How To Involve Toddlers In Holiday Gift Wrapping (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Let’s start with some honesty: I suck at gift wrapping. My gifts usually look like I used my feet to do it—and honestly, that might be an improvement. My family thinks it’s cute.

I guess my toddler likes it, cause his presents are easy to unwrap.

Now throw a toddler into the wrapping mix, and we’re talking next-level chaos. My little one is way more into unwrapping than wrapping, so this year, I decided to try something new: let him “help.” I mean, how bad could it be, right? (Spoiler: Very bad, but also very cute.)

Let’s dive into this wild ride of “DIY holiday gift wrapping with toddlers,” check out these toddler-friendly gift wrap ideas.

Table Of Contents

1. Why Even Involve Toddlers in Gift Wrapping? (Am I Crazy?)
2. Prepping for the Madness of Holiday Gift Wrapping
3. Fun and Easy Gift Wrapping Ideas for Toddlers
Enjoyed This Post? Here’s How You Can Help!
4. Keeping Toddlers (and Your Sanity) in Check
5. Wrapping It All Up (Literally)
6. FAQ: Because Toddlers Come with Questions
A Realistic Look at Gift Wrapping with Toddlers:
Latest Posts:

1. Why Even Involve Toddlers in Gift Wrapping? (Am I Crazy?)

For Them:

Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, folding, sticking—these are basically toddler Olympics events.
Creativity: Stickers, stamps, markers—hello, sensory wonderland.
Sharing and Giving: They actually learn while making a mess.

For You:

Memories: Imagine their little face glowing with pride as they stick a bow on themselves instead of the gift.
Teamwork: You’ll need the patience of a saint, but hey, bonding!

2. Prepping for the Madness of Holiday Gift Wrapping

First things first: prep like a general going into battle.

Materials Checklist:

Toddler-safe scissors (no, the curly ones didn’t work, I used regular ones after the first try).
Washi tape (the holy grail of toddler crafting). Yes it was stuck everywhere.
Stickers, stamps, and non-toxic markers. Or add the names in the end. (I used the Pororo Sticker book. Which I used for my long haul flight back with toddler too.)
Big, unbreakable gift boxes (because someone will sit in on one).
Recyclable brown kraft paper (because messes look artsy on it).
I also added some cute bells to the present.

Set-Up Tips:

Create a “finished gifts” area, so you can admire your toddler’s Picasso-level masterpieces.

Get on the floor or a low table—trust me, they’ll end up there anyway.

3. Fun and Easy Gift Wrapping Ideas for Toddlers

Okay, here’s where it gets fun (and a little messy):

DIY Wrapping Ideas:

Stickers Galore: Just let them plaster stickers everywhere. It’s a toddler’s dream and minimal effort for you. Yes some ended on the carpet.

Handprint Wrapping Paper: Use washable paint for this.
Nature Vibes: Glue on leaves, pinecones, or whatever your kid finds in the backyard (or living room).
Washi Tape Magic: Let them seal the gifts with colorful tape—it’s like giving them duct tape but safer. It’s also easier to rip open.
Yarn Twisting: Give them yarn to loop around the gift. It won’t look pretty, but it’ll hold.

Homemade Wrapping Paper:

Roll out butcher paper and let them doodle to their heart’s content.
Use potato stamps to create festive shapes like stars, trees, or, if your kid’s like mine, random blobs.

More Ideas:

Use ribbons they can twist and tie.
Let them “paint” with water on kraft paper.
Glue pompoms to the wrapping paper for a 3D effect.
Or let them add bells Luca was so busy with the bells during that time I managed to pack 2 gifts.

Use cookie cutters or dried lemons as stencils.
Let them pick bows (even if they pick 17 for one gift).
Have them crumple tissue paper, aluminum foil or baking paper for a textured look.
Use tape to create patterns they can color in.
Add their artwork as the “tag.”

Enjoyed This Post? Here’s How You Can Help!

If you enjoyed this post, please take 60 seconds to tell a friend.

Whether it’s a quick mention in a mom’s group, sharing on social media, or chatting about it with friends, every share makes a big difference.

I spend many hours crafting posts like this.

Every little helps and I rely on people like yourself to help grow traffic!📌 Pin now, read later!

4. Keeping Toddlers (and Your Sanity) in Check

Time Management:

Keep it short—15 to 20 minutes tops. Attention spans are short, and meltdowns are long.
Switch it up: coloring, sticking, tying bows. Keep it fresh.

Patience and Praise:

Celebrate the chaos. If the bow’s on upside down, who cares?
Make them feel important—show them where their gift will go.

Backup Plan:

Have a sensory bin ready for when they lose interest (because they most likely will lose interest).

5. Wrapping It All Up (Literally)

Here’s the thing: your gifts won’t look perfect. In fact, they might look like a tornado ran through a craft store. But that’s the point. Those messy gifts are packed with creativity, love, and the memory of your toddler saying, “I did that!”

So go on—try these toddler-friendly gift wrapping ideas. Snap some pics of your little artist in action and share them! Let’s make this holiday season as magical (and chaotic) as possible.