Round gifts don't have corners, edges, or flat surfaces—which makes them one of the hardest shapes to wrap. But with the right technique, you can make balls, globes, and spheres look beautifully wrapped instead of like a crumpled paper disaster.
Here are three methods that actually work. Choose based on your gift size and the look you want.
01
Choose Your Method
Three approaches for three different results
The Pouch Method
Best for: Small to medium balls, ornaments
Easiest technique. Gather paper around the gift and tie at the top like a pouch.
The Pleat Method
Best for: Medium spheres when you want a flatter look
Creates controlled folds around the circumference. More polished but more work.
The Two-Piece Method
Best for: Large balls, sports equipment
Covers top and bottom separately, joined by ribbon. Works for any size.
Pro Tip
Tissue paper works better than standard wrapping paper for round shapes. It's thinner, drapes naturally, and hides imperfections. Save the thick paper for boxes.
02
The Pouch Method
The easiest technique for round gifts
What You Need
2-3 sheets of tissue paper (or one large sheet of thin wrapping paper)
Ribbon or twist tie
Optional: curling ribbon for decoration
Lay 2-3 sheets of tissue paper flat, stacked on top of each other
Place your round gift in the center of the paper
Gather all the paper edges up and around the gift, letting it naturally bunch
Hold all the gathered paper above the gift and tie with ribbon
Fluff and arrange the paper "petals" above the ribbon
Pro Tip
For a more dramatic look, use multiple colors of tissue paper layered together. When you fluff the top, each color becomes visible.
03
The Pleat Method
Controlled folds for a polished look
Cut a large circle of paper
Diameter should be about 3x the diameter of your ball
Place the ball in the center
Pattern side down if using printed paper
Start pleating around the circumference
Make small folds (about 1 inch wide) and tape each one down as you go
Continue all the way around
Each pleat should slightly overlap the previous one
Gather the remaining paper at the top
Secure with tape and cover with a bow
Common Mistake
The pleat method takes patience. Don't rush the folds or you'll end up with uneven pleats. Take your time with the first few—they set the pattern for the rest.
04
The Two-Piece Method
Best for large balls and sports equipment
Cut two circles of wrapping paper, each about 1.5x the diameter of your ball
Place the ball on one circle and bring the edges up around the sides, taping as you go
Repeat with the second circle on the opposite side
The two wrapped sections should meet around the middle of the ball
Tie a ribbon around the circumference where the two sections meet, covering the seam
Add a bow where the ribbon crosses
Alternative: The Cellophane Wrap
For sports balls or items you want to be visible:
Place the ball in the center of a large cellophane sheet
Gather all edges at the top
Tie with a large, dramatic bow
This works great for basketballs, soccer balls, and decorative globes where the item is part of the presentation.
Pro Tip
For sports balls, consider putting them in a gift bag instead. A large gift bag with tissue paper is often the most practical solution for balls over 8 inches in diameter.
05
Finishing Touches
Make it look intentional
Add a dramatic bow — Round gifts benefit from larger bows that draw attention to the top
Use curling ribbon — Multiple strands of curled ribbon disguise any imperfect gathering
Attach a gift tag — Hang it from the ribbon rather than taping it to the curved surface
Add embellishments — A sprig of greenery or a small ornament makes the gathered top look intentional
Pro Tip
The secret to round gift wrapping is making it look like you meant for it to gather and bunch. Big ribbons, dramatic bows, and decorative toppers all communicate "this was styled this way on purpose."
When to Skip Traditional Wrapping
Sometimes the best approach for round gifts is to skip wrapping paper entirely:
Gift bags — The practical choice for balls over 6 inches
Fabric wrapping (Furoshiki) — Cloth drapes beautifully over round shapes
Decorative boxes — Find a round hat box or container
Cellophane — Shows off the item while still creating a wrapped look
Basket — Place the round item in a basket with tissue paper
The goal is a beautiful presentation—and sometimes that means abandoning wrapping paper for a method that actually works with the shape.
Yes, but tissue paper or fabric work better because they drape and gather more smoothly. Standard wrapping paper can be used with the pleat method, but expect more visible folds. Thinner paper is always easier for round shapes.
Why does my round gift wrapping look messy?
Round gifts create uneven folds and bunching because there are no flat surfaces to work with. The fix: use the pouch method where all the excess gathers at the top, or switch to tissue paper which hides imperfections. Embracing the gather rather than fighting it is the key.
What's the easiest way to wrap a round gift?
The pouch method is the easiest. Place the round item in the center of tissue paper, gather all edges up and around the gift, and tie with ribbon at the top. No folding, no taping, and it looks intentionally styled.
How do you wrap a basketball or large ball?
For large balls, use the two-piece method: wrap two circles of paper (one on top, one on bottom) and join them with ribbon around the circumference. Or use a large gift bag or cellophane wrap. For basketballs specifically, clear cellophane tied with a bow shows off the ball while still creating a 'wrapped' look.