How to Wrap a Book: 5 Fun Ideas From Wrapping Pros

If you know someone who loves reading, chances are you’re giving them the gift of a good book this holiday season. The only problem with gifting a book — whether it’s a cookbook for your foodie friend, a classic for your bookworm niece or a children’s book for a little one in your life, even once wrapped — is its shape usually gives the contents away. “Obviously, books wrapped independently are very distinguishable, but using alternate methods of wrapping them works to keep the surprise intact,” says Sara McDaniel, an interior designer, home renovation expert and owner of Simply Southern Cottage. Even better, it adds some pizzazz to the gift overall. So we asked expert wrappers and crafters for their best tips on how to wrap a book to give it a little extra pizzazz. Keep reading for some fun and festive ideas.

5 brilliantly simple ways to wrap a book

1. Wrap the book in a spruced-up a gift bag

How to wrap a book: Two christmas gift bags with gold tissue paper, side by side on a white background. They are fancy, wrapped red and green holiday presents for a special celebration. — YinYang/Getty

“I love to using an adorable gift bag with lots of tissue paper and a fun bow when gifting a book,” McDaniel says. “It’s always fun to tie a little extra to the bow like a bookmark, highlighter or cute post-its to add to the charm of the wrapping materials and beef up the gift.”

2. Wrap the book in a box with fun extras

“Any book enthusiast would be thrilled to open not just a book they have been eagerly waiting for, but an entire box filled with gifts that have thought behind each and every one of them. This is a sure way to make someone feel loved and special,” says Duffy Hofer, founder of Disguise the Surprise.

How to wrap a book: a book sits next to a bunch of other gifts — Courtesy of Duffy Hofer

Her recommendation? “When gifting a book, I like to use dividers to curate a personalized gift that offers an experience for the recipient.” To do: Grab a box and place cardboard or plastic dividers inside. Add the book in one section, then fill the other sections with maybe a pair of comfy socks she can wear while curled up on the couch reading their new book, a some chocolates to nosh on, maybe a gift card to her favorite coffee shop or book store. “Include a pampering face mask or another self-care product and maybe a small ornament or a scented candle to add a touch of holiday cheer,” she suggests. Then wrap it up in pretty tissue paper or wrapping paper!

3. Wrap the book with a present pocket

A great way to distract the recipient from what’s inside the wrapping? Add a pocket to the top of your wrap job and slip a holiday card, gift card or bookmark inside.

Follow the video below from @littleelfproducts for the easy step by step:

4. Wrap the book in plot-themed wrapping paper

how to wrap a book: Gift box with ribbon and rose with a bunch of pink flowers. Mother's Day or birthday. Shot in studio with copy space — Catherine Lane/Getty

Add to the surprise by giving a hint to your recipient about the book they’re about to open. It’s a fun and festive way to add a bit of intrigue. For example, If you’re giving a book on growing a flower garden, wrap it in some floral patterned wrapping paper and attach a fabric flower or leafy branch to the ribbon. If it’s a book about romance, find some heart-adorned paper and glue on a rose.

5. Wrap a book in DIY Kraft paper

How to wrap a book: Woman´s hands wrapping Christmas presents on brown paper decorated with painted snow, fir branches and pinecones on a rustic wooden board. — ASIFE/Getty

Making your own gift wrap gives adds a soft, personalized touch to the boxier present. All you need is some kraft wrapping paper (Buy from Amazon, $16.99), a roll of festive twine (Buy from Amazon, $7.79), crayons, paint or markers. Draw a snowy scene, write a holiday poem or color in various colors! Then follow the video below from @GiftWrappingLove to learn how to wrap a book using kraft paper:

How to wrap a book series

Gifting a book series this holiday season? To make it extra special, McDaniel says why not wrap each book independently to prolong the suspense of unwrapping? “It’s a fun conversation piece that would create lasting memories — it might even become a fun story for years to come about how ‘Mom made me open seven packages to get to all the books in the Harry Potter series.’ “