How to Wrap a Cowboy Gift for a 1st Birthday

Looking for some cowboy-themed gift wrap at the local stores, I came up empty-handed. Brainstorming, I came up with using a Cricut to make this cowboy gift wrap for my grandson’s first birthday.

The idea to use plain brown Kraft wrapping paper came to mind. I considered drawing some cowboy-inspired graphics onto the brown paper. Then, I spotted the Cricut and wondered if there were any cowboy graphics that I could use. You can find this cowboy hat with ‘This is my 1st rodeo’ under images. How cute is this?

How to Wrap a Cowboy Gift for a 1st Birthday — My 1st Rodeo Gift

Cowboy Gift Wrap

Supplies Needed:

plain brown Kraft wrapping paper
Cricut
Red cardstock
Black cardstock
Brown cardstock
Gold cardstock
Scissors
Ruler
easy-tear double-sided tape
Twill Ribbon

Create a Cardboard Wrap

Have you ever faced the problem of wrapping a gift that is difficult to wrap due to a cut-out on half of the box? In such cases, it can be quite challenging to wrap the gift properly. This time, a solid surface is needed to apply the graphics and letters to it.

Since I didn’t have another box to place this one inside, I looked around and found a large piece of corrugated cardboard. It is large enough to create a wrap for the gift.

Toddler gift with cardboard wrap.

Cardboard wrap.

I just cut the cardboard the width of the box. Only the top, the bottom, and the ends of the box are covered with the cardboard wrap. Scoring the cardboard and folding it over a sharp edge creates a nice edge. Measure and score the cardboard to wrap the box. I cut the cardboard ends to just meet along one edge. You can see this in the picture above.

In this case, I’m not taping the ends together. It will be easier for little Ripley just to push the cardboard cover away.

Just wrap the gift with brown Kraft paper. I use easy-tear double-sided tape for gift wrapping. I found this tape a couple of years ago and this stuff is so handy. You can apply one side to the paper. Then, remove a small section of the paper backing, set the paper or flap in place, pull the rest of the paper backing away, and press in place.

If you’ve ever tried to apply a long piece of tape and it caught in the wrong spot, you will appreciate this tape.

Cut the Graphic

Use your Cricut to cut the graphics. You’ll need black, brown, yellow, and red cardstock. Use transfer tape and transfer the graphics to the tape.

Measure and mark the center of each of the separate graphics. Then, measure the center of the top of the box and mark it lightly with a mechanical pencil.

Then, use Tacky Glue to dot and apply to the backs of the graphics, one at a time. I started with the RODEO because I wanted it to be toward the bottom of the box, leaving an area at the top for a decorative ribbon.

Next, position the RODEO matching up the center lines and press the glued letters onto the brown paper. Slowly and carefully, remove the transfer paper, holding down the brown letters as needed.

Center and glue the ‘1st’ over the RODEO the same way. Then glue the stars on either side of it.

Apply glue to the back side of the black hat and the ‘This is my.’ Use the red hat on the transfer tape to position the black cowboy hat on the brown paper and adhere to the brown paper. Then, glue the red hat on top of the black background hat.

Lastly, I wrapped two pieces of twill ribbon around the top of the package and tied a bow with both pieces. Then, separate the bows and fluff.

Compared to regular gift wrap, this one is much more unique! I hope the little fella likes it.