Easy

Do you stare at unwrapped boxes for days at a time before finally addressing them, waiting until the very last minute to get them all polished up and out the door? We know you probably had grand plans for those boxes. Your online searches likely inspired you with crepe paper tubes that look like candy, stamped linens for zero-waste wrapping, and a smattering of some seriously sophisticated bows.

But then, there's the reality: Your boxes are still sitting unattended in a pile in the corner of the room. You have to be at the party in 30 minutes, and those beautiful gift-wrapping DIY ideas you were going to try on this hostess gift are just going to have to be tabled until next time. You need that present wrapped… and you need it wrapped as soon as possible.

Gift wrapping doesn't have to be such a struggle. You can create perfectly polished presents out of the bare minimum—wrapping paper and ribbon. No unruly rolls, no odd-ball cuts, and no wasted tape. 

Sound impossible? Chances are you just don't have the right tools at your disposal. And, no, you don't have to dedicate an entire corner of your craft room or basement to the cause. Try a ribbon shredder, a bow-making machine in a box, or a handy gadget that cuts paper in one swift movement without ever unraveling the roll. These handheld tools (yes, they're all small enough to stash in a single cabinet or drawer) not only make the wrapping packages of all shapes and sizes easier, but also instantly up your game.

These clever clips attach to nearly any table, counter, or work surface to turn it into a personalized wrapping station. Like bulldog clips, each one has a lever that pops open and over the flat surface you're working with. Simply arrange one on each side of your gift wrap roll, moving the clips closer together or further apart depending on size. Each clip includes an integrated tape dispenser, too.

Shop Now: Wrap Buddies, $24.99 for two, amazon.com.

This little sleeve slides over a roll of gift wrap for a faster, cleaner, and more efficient way to cut paper. How? The base features a notch that houses a sharp razor blade that slices through wrapping in a flash. And—bonus—the cuff works overtime to keep already cut paper corralled in storage. 

Shop Now: The Original Little Elf Gift Wrap Cutter, $15.99 for two, amazon.com.

A perfectionist's dream come true, this small but mighty ergonomic tool cleanly cuts paper, forms crisp creases, and swiftly curls ribbon. As a bonus, reviewers say it works wonders on plastic-wrapped products, like toys and home goods. 

Shop Now: Helix Paper Cutter and Folder, $4.99, containerstore.com. 

A tape runner makes quick work of wrapping dozens of packages. Thanks to double-sided adhesive, all you have to do is slide the tool over the edge of the paper, then press down to secure.

Shop Now: 3M Double-Sided Tape Applicator, $7.99, containerstore.com.

Embellishing presents with homemade gift tags is easy if you have this clever puncher by your side. Slide cardstock (up to 80-pound!), old greeting cards, or patterned paper through the slit in the base to punch out a traditionally-shaped tag, then use the built-in eyelet setter to pierce and reinforce the centered tag hole. 

Shop Now: Fiskars Simple Tag Maker Punch, $33, michaels.com.

Don't waste time rifling through messy, tangled ribbon. Instead, store spools in this storage box. The adjustable divider separates each spool and feeds them cleanly through the top. Plus, there's a removable tray for scissors, tape, and other wrapping supplies.

Shop Now: Iris Clear Ribbon Box, $13.99, containerstore.com.

No bow in your color palette of choice in your gift-wrapping arsenal? No problem. This device has an uncanny resemblance to a bookend, but yields designer-quality wired bows—perfect for gift boxes, baskets, and DIY projects like wreaths—in a hurry. 

Shop Now: Bowdabra Designer Bowmaker, $21.99, michaels.com.

Double-sided glue dots tame unruly bows and bond thick, hard-to-work with paper like glitter, but they're even more helpful for things like gift baskets. Use them to artfully arrange items before wrapping the whole thing in clear cellophane and securing with ribbon.

Shop Now: Aleene's Instant Tacky Adhesive Dots, $6.95, aleenes.com.

When you're fiddling with a cumbersome roll of paper and wielding a heavy pair of scissors, it doesn't leave you with any hands for the tape. Stop fumbling, and put this dispenser on your wrist instead. This way, you'll always have tape at the ready. 

Shop Now: Hands-Free Tape Dispenser, $4.99, containerstore.com.

Create thin, curled ribbon in a jiffy. Just place curling ribbon inside, clamp down, and give it a quick tug. Use newly-cut ribbon as flourishes on top of the present or as filler inside the box.

Shop Now: Morex Ribbon McPack Ribbon Shredder, $13.92, amazon.com.

The sky's the limit with this pint-sized version of the Cricut—a cult-favorite die-cutting machine. Use the compatible smartphone app to create gift tags, vinyl embellishments, stickers, illustrated wrapping, and more from thousands of pre-made designs, then sit back and watch as the machine brings your design to life. 

Shop Now: Cricut Joy, $179, joann.com.