How to Wrap a Bad Gift to Make It Look Fancy
Published on April 27, 2025
Not every gift is destined to be a showstopper. Some gifts are terrible by design, especially if you're shopping with mischief in mind. But just because a gift is bad doesn't mean it can't look like a million bucks — at least until someone opens it. The art of disguising a hilariously awful gift inside luxurious wrapping is a skill worth mastering. Here's how you can turn even the most cursed object into an opulent masterpiece.
1. Choose Outrageously Fancy Wrapping Paper
The first step is setting the stage. Regular wrapping paper won't cut it. If you want your bad gift to look impressive, you need wrapping that suggests excessive wealth and poor financial judgment.
Look for materials like metallic foil, holographic finishes, plush velvet textures, or anything that shimmers dramatically under the light. Some of the most "expensive-looking" papers can be found at dollar stores or discount shops — a true win for the budget-conscious trickster.
The goal is to make the outside so dazzling that nobody questions what's inside.
2. Overdo the Ribbons and Bows
Minimalism has no place here. Think maximalist extravagance. Cover the package in giant bows, layered ribbons, and anything else that could reasonably belong at an over-the-top wedding.
Multiple colors? Good. Bows bigger than the box itself? Even better. Toss in some glittery fake flowers, bells, or feathers for extra drama.
A hot glue gun can help you secure more elaborate decorations without worrying about tape coming loose.
3. Use a Heavy Box for Light or Silly Gifts
Weight equals importance, at least in the mind of the receiver. If you're giving something light and ridiculous (like a "World's Okayest Employee" mug), pack it inside a heavy box.
You can add small free weights, canned food, or even rocks to give the package a satisfying heft. As a bonus, if the box is way bigger than the actual gift, you'll create maximum confusion and excitement during the unwrapping.
Consider triple-boxing your gift: a small box inside a medium box inside a giant box, each wrapped individually. There's no better way to make someone question all their life choices at once.
4. Fake Luxury Labels
Nothing says "fancy" like a name brand — and nothing says "chaotic energy" like slapping a fake one onto a terrible gift.
Print out faux designer labels (think: "Chonel" instead of Chanel) or recreate a logo yourself. Attach a fancy-looking swing tag with gold lettering to the ribbon.
Sites like Canva offer easy templates where you can whip up a fake "high-end" brand tag in minutes.
For extra flair, casually drop hints during the party. Say things like "It's from a boutique" or "I had to pull some strings to get it." Technically not a lie if the boutique is your local charity shop.
5. Nail the Presentation
When handing over your impeccably wrapped monstrosity, sell the moment. Hold the gift with both hands. Offer it with solemn reverence. Maybe even say something like, "I saw this and immediately thought of you," while blinking back fake tears.
Body language matters. The more sincere you appear, the harder they'll fall for the illusion.
Encourage them to open it carefully. Maybe even suggest they "save the wrapping paper" because it's so beautiful. By the time they realize they've unwrapped a bacon-scented candle or a self-help book for "people with no common sense," it'll be too late.
Bonus Tips for Maximum Chaos
Double-wrap layers: Wrap the real gift, then put it inside increasingly nicer layers of wrap, each one fancier than the last.
Misdirect with a fake card: Add a heartfelt, emotional card to crank up expectations before they see the "gift."
Sound effects: Slip a noisemaker or jingle bells inside the box for extra confusion.
Featured Gag Gifts
Looking for the perfect terrible gift to wrap like a masterpiece? Here are some of our top picks you can grab right now:
Whether you want something silly, cursed, or mildly insulting, we've got you covered.
Conclusion: Beauty Is Only Wrapping Paper Deep
Wrapping a terrible gift beautifully is half art, half psychological warfare. It's about creating a moment — a story your friend or family member will tell for years. No matter how bad your gift is, with the right presentation, you can make it a memory worth treasuring.
If you're still looking for ideas for truly awful gifts worthy of this fancy wrapping treatment, check out our cursed gift generator at Giftmare.com. Because sometimes, it's the thought that counts… and sometimes, it's the absolute chaos you leave in your wake.