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How to Tie a Tiffany Bow

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This post has been updated with new text, pictures and step-by-step instructions.
 
how to tie a tiffany bow

The thing I love about presents is how you can use a thoughtful gift to make someone really feel special. Beautiful wrapping paper, a personalized card and the element of surprise—it’s not just another Amazon package with toothpaste inside. So while the actual gift is important, it’s the presentation that really makes the entire experience. Right down to the bow. It might sound simple, but there’s a definite art to tying them. And Tiffany has perfected it.

What Makes a Good Bow

The Tiffany bow is great for a few reasons:

  • You can tie it entirely yourself (no borrowed fingers required!)
  • There are no knots involved so it unravels with a single tug (no running to fetch scissors halfway through unwrapping!)
  • It works magically on packages of all sizes (and with all kinds of ribbon!)

How to Tie a Tiffany Bow

My cousin Denise used to work at Tiffany and taught me all of the steps. Here’s how…

Step 1

 

Place the ribbon in the center of the box and hold in the center with your left hand. Leave approximately a box length of ribbon at the bottom of the box.

Step 2

Bring the other end up to the top…

…and around the back…
…meeting both ends of ribbon at the package center.

Step 3

While still holding the ribbon at the package center with your left hand, take the ribbon in your right hand and fold it back at a 45 degree angle towards the left…

…and wrap it around the left side and back of the package…

…bringing it back up around the right side to meet your left hand.

Step 4

Snip the end of ribbon in your right hand.

Step 5

Take the now loose end into your right hand…
…and slip it under both ribbons in your left hand, starting at the lower left corner…
…bringing it up towards the top right corner. Pull both ends of ribbon in opposite directions to tighten.

Step 6

Tie the two ribbon ends into a bow (like you’re tying your shoes). Tighten and adjust your bow. Clip ribbon ends at a diagonal (if applicable).
Note: Ribbon should not extend beyond the edge of the box.

Watch How to Tie a Tiffany Bow

Want more visual instructions? Check out the video on my Instagram story highlights 🙂

Gift Like a Pro

Here are my other favorite tips for giving a great gift.
  • Box it up—Always start with a box whenever you can because 1) it makes wrapping easier and 2) it makes your present look like a million bucks. When I give gifts crisply wrapped in a box, people often tell me they don’t even need the gift inside—they’re happy enough just to have the wrapped box. These kraft boxes are cute, but if you’re in a pinch, an old Amazon box works, too.
  • Use pretty paper—Because people notice. And it’s another opportunity to delight your gift recipient.
  • Include a card—For most gift recipients, the note inside is more important than the actual card. I never spend more than a dollar or two on my cards. (The Target dollar bin is a great place to get cards.) But always make sure to include a personalized note (never write only your gift recipient’s name at the top and your name at the bottom!)
  • Put a Bow on It—A pretty ribbon is the finishing touch that gives your gift that extra pop. I love using thick white ribbon (the wiring makes it really easy to keep the bow shape), fluffy white yarn and baker’s twine.

Last modified: January 11, 2019