We’ve all been there. With wrapping paper in one hand, scissors in the other, and the sticky tape having seemingly disappeared, we’ve revved ourselves up to wrap an awkwardly shaped present.

Whisky gifts fall into this category. With bottles having a rounded body and slender necks, they are trickier than any gift that comes in a box. Plus, it’s practically impossible to wrap a bottle of whisky without the receiver having a pretty good idea of what their gift is.

The best whisky to gift is one that the person will appreciate and enjoy. And although it’s the thought behind it and the bottle of whisky itself that are the most important aspects of gift-giving, most of us still want to be able to present in it a way that’s appealing and reflects the splendour of the spirit. 

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of ways for how to wrap a bottle of whisky like a pro and have even thrown in a few alternative options too.

A patterned paper secured with clear tape provides a classic and elegant presentation for a bottle of whisky. It’s ideal for pretty much any occasion as you can pick a paper to suit, be it adorned with trees for Christmas, balloons for a milestone birthday, or cap and gowns for a graduation celebration.

1. Place the bottle in the centre of a sheet of wrapping paper, ensuring there is enough paper to cover the entire bottle with some excess on the top and bottom.
2. Fold one side of the paper over the bottle and secure it with tape.
3. Fold the other side over and secure it with tape, ensuring the paper is snug around the bottle.
4. Fold the excess paper at the top and bottom of the bottle neatly, creating crisp edges.
5. Secure the top and bottom folds with tape.
6. Optionally, add a ribbon, bow or tag for additional decoration.

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese square piece of fabric used for gift wrapping. This type of wrapping is eco-friendly and versatile, and the cloth can be reused for other purposes after the bottle of whisky has been revealed.

1. Lay the furoshiki cloth flat and place the bottle in the centre.
2. Gather the corners of the cloth together above the bottle.
3. Tie the corners tightly together above the bottle neck, creating a secure knot.
4. Adjust the fabric to ensure the bottle is securely wrapped and the knot is positioned neatly.
5. If desired, fold or tuck any excess fabric for a cleaner finish.

This method of wrapping a bottle of whisky adds fun and frivolity to your gift presentation and is perfect for celebratory occasions. Plus, you can use two or more sheets of different coloured tissue paper when you wrap the bottle to match a theme and create an eye-catching pom-pom. You could use the recipient’s wedding colour scheme, for instance, or choose silver hues if gifting for a 25th wedding anniversary.

1. Wrap the bottle with tissue paper, ensuring it is completely covered.
2. Gather the excess tissue paper at the top of the bottle and secure it with a rubber band.
3. Use scissors to cut slits into the gathered tissue paper, creating a pom-pom effect.
4. Fluff out the tissue paper to create a full and decorative top.
5. If you want to, add a ribbon or bow around the neck of the bottle for extra flair.

Cellophane bags offer a transparent and modern presentation, while shredded paper fill adds an element of surprise and protection. You could even add a few extras to the parcel, such as an engraved shot glass or a set of whisky stones to complement the main whisky gift.

1. Place the bottle of whisky inside a clear cellophane bag.
2. Fill the bottom of the bag with shredded paper to cushion the bottle.
3. Gently lift the sides of the bag to ensure it covers the entire bottle.
4. Tie the top of the bag with a twist tie or ribbon to secure it.
5. Add a gift tag or small ornament to the ribbon for additional decoration.

This option for wrapping a bottle of whisky is perfect for travel or adventure enthusiasts, adding a unique touch to your gift. Any map will do but to really make it special, try and find one that relates to the person you are giving it to by ensuring the map shows somewhere they have been, somewhere they are going or somewhere that has sentimental value to them. It’s ideal for someone about to embark on a gap year for instance, or as a Father’s Day gift idea for a dad who has an upcoming trip to the home of scotch whisky.

1. Cut out a piece of vintage map paper large enough to wrap around the bottle.
2. Wrap the map paper around the bottle, ensuring it covers the entire body.
3. Secure the map paper with double-sided tape or glue.
4. Optionally, add decorative elements such as compass embellishments or travel-themed stickers.
5. Finish with a ribbon or twine tied around the neck of the bottle for a polished look.

If wrapping just isn’t your forte, don’t despair. There are plenty of other ways to present a bottle of whisky that will reflect the sense of occasion:

A sleek and convenient option, bottle bags offer a sophisticated and portable way to present a bottle of whisky. They come in various designs, from classic to contemporary, and are made from a choice of materials including paper, hessian, and fabric.

Gift boxes are available in a variety of sizes and designs and guarantee that they’ll keep what’s inside a surprise. You can get boxes specifically for bottles but if you have a generic gift box to hand, you can make it look the part and keep the bottle safe by filling it with tissue paper or packing straw.

Evoking a rustic charm, wooden crates offer a unique and memorable way to present a bottle of whisky. They provide a sturdy and distinctive packaging option, perfect for whisky enthusiasts or those who appreciate artisanal presentation. You can even tailor it to the recipient by getting the crate engraved.

Yes, it might mean that the element of surprise is lost, but a big bow secured around the neck of the whisky bottle is a simple, yet effective way to make it feel a little more special and add visual appeal.

If you’re feeling extra generous, you can always gift a bottle of whisky alongside some other goodies in a hamper. Whisky hamper ideas will vary depending on who the lucky person is but can include whisky accessories, mixers, or a variety of complimentary snacks.

If you need more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide on what to take to a dinner party as a gift. Or if you’ve received a bottle of whisky, our empty whisky bottle ideas will help you enjoy your present long after the last dram has been drunk.