How to gift wrap a book: Pro tips & an even easier solution

A DIY guide: How to perfectly wrap a gift

Sometimes, you want to add that final handmade touch yourself. A perfectly wrapped book is a thing of beauty, and it's easier to achieve than you think.

The key to a crisp, professional look is mastering those corners.

Here’s the classic, foolproof method for how to gift wrap a book:

1. Measure and cut: Roll out your wrapping paper and place your book face down. Bring the paper up and around the book, ensuring you have enough to overlap by about 2 inches (5 cm). Trim the paper, to give you a clean rectangle to work with.
2. The first fold: Place the book in the center. Take one of the long edges of the paper and fold it over by about an inch to create a crisp, clean edge. Secure the other (unfolded) edge to the book with a piece of tape.
3. Create the seal: Bring your new, clean edge over the top and pull it taut for a snug fit. Run your finger along the edge to create a crease, then seal it down the middle with tape.
4. Tackle the ends (The tricky part!): Start on one of the open ends. First, fold the top flap down firmly against the book, creating two triangular "wings" at the sides.
5. Fold the wings: Now, fold those two triangular wings inwards, running your finger along the edges to create sharp creases.
6. The final fold: This leaves you with a single bottom flap with a straight edge. Fold this flap upwards, creating one last sharp crease. Secure it to the package with tape. Repeat on the other side, and you're done!

Our gift wrap inspiration gallery

Every gift tells a story, and the wrapping paper you choose is the first chapter. Our exclusive gift wrap designs are created by our team with love to match every occasion and personality. 

Here are the Journi options you can choose from:

Winter Flowers

✨ The vibe: Elegant, classy & festive

🫶 Perfect for: A beautiful Christmas wrapping paper for Mom, Grandma, or a sophisticated wedding gift.

Gingerbread

✨ The vibe: Cute, traditional & fun

🫶 Perfect for: The quintessential Christmas wrap that’s a guaranteed hit with kids and for family presents.

Teal Tangle

✨ The vibe: Modern, sophisticated & versatile

🫶 Perfect for: The stylish all-rounder. A perfect gift wrap for a book for him, a colleague, or a friend.

Love

✨ The vibe: Heartfelt, romantic & sweet

🫶 Perfect for: The ultimate choice for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or a "just because" gift for your partner.

The even easier solution: Let us do the wrapping for you

Hate the hassle? Want a guaranteed beautiful result without lifting a finger? We've got you. Journi offers a gift wrapping service that’s the ultimate stress-free solution.

Think of us as your personal gift wrapping service, available right at checkout. When you're ready to order your Photo Book, you’ll see the option to add our gift wrapping. With one simple click, you can choose one of our beautiful, exclusive designs, and we'll take care of the rest. 

Your gift will arrive at their doorstep (or yours!) perfectly wrapped, looking stunning, and ready to delight. No mess, no stress, just a perfect gift.

* Please note: Our gift wrapping service is currently available in the US and Europe. Options may vary by season.

Your top gift wrapping questions, answered

Should I gift wrap a book?

Absolutely! A Photo Book is a deeply personal gift, and taking the extra step to wrap it shows an added layer of thought and care. The presentation is part of the experience, building anticipation and making the moment they finally see their memories inside even more special.

How much does the Journi gift wrapping service cost?

We believe in transparent pricing. The cost for our gift wrapping service is a small, flat fee per item, which will be clearly displayed for you at checkout before you finalize your purchase.

Can I still add a personal gift tag or card?

Yes, and we highly recommend it! Your Journi gift will arrive beautifully wrapped, creating the perfect canvas for you to add your own handwritten card or gift tag. The wrapped gift is sent in our standard, discreet shipping box.

What if I live somewhere where gift wrapping isn’t available?

You can still create a beautiful presentation! Use the DIY tips in this guide to wrap your book. Or, for an all-in-one solution, our Retro Prints come in a beautiful, sturdy gift box for book lovers and make a fantastic companion gift to a Photo Book.

Is your wrapping paper sustainable?

Yes! Just like our Photo Books, our wrapping paper is FSC-certified, meaning it is sourced from responsibly managed forests. It’s a beautiful choice you can feel good about.