Testing 4 Gift Wrapping Gadgets!

[@jillianburke2]

I did not know measuring wrapping paper with a measuring tape was a thing! I just flip the box 4 times to make sure it will fit and then cut.

[@becky6997]

I do the same thing

[@bonwelt]

I so agree. Made me laugh.

[@applegal3058]

Haha, I just pull out an estimated amount, try to wrap it around the box, cut across where it looks right. Perfect every time.

[@torquetheprisoner]

i just eye ball it and hope for the best

[@mrbadpersonality]

This is the way

[@garageink74]

James using a tape measure to wrap gifts is hilarious but also not unexpected 😂

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Very much "dad" energy, lol. Granted, when I think about how much paper I used just wrapping an air fryer for my mom a couple of years ago, I sort of wish I'd measured it out as well 😅

[@Oceangirl_505]

I, too, use a tape measure. My Dad taught me to measure twice, cut once. Measuring saves $ and frustration. Dad originally taught me this about wood, but the principle applies across the board. #Dad joke

[@englishatheart]

@@Oceangirl_505 Most people know the "measure twice, cut once" method. And you don't have to measure the paper to not have waste.

[@marthavillanueva5505]

A couple of years ago (or longer) Scotch came out with a tape dispenser you wore on ur wrist and small pieces of tape could be pulled out. At first I thought it was a stupid idea. When I used it I loved it. I saved alot of time not having to look for the roll of tape. Sadly, they stopped making those handy dandy tape dispensers. 😢

[@Oceangirl_505]

I know, right? They were great, I hope that Scotch brings them back, I'd stock up on them.

[@themustar601]

I think U-Line still has something like that

[@maeganmonster]

My mom bought so many of those. They're everywhere in the house. I usually don't know where a roll of tape is, but I know where those loose little tape bricks are and will fiddle with it until I get a strip of tape!

[@avgjoeshow4208]

Never in my life have I ever seen anybody break out a tape measure to wrap a present

[@rachelrodgers9171]

Those ''Slap Wraps'' had me amused! I like the multi-purpose potential of this one! It reminds me of the time my mother used those little metal click-snap barrettes to ''hold'' her spot on a doily she was crocheting, she clipped the metal ''barrette'' at the area where she wanted to put her next stitch whenever she took a break or was having to do other things.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

I am happy I know exactly what you are talking about because my one and only crochet project (a scarf) kinda went wonky because I lost track of where I needed to begin my stitch for the next row. Now, my scarf kind of looks like the wings of a bird 😂. You've reminded me to try to get some of those clips, or some safety pins, the next time I try to make something. But before that scarf, I never had seen or heard of those markers, so I'm glad I know enough about crocheting to know what those are.

[@rachelrodgers9171]

Yep. I have used them as hair barrettes to hold my hair out of my face. They held much better than other kinds of barrettes, even better than bobby pins.@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley

[@iTrishaLyn]

3M used to make those gift wrap cutters and I love mine. I had the same issue with those roll ones not fitting all rolls. I miss the gift wrap tape dispensers withe the precut strips they used to make!

[@Dexy83]

My Mom took great joy in setting up her "wrapping station" every year. She'd put on Christmas music or movies and spent hours wrapping. She would have LOVED the Wrap Buddies. ❤

[@TechTimeWithEric]

I can rebuild engines with my eyes closed, weld just about anything, build computers with my hands behind my back, cook many multinational foods, and build just about anything; but when I wrap gifts you would think a blind Tyrannosaurus rex did it with his teeth.

[@ShirlBussman]

I don't believe you can do all of that stuff. You're funny though. 🤣🤣

[@TechTimeWithEric]

@@ShirlBussman maybe embellished a little on the “with handicaps” part. But I still can’t wrap presents to save my life lol

[@ShirlBussman]

@@TechTimeWithEric I got that. 🤣🤣

[@ItsJustLisa]

Those cutters in the multi pack were invented at 3M. I have the originals because my stepmom worked at the world headquarters a couple of miles from my house. The better the quality cutter and the better the paper, the better they work. Mine have grippy handles. I actually take mine grocery shopping because my store does a magazine-type monthly ad with weekly coupons. We cut out the coupons we want with the small paper cutter. Very handy.

[@Terahnee]

Yup. I always get annoyed when I'm wrapping presents and someone didn't put the cutter back, hah. Mine's also 3M and I've had it for quite a few years.

[@jwall6006]

I use children’s ponytail hair holder to hold my wrapping paper rolled up. I buy them at Dollar Tree you get 30 for $1.25. I use those for my sewing thread spools, extension cords, and to hold my electronic wires. I used them for socks too, but my we weren’t organized enough to put them in a container when we put socks on. So they were everywhere. Some things you need to put them on doubled and they do tend to stretch out with reuse, but all in all a great cheap way to organize space without an expense or bigger holders to retain things.

[@cc3kidsl8ter78]

Never used a tape measure to wrap gifts. That seems like just another thing to get lost along with the tape, the scissors, the labels and the pen while I'm wrapping! I just flip the gift around on the paper to check if all sides are covered

[@applegal3058]

I do the same!

[@retluoc]

I saw one gift wrap on Shark Tank where the wrapping is mostly all wrapped. You insert the gift (based on relative size to the paper), then you blast it with a hair dryer. Just like shrinky-dinks, it will collapse around the gift and self-seal. Mark bought the whole company for 100k, but he might have shelved it. As for these items... I agree with all your assessments... most importantly... don't buy the cheap paper 😄. Edit: I just looked it up. I made a few mistakes about CoolWraps (that's it's name). Long story short, Mark didn't buy it and (despite great interest) it died. One thing they don't mention on Shark Tank... the oral deal isn't binding until the paperwork is drawn up. Mark apparently changed his mind.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

It sounds weird, but I kind of like quietly wrapping my gifts at night (I don't have kids to hide them from and I live alone. I just like to be quiet for my neighbors, if I can). Having to use a blow dryer each time I wrap a gift would get annoying for me pretty fast. Also, wouldn't that cause wrinkles?

[@retluoc]

Good point about the noise. As for wrinkles... I'd have to find that episode, but as I recall, as long as the surface was box-like, it sealed perfectly. I forget if they tried it on anything of irregular shape. If they did, it probably would wrinkle.

[@retluoc]

I've done a bit more research on CoolWraps... it was season 4 episode 20. I can't get it for free. The only new thing I discovered was that they were doing well until they couldn't keep up with demand. People really liked it, but they couldn't produce it fast enough. I doubt Covid helped with that 😀. They finally shut down permanently just this year (2023), so the product is gone.

[@franktrinidad142]

i dont buy paper, i use old newspaper. it work perfectly and give a "vintage" effect to the gift. buying pricey paper is useless for multiples reasons : - it cost alots of money if you have lots of gift to make - it dont hide more than cheap paper - childrens will rip it apart without care everybody love my newspaper wrapping. because you need to remember, the most important is not the paper, but the gift under it. And with my cheap looking newspaper wrapped gift, it's always a pleasant surprise to find out what's inside :D.

[@awyeagames]

Wrapping paper clearly has the characters from Mario Kart. "Donkey Kong Paper".

[@jer103]

I just get gift bags from the Dollar Tree. Easiest way to "wrap" a gift.

[@soniaalvarado5372]

Thank you for reviewing holiday-related items. Looking forward to more content of this kind.

[@irishpixierose]

I've used the first cutter. We picked it up at Wal-Mart and it works just fine. I've never seen anyone use a tape measure on wrapping paper, but would like to see how to do so.

[@theresacasareale8009]

I've never used a tape measure! Well now I know what to do with all my daughters old slap bracelets 🤣

[@donpayton737]

The slap bracelet things are just measuring tape material. You can take an old measuring tape and cut it up and it works the same way. Sometimes if you take the cover off of the slap bracelets it will be measuring tape on the inside. But I just use a piece of tape

[@TheGreyLineMatters]

"...I'm going to resist the urge, so to speak" then promptly mentions how satisfying it is that the sleeve slides up and down the wrapping paper shaft so easily.

[@barcham]

OK, being an old single guy, I really don't do Xmas anymore, but the Elf cutter just looks so satisfying that I feel like getting one just to mess around with it! It slices through wrapping paper like my Japanese Damascus steel knives in my kitchen! Yes, I am psycho when it comes to knives! LOLOLOLOL Oh... I buy parchment paper for cooking in a box with a slide cutter on it, and it sometimes has problems starting a cut as well. I have found that you really need to have a tight, even, pull on the paper to get it started or you get a bunch of paper crumpled at the beginning. I think most cutters will have the same problem is your paper is not held perfectly before you start cutting.

[@jbeyond7402]

Lol I can't with the measuring tape! I've never seen it done!!

[@marylhere]

You can also wrap the roll in a sliced toilet or paper towel to hold it from unrolling. Cheap paper and scissor user here. A weighted tape dispenser is good year round.

[@shannondore]

I have the second paper cutter you showed. I don't have to wrap Christmas presents anymore so I just use it for opening mail. It works pretty good for that.

[@jpbaley2016]

I like the idea of the wrap buddies to hold the paper steady and straight. I’ve done a couple things in the past to cut paper. I’ve used envelope slitters, which had the same problem with cheap paper as your two cutters. I’ve also laid down a flattened cardboard box and unrolled the paper on it and cut it using a utility knife/box cutter. The box cutter had less issue with cheap paper and the cardboard protected the table’s surface. Before all that, I used to wrap gifts in aluminum foil. Everyone knew what gift came from me and it’s recyclable.

[@Timmycoo]

Oh man, your measuring tape for wrapping is hilarious. I used to work in a restaurant supply store and we would offer gift wrapping so I was "trained" how to wrap gifts their way and now my family gets gifts wrapped that way lol.

[@scifigrl23]

I've had the same wrap buddy for over 20 years, and it still works great.👍

[@fugume69]

Those rubber hands with the magnets you reviewed recently would probably work well at holding wrapping paper

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Hey, great idea!

[@Freakinreviews]

Why didn't I think of that!?

[@torch-bearer9129]

You have officially convinced me the tape measure is a must for wrapping gifts going forward

[@scifigrl23]

Except on the sides, you don't need nearly as much paper as he cut. He cut exactly the shape of the boxes which is 1/3 too much paper.

[@tdata545]

Calls Mario Kart "Donkey Kong". Adorable. As for the slap bracelets. I bought a ton of Slap bracelet rulers. Like the proper adult ones are $10 for 12in ruler, but Walmart has them during back to school for like $2. Same with Target, and Target's were a little more subtle. Like the Walmart ones have wild designs like flower power, dinos, sharks, camo and abstract. BUT They work great thanks to the silicon since it doesn't slip. Then you can wrap it around things, like I have one on my miter saw since usually I'm cutting things that are within the range of the ruler.

[@davythedragon]

Donkey Kong! That's super Mario! The shame! Lol

[@rashira9610]

Mario Kart*

[@V0SUGMI]

Your reviews or so thourough, I appreciate how honest and real they are. Love it

[@sumsharp]

I've tried the small paper cutter (plastic) and loved it so much I think I have 10 of them (most still in packaging.). I use small pony tail scrunchies for my wrapping paper instead of tape. Great ideas for repurposing.

[@jonnaosborne1832]

I also use the ponytail holders. I buy the biggest packs I can find at Dollar Tree, and use them for lots of things around the house, and in my hobbies of quilting and sewing.

[@OceanLover1188]

I do not use a tape measure! I was taught to just put the box on the paper, and then kind of roll it so that the paper covers both sides and then cut it.

[@nancyberry1039]

I bought one of those wrap cutters about 20 years ago. It didn't come with refills so once the blade got dull over time, you just threw it out. I had the same problems with it - difficult to get it started & cheaper paper rips very easily. It was a novel thing to try out but not worth buying again. These newer versions might work better than my old one. But I can do the same quick cutting/slicing method with my sharp scissors so I never replaced it. I've had a set of plastic cuffs for holding the wrapping paper for many years now. The set I bought came with two different sizes to accommodate skinny/small rolls or the thicker/bigger sized rolls.

[@photogbrandie5744]

Slapping the wrapping paper rolls with those bracelets was super satisfying!

[@MitchMeetings]

I'm usually drinking when I gift wrap, I'm not about to do math 😂

[@ihaveinsomnia1]

😅😅😅😅

[@DocFunkenstein]

I like how the complaint is that the larger Big Lots rolls didn't work with the gadgets. Not that Big Lots is ripping everyone off with all the empty space in the middle.

[@dancingwiththedogsdj]

Use wrap buddy to hold paper onto table (even diagonally if table is not long enough) and a cutter to make quick work of cutting straight edges and then out of your wrapping work space. Good video!

[@sarachan8932]

When you’re done with a paper towel row or even toilet paper, just use that brown cone for wrapping papers and if it is a thick roll of wrapping paper, just cut the cone

[@denrich5796]

Does anyone use self-wrap/self-stick velcro over the rolls? I usually cut the velcro in half lengthwise to save even more money. Works far better than rubber bands which can break or rot and are, of course, reusable.

[@applegal3058]

I package up supplies and safety clothes regularly at work, and i can wrap parcels of various sizes and shapes with my eyes closed lol I've never in my life measured the paper before cutting it 😂

[@barcham]

My first job, MANY years ago, was in the mail room at Kraft Foods. After a few months wrapping boxes and assorted packages for shipping, you will never have problems measuring out wrapping paper again. LOL

[@applegal3058]

@@barcham haha, definitely no issues wrapping gifts lol

[@darlenedavis8690]

I never thought about using a measuring tape to measure out the wrapping paper. Neat idea - IMO. I've switched from wrapping paper to drawstring wrapping bags. So much quicker and easier. They can be reused as long as someone doesn't go wild when opening their gift. I just let everyone know that I'd like to reuse the bag. I've had a set that I've been using for approximately 8 years. I do discard any that have gotten torn or are just too wrinkled to use again. I'm currently in the process of making fabric drawstring wrapping bags - reusable so less trash to deal with on Christmas morning. I just use toilet paper/paper towel tubes to secure my wrapping paper. Just slit one side and place it over the wrapping paper. I didn't like the elf-type cutters. I ordered some one year, tried to use it once, and then returned it. I hated it.

[@philg6115]

I use an abacus to calculate wrapping paper size

[@3DJapan]

The slap bracelet are kind of pricey when you could just use a rubber band that everyone already has.

[@hopefletcher7420]

Am I the only one who figured out how to secure partially used rolls? You always have scaps of paper left over. Take one a few inches wide that will fit all around the roll and apply the tape to it. The unused wrap isn't damaged and the *collar* slips right off.

[@jcee8493]

4:10 No! You're just freaky that way, lol

[@roygarcia4176]

Yes, you are the only one!! 🤣🤣🤣 The slap thing is only old tape measures…. I had one that peeled… lol

[@b003]

The secret is gift bags and tissue paper, done. Plus the bags are reusable.

[@andy.bernard]

Maybe I'm old fashioned, scissors, scotch tape and " yeah that looks good" when it comes to measuring the paper 😅

[@Freakinreviews]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@justincarawan-carawanco.pu1639]

My mom and I have used the same "Little Elf Wrap Cutter" for years! It's perfect for straight cuts!

[@MakeupMobster]

I hate that cheap paper. The problem is, you never know it’s going to be the cheap roll until you actually start to use it

[@Ryan-re1rs]

You need to use these gadgets vs scissors, regular tape dispenser and have a rap off to see what is faster and what it ultimately better to use.

[@bmljenny]

Epic Wrap Battles of KZbin!

[@jilletdelphine]

@@bmljennyi appreciated this lol

[@jazziered142]

I used to have electric scissors for wrapping paper, they were absolutely the best thing ever.

[@mesapysch]

Thanx for the outdoor light! Need it here in Philly. You don't have to wrap it. Return the Elf.

[@darkshadopaaz]

I've had one of those cutters for 10 yrs, made by scotch tape. I use it every year and it still works great. I do like the idea of the roll cutter though, might have to try that

[@wendypeters1528]

Slap bracelets for storage… brilliant! Soooo much better than a rubber band.

[@photolabguy]

Im on team gift bag when at all possible. 🤣

[@Nenezilla]

Used a yardstick since I was young, straight rip every time. And use it to measure also!

[@harveyabel1354]

Might not work for me, I often wrap presents in my bedroom - on my bed.

[@Nenezilla]

@harveyabel1354 yeah, probably won't work. Try a hard surface like a table or floor. Once you do it a few times, you'll get the hang of it.

[@harveyabel1354]

@@Nenezilla Ah, but I've already got the hang of it on the bed! 🤣 ME...72-year-old ME on the *floor*?!?! Trust me, that ain't happening!

[@JuvyThaKid]

That Elf gadget would be perfect for people with hand issues (arthritis, tendinitis, etc.). They can just slide that on and go.

[@nataliawegiel5558]

Ive had one of those little cutters. The one problem (other than tearing) is trying to get a straight line. Ive also had a tape dispenser with one on it. Like an all in one wrapping tool.

[@Th3OnlyRandy]

James: “back on a roll here” 😏 nicely done, sir! 😂

[@mrscottanderson1]

Generally discount stores use bigger tubes to make it look like there is more wrapping paper

[@Oceangirl_505]

Every Hallmark gift wrapping paper has gridlines on the back to insure straight cutting. Yes, it's highest quality and not inexpensive, yet as my Mom taught me, you get what you pay for, every time.

[@someonesane]

Should've tried one of those cheap Staples letter openers on the wrapping. Would probably work just as well.

[@daniellecomeau2996]

That's what I use.

[@3DJapan]

I don't use a tape measure I put the box down then roll it end over end, then mark it with a pencil. I do use a long ruler to draw pencil lines before I cut.

[@SpotlessGiraffeReviews]

I do not measure my paper but I find a way to use every single piece, even the scraps. I have an off brand of the little elf thing and I love it.

[@KasiasDragon]

The slap wraps are really sending me because yeah, they seem like they work just fine and they're festive, but I always used a rubber band or a hair tie and those work on any size wrap and I can pick them up at any walmart

[@CCreedUT]

You have the exact same kitchen table we have :-) We’ve loved it for about 10 years.

[@party4paul425]

Never used a tape measure, that’s what the lines on the wrapping paper are for lol

[@josephbennett3482]

Most wrapping paper doesn't have lines.

[@party4paul425]

@@josephbennett3482the ones he has does lol

[@sandybruce9092]

I bought a roll of paper from Dollar Tree last summer - it was fabulous!!! It was heavy as the expensive paper and has the grid in the back. I was surprised and impressed. I use plain old scissors and have for more years than I can count! Granted the roll didn’t have as much paper but for $1.25 I still have plenty left!!!😊

[@Wynner3]

I like the idea of re-purposed slap bracelets. I still have fond memories of them in middle school, around 1990.

[@nrusso967]

Timely video, James! Great job!

[@larry8able]

Thanks!

[@justincarawan-carawanco.pu1639]

The "Wrap Buddies" look very handy, I'm definitely trying them out soon!

[@GamingHole]

What I learned from this video is more expensive paper is the way to go XD Looks better, has higher quality, and is easier to use.

[@jmtwins6690]

The first roll is like throwing a hotdog down a hallway.... That was the joke!!

[@gianniyuma8852]

I've never heard of anyone using a measuring tape. I have seen a yard stick used but it was more as a straight edge than a measurement tool. Impressed at the wrapping though, probably use 2 maybe 3 pieces of tape.

[@SirNomad]

I've used a 3M branded version of that last cutter before, it definitely works a little better, but still has issues with cheap paper. Also I think I could 3D print the table clamp style wrapping paper roll holder pretty easily, might make a couple of sets to give away! :-)

[@OnlineShoppingMustHaves1]

Great video! The Wrap Buddies are cool! Haven't seen them before.

[@trublgrl]

If your gift wrap roll is too big for the Little Elf, roll what you intend to use onto ANOTHER, smaller roll, and use the cutter on that tube.

[@samurai352]

I've been using one of those letter openers with the razor blades in them for years now!

[@rmp5s]

The Donkey Kong paper is awesome. lol

[@paulallen8495]

Those Wrap Buddies look a lot like the Scotch Clip & Twist tape dispenser. I found one on clearance early last year, for something like $0.37, at CVS. I never used it, because I misplaced it, until today. It has protruding circles on each side that might serve to hold a roll of wrapping paper, if you have a second one to clamp on the other side.

[@chuck6290]

The big take away is that cheap wrapping paper is just a pain to work with in general!

[@joycehunt1307]

I use the slap bracelets to hold rolls of vinyl in my sewing room!

[@FongBot]

Can you give us the calculations you use when you're using the measuring tape? I'm going to try it this year and see if I like it better than the eyeball technique.

[@moonbladem]

I use a letter opener, not the one that looks like a blade, but the one with a small razor. Measure, fold and slice. They're inexpensive and you probably already have one in your desk.

[@Bexinmo]

Do you know what slap bracelets are on the inside? Old measuring tapes like the one you used to measure your wrapping paper.

[@ihaveinsomnia1]

I saw that video!

[@7-ten]

Some people use a tape measure while wrapping presents. Some of us wrap it around bunch it up at the top and put a zip tie on it. 😂

[@Th3OnlyRandy]

If you open those slap bracelets, you’ll see that it simply a tape measure 😂

[@bomafett]

Peel the plastic/silicon off of the slap bracelets and what will you find inside? Tape measures! They may or may not have the measurement markings on them, but most of them I have checked do - they are tape measure cut-offs.

[@ShirlBussman]

I don't wrap anything anymore. Years and years of doing it for grandkids. Now their kids get money. I don't miss wrapping either. I do love seeing all these gadgets that if they were around, I would have bought them. I despise wrapping.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

The wrapping paper wraps are great for keeping loose pant legs from getting caught in bike chains, too.

[@Grizazzle]

You are the ONLY person I've ever seen that uses a tape measure while wrapping gifts!!!

[@MakeupMobster]

I definitely have never used tape measure while wrapping gifts but thanks for the formula! How do you measure oddly shaped gifts?

[@Truth_Spoken]

It was secretly a review of wrapping paper 😆

[@susanwahl6322]

When I want to “cut” my wrapping paper what I do is I fold and crease the paper. If you can get the crease sharp enough, even a butter knife will work.

[@robertm3252]

TOO MANY JOKES (Head exploded)🤣😂🤣

[@colosine]

That's not donkey kong paper, it's mario kart paper

[@sunsetatshabooms4558]

I think the morel of this story is, don't buy cheap wrapping paper lol

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

TBH, it seems like you could do almost as good with a yardstick and a letter opener. Just weigh the yardstick down and use it as a guide for the letter opener.

[@bluelionfur7252]

Cool stuff thanks for reviewing them