Fan Gift Wrapping Idea

Looking for a unique way to wrap your gifts?

Try this fan gift wrapping idea that adds a fun and textured touch to your presents.

With just a few simple folds, you can turn ordinary wrapping paper into something extraordinary.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a creative gift presentation!

When it comes to gift wrapping, it’s always exciting to add something a little different, and this fan gift wrapping idea is just that!

Instead of using the traditional bow or ribbon, why not go for an accordion-style fan?

This easy-to-make decorative fan rests right on top of your gift, giving it a stylish, textured look that will surely catch the eye of anyone receiving it.

It’s a great way to add a personal touch to presents for all kinds of occasions, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, Christmas, or even a special thank-you gift.

The beauty of this wrapping idea is its versatility. You can use it with square or rectangular gifts, such as books, small boxes, or gift sets.

The fan can be made from any wrapping paper you choose, and you can even add a coordinating ribbon or decorative accents for that extra pop.

It’s a quick and easy way to make your gift stand out without needing any special skills or expensive supplies.

This idea is perfect for anyone who wants to add a bit of creativity to their gift-giving, and it’s a fun project that anyone can do, even if you’re short on time.

Whether you’re wrapping a birthday present for a friend, a Christmas gift for a loved one, or even a small gift for a coworker, this fan wrapping technique is sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Simple yet eye-catching: This gift wrap adds an elegant, textured look without any complicated steps. The accordion fan gives your gift a distinctive charm that will stand out among the usual bows and ribbons.
• Quick and easy: You don’t need to be an expert gift wrapper to pull this off. With just a few folds and basic materials, you can create a professional-looking wrapped gift in no time.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, wedding, or just because, this fan wrapping style is versatile enough for all kinds of celebrations.
• Personalize your wrapping: You can easily customize the fan by choosing different wrapping paper designs or adding extra embellishments like ribbons, buttons, or small ornaments.
• Eco-friendly option: By using wrapping paper you already have on hand, or even repurposing old paper, you’re creating a more sustainable gift wrap that reduces waste.
• Fun for all skill levels: Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting, this project is accessible for anyone, making it a great way to get creative without feeling overwhelmed.

Skill Level

★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)

Materials Needed

• Wrapping paper of choice (you can match the gift or choose something decorative)
• Your gift (books, boxes, or any other rectangular/square gift)
• Ribbon (for finishing the look)
• Scissors
• Tape

Instructions

Step 1: Cut your wrapping paper to size. You want the bottom edge to have enough that it can fold up just about a quarter of the gift.

The sides of the gift should have enough to cover the gift (e.g. 1 times the width of the gift on either side). The top will need to be at least 1 ¾  times the length of the gift. The longer the top the more fuller your fan will look.

Step 2: Fold the left edge over to cover your gift. Then fold the right so it overlaps the left. Tape to hold it together, including the top section).

Note: To hide the tape, you could use double sided tape. For this tutorial we are using ordinary tape so that you can see where we have joined the paper together.

Step 3: Using your fingers, run them along the bottom edge of your gift. Then bring the paper down as shown and straighten out the bottom right and left sides of the paper as shown. Make sure they align with the sides of the gift.

Step 4: Fold both the left and right sides of the bottom edge in.

Step 5: Fold the bottom edge up (note; if you think your bottom edge is a bit too long, you can trim it down slightly), and secure it with tape. You don’t want the bottom edge to go over the top of the gift.

Step 6: Flatten the top section as shown. Work your way down from the top and carefully crease the edges until you reach the top of your gift.

Step 7: Fold the top edge down slightly. The width is up to you. The narrower you make this, the more fuller your fan will look.

We recommend about 0.40 inches (1 cm) as a guide, if you are folding a medium sized give.

Tip: if the top edge of your paper is not straight, trim it down so that it is before you fold.

Tips For Success

• Use double-sided tape for a cleaner look, especially around the edges of the fan.
• Keep the folds uniform for a neat, crisp look.
• Personalize the gift – add a tag or card to complete the package!
• Experiment with colors – try using a contrasting color for the fan and ribbon for a bold look.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

• Bright patterns – Perfect for birthday presents or celebrations with bold, fun prints.
• Metallic paper – Ideal for holiday gifts like Christmas or New Year’s.
• Themed paper – Match the wrapping paper to the occasion (e.g., floral for a wedding, stripes for a summer gift).
• Pastel tones – Soft and elegant for baby showers or Mother’s Day gifts.
• Rustic or Kraft paper – Try a natural look for weddings or rustic-themed events.

FAQ

Other Paper Crafts You Might Like To Try:

• Origami Wreath
• Origami Basket
• Paper Card Holder
• Origami Boat (With Square Paper)
• Origami Mouse
• Square Paper Envelope

Helpful Origami Tips

If you're curious to learn more about origami, you might like to look at our basic guides on how to make some common origami folds.

Start with the valley fold and mountain fold—these are the foundation of most origami models.

Once you're comfortable, you might like to try the petal fold for 3D shapes, and explore the bird base and square base for more complex designs.

The water bomb base is also great for creating inflatable or geometric models, like this inflatable origami rabbit.