5 ways to become a wrap star

Sure, they’re gonna rip it open and destroy your handiwork in seconds, but that doesn’t mean the gifts you deliver this holiday season don’t deserve your attention.

From awkward shapes to fancy finishing touches, wrapping can quickly become a chore, especially when you count just how many gifts are waiting. But with the right tools and attitude, wrapping can be a creative outlet. Experts at the Container Store say setting up a station with quality supplies is the key to good-looking presents.

Try these tips:

1. Stock up: Before you start, make sure you have everything you’ll need. Shop for paper, ribbon wire, gift boxes in a variety of sizes, tissue paper, gift bags and quality scissors. Consider having two pairs handy: one to cut the paper and a second reserved just for ribbon to keep the cutting edge sharp.

2. Make it stick: Standard invisible tape may get the job done, but an assortment of adhesives can take your presentation to the next level. Container Store experts’ faves: double-sided tape for a flawless finish, glue dots to make ribbons and bows stay in place, and decorative glitter and washi paper tape for embellishment.

3. Size matters: When choosing which paper to work with, think about the scale of the pattern. Papers with small patterns work better for small boxes, while larger designs are better for bigger boxes so that the entire pattern can be seen.

4. Go for the gadgets: The Paper Cutter and Folder, $4.99, cuts gift wrap for professional-looking creases and curls ribbon. The Pixie Bow Maker, $6.99, will create a frustration-free package topper in a few minutes. Keep opened rolls of wrapping paper tidy and free of tears with a Neat Roll Fastener, $5.99 for three. They can be adjusted and reused as often as possible and won’t damage the paper the way tape or rubber bands would.

5. Party time: Don’t go it alone; host a wrapping party. Invite friends over with the gifts they need to wrap. Have each guest bring a roll of wrap and coordinating ribbon. The host can supply scissors and tape — and a festive atmosphere.