The Card Bureau

How to Wrap Gifts with DC Christmas Gift Wrap

How to Wrap Gifts with DC Christmas Gift Wrap

By The Card Bureau | Published: 2026-10-22

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to wrap gifts using the unique DC Christmas Gift Wrap from The Card Bureau. This guide covers measuring, cutting, folding, and finishing with tips for the map-and-lights design.

Quick Answer

To wrap gifts with the DC Christmas Gift Wrap, start by placing the design face down, center your gift, fold the paper over, tape securely, and finish with neat side folds that highlight the holiday lights and map pattern.

Why This Paper Works Differently

The DC Christmas Gift Wrap features a warm ivory background with a green Washington DC map and holiday light strands. Because the design is directional, you want the map to be upright when the recipient sees it. That means paying attention to orientation during cutting and folding.

Each roll contains three sheets of 20 by 29 inches, which is good for one medium or two to three small presents. The sheets are not continuous, so plan your cuts carefully to avoid waste.

Step-by-Step Wrapping Instructions

  1. Measure and Cut the Paper: Unfold one sheet and place your gift box in the center. Pull one side of the paper up and over the box; it should cover about two-thirds of the height. Add an extra inch for overlap, then cut. Common mistake: cutting too little paper, leaving gaps at the seams. Check that the paper extends at least 1 inch beyond the box on both long sides before cutting.
  2. Position the Design Face Down: Lay the cut sheet design-side down on a flat surface. Center the gift box on the paper with the map oriented so the top of the map will be at the top of the wrapped box. Common mistake: forgetting to flip the design, which results in the map being upside down. Double-check the map orientation before you fold any edges.
  3. Fold and Tape the Long Sides: Bring one long side of the paper over the box and pull it taut. Tape it to the box near the center. Then bring the opposite side over, overlapping the first edge by about 1 inch, and tape again. Common mistake: leaving the paper loose, which creates wrinkles. Run your hand along the paper to smooth out air bubbles before taping.
  4. Create Neat End Folds: At each open end, push the paper down to form two triangular flaps on the sides. Fold the top flap down over the box, then fold the bottom flap up. Tape the flaps in place. Common mistake: making uneven flaps that leave the box exposed. Crease each fold sharply with your fingernail for a crisp finish.
  5. Finish with a Bow or Tag: Add a gift tag or bow to complete the look. The map and lights pattern works well with a simple red or green ribbon. Common mistake: covering the design with a large bow that hides the unique pattern. Place the bow off-center or use a small accent so the paper remains the focal point.

About This Wrapping Paper

  • DC Christmas Gift Wrap: Each roll contains three sheets of 20 x 29" wrapping paper, made in the USA. You have three separate sheets, not a continuous roll, so measure each gift before cutting to ensure you have enough paper for all presents.
    DC Christmas Gift Wrap
    DC Christmas Gift Wrap
  • DC Christmas Gift Wrap: The design features a warm ivory background with a green Washington DC map and holiday light strands. The map and lights are directional; position the paper so the map is upright for the best visual effect when the gift is displayed.

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