How to Wrap a Candle for a Gift

Wrapping cylindrical gifts like scented candles can be tricky. It’s all too easy to end up with excess paper that makes the gift look messy. If your candle didn’t come in a box, or you want to remove it from the box and then wrap it, try one of these four ways to wrap a candle.

The Fan Method

This method is best for candles that you want to stand up. If one end of the candle is open (i.e., it doesn’t have a lid), pleat that end first.

1. Cut a piece of gift wrap that completely encircles the candle, leaving a ½-inch overlap so it can be taped shut.
2. Leave yourself about two inches of wrapping paper on either side of the two flat ends. Trim as necessary, since excess paper will make the gift look messy. To determine exactly how much paper you need, measure the diameter of the candle, add an inch for overlap and divide it in two.
3. Tape the round seam and then choose an end to start wrapping. Fold one end of the paper flat against the bottom of the candle and hold it in place. The wrapping paper will stick up on either side. Choose one side and fold it down flat against the candle bottom to create a pleat.
4. Move an inch down the paper and create another pleat that overlaps with the first. Continue this process until the whole bottom is covered. This video demonstrates the fan method around the 1:50 mark.
5. Secure the end with tape and repeat on the other end of the candle. Add ribbon or a bow if desired.

The “Candy Wrapper” Method

So-named because the resulting gift wrap looks a bit like a piece of candy, this method is best for a candle that you plan to lay on its side rather than standing up.

1. Cut a piece of gift wrap that completely encircles the candle, leaving a ½-inch overlap so it can be taped shut.
2. Leave yourself plenty of paper on either end of the candle. You don’t need to worry about excess paper this time because you won’t actually be folding or pleating it.
3. Make sure the candle is in the center of the paper tube and then take one end of the tube and gently twist it around. Do this carefully to avoid ripping the paper and hold the candle to keep it from sliding down the tube.
4. Twist the paper on the other end. Tie the ends with ribbon or tape the paper to keep it from untwisting.

The Combination Method

This method lets you combine the festive look of the candy wrapper with the ability to stand the candle on its bottom.

1. Cut a piece of gift wrap that completely encircles the candle, leaving a ½-inch overlap so it can be taped shut.
2. Leave yourself about two inches of wrapping paper on the bottom of the candle. To determine exactly how much you need, measure the diameter of the candle, add an inch for overlap and divide it in two.
3. Tape the round seam. Fold the paper flat against the bottom of the candle and hold it in place. The wrapping paper will stick up on either side. Choose one side and fold it down flat against the candle bottom to create a pleat.
4. Move an inch down the paper and create another pleat that overlaps with the first. Continue this process until the whole bottom is covered.
5. Take the other end of the paper tube and gently twist it around. Do this carefully to avoid ripping the paper. Tie the end with ribbon or tape the paper to keep it from untwisting.

The Gift Bag or Box Method

The easiest method, this approach gives you the opportunity to be eco-friendly and put the candle in a reusable container like a cute storage container or a fabric bag.

1. Wrap the candle in tissue paper for protection. It doesn’t need to be too neat, since it will be going in something else.
2. Place the candle inside the bag. Make sure the bottom is sturdy enough to support it so the glass doesn’t break.
3. Add decorative tissue paper to the top if necessary.
4. Add a tag or ribbon, if desired.

If you’re wondering how to wrap a candle, any of these four methods will ensure that your gift comes out looking just as pretty as the scented candle itself.