Have you ever heard of decoy gift wrapping? It’s a fun and easy way to disguise a gift. It is also known as destructive or deceptive packaging- basically wrapping presents as something else.
Some even consider it a prank. It can bring that element of surprise that extra kick, making your gifts better than expected. You could make the most boring gift you have look like an exciting present, or hide the identity of what you are giving away by disguising it in plain sight.
If you want to learn more about this fun idea and try out some decoy gift wrapping ideas, then keep reading! The decoy gift wrapping method is a great way to fool someone into thinking that you got them a very large present.
It can also be used for other practical jokes, such as tricking someone into thinking that you were getting them a puppy or kitten when in reality, the box contains something far less exciting (like socks or underwear).
The decoy gift wrapping method can also be used for other practical jokes, such as tricking someone into thinking that you were getting them a puppy or kitten when in reality, the box actually contains something far less exciting (like socks or underwear).
We’ve got some plans, some ideas, and a step-by-step guide below- let’s dig in!
DIY Decoy Gift Wrapping Plans & Ideas
1. Decoy Gift Wrapping
Looking for a way to make your holiday gift wrapping stand out from the rest? Check out this fun blog post about using decoy gift wrapping to add some extra personality to your presents! You’ll be sure to get some laughs (and maybe even a few confused looks) with this unique twist on traditional gift wrapping.
2. Wrapping DECOY Gifts + Gift Exchange
If you’re looking for a unique way to wrap a gift, why not try using a decoy? This wrapping method is sure to engage your recipient and make them smile. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle old newspapers or magazines.
3. Wrapping Gifts As Something They’re Not – TIKTOK Compilation
Looking for a fun and creative way to wrap your holiday gifts this year? Why not try out the decoy gift wrapping technique! This unique method involves wrapping your gifts in a playful way that is sure to put a smile on the recipient’s face.
Plus, it’ll make them think twice before trying to peek at their presents before Christmas Day! Ready to give it a try? Use this TikTok compilation for inspiration.
4. Wrapping Gifts As Something Not Even Remotely Close
Christmas is a time where we all get together to celebrate with family and friends. It’s a time for giving and receiving gifts, but sometimes it can be hard to come up with ideas for what to give your loved ones.
If you’re stuck this year, why not try wrapping your gifts in a decoy? That way, your loved ones will be surprised and delighted when they finally uncover their present! Here are some ideas for how to wrap your presents as something other than what they are. Happy holidays!
How to decoy gift wrap a present
In this Instructable process below, you will use two presents: a fake present and a real one. You can opt for a thin shell made from cardboard and wrapping paper that contains little more than a note taped inside saying “Just Kidding!” or whatever object you want. However, the second present will be hidden inside the fake present.
This is where things get really tricky. To hide another present within a present is no easy task. The space within a gift box needs to be maximized so that there is no wasted space.
To begin with, you first need to figure out what you’re going to put inside your box. Stick with something small like an iPod or iPhone unless you have lots of time on your hands and are very patient (aka insane). Once you’ve figured out what you’re going to put in your box, you need to make it fit.
If it’s something spherical or blocky-shaped, then it’s not too hard to figure out how much space you need around it. However, it will be much trickier for cylindrical objects such as batteries or tubes because they can easily roll away from your hand when inserting them into the box.
Step 1
Materials & Supplies
- The real gift
- A fake gift (for molding the decoy)
- Newspaper
- Hot glue gun
- Duct tape/Scotch tape
- Hot glue sticks
- Water
- Scissors
- Cardboard
- Wrapping paper
- Flour
- Utility knife
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- A bow (optional)
Step 2
Preparation Work
Use just a couple of layers of regular plastic wrap. After wrapping and sealing your item, it’s time to read the pulp.
Step 3
The Pulp!
There is no set formula for manufacturing paper mache pulp; some prefer a thinner pulp, while others prefer a thicker pulp. Mix a cup of flour in warm water and stir it until desired consistency is reached. 2 cups of warm water and 1 cup of flour were the proportions I used.
Place a sheet of newspaper flat on the table, then tear it into 1-inch wide strips to begin the process of making strips. Long rippling, you may also use scissors to cut them, although I’ve heard shredding them forms a stronger connection. Then it’s time to layer.
Step 4
Stenciling using layers of paper mache.
Using paper mache might be a challenge. Thus, a covered surface makes clean-up simpler! Wrap the Decoy object in all possible directions. Proceed to create the second layer.
The paper mache will dry entirely in 24 hours.
Step 5
Getting Rid of the Mold
A utility knife may be used once the mold has dried to cut a seam in the middle and surrounding it. Then remove the mold from your real gift. See how beautifully it came out.
Step 6
Reinforcements
Gluing two fragile portions together isn’t an option, therefore you may choose to reinforce them instead. To begin, cut a couple of pieces of cardboard and glue them in place. Then attach two smaller pieces to the https://www.instructables.com/Decoy-Gift-Wrapping/ support for the handle and the part of it that contacts the head.
Afterwards, use a piece of cardboard to cover the inside of your head. Finally, carry out the identical procedure at its base.
Step 7
Back Together Again
Pour a glob of glue over the seam and spread it with a spare piece of cardboard once you’ve glued the inner supports. Cover the other areas with duct tape. If the bottom isn’t quite even, cut it with scissors.
The project is nearly finished, and all that’s left is to wrap it up.
Step 8
Wrapping
Wrap the item into three pieces to get the “obvious” effect. As long as the paper mache doesn’t show, it’s all OK.
Step 9
Weight
Due to time constraints, you can opt to add weight to it. Depending on the object’s size and weight, a lighter material such as a joint compound or even a denser substance like concrete might be used to fill the remaining gap.
Step 10
Complete
Add a ribbon, and you will have the perfect present gag! Overall, the project is simple and really rewarding to see the end result.
Conclusion
If you happen to have a very large presence, and you want it to look larger than it really is, wrapping that present in the decoy method is a great way to fool your friends and family into thinking you got them an even larger present than what you actually did.
Once you fool them (and trust me, they’ll never see it coming), you can laugh about it together and give them the real present. Although this isn’t applicable for most situations, it can be used for pranks or jokes that are well hidden. As with all pranks, your success will depend on the ability to sell that fake gift as if it were real.
It may take some practice, but it’s worth a try.
Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!