How to Draw a Present (Easy Step by Step)
A present is a great first drawing because it is made almost entirely of rectangles and a few loops. You will stack a lid on a box, add a ribbon down the middle, and top it off with a bow. A little smiling face and a gift tag make it feel like a friendly gift.
- Easy
- 12 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a present step by step
How to Draw a Present · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: The gift box
Draw a big rounded rectangle for the box, wider than it is tall. Leave the top edge open for now, because the lid will sit right on top of it.
Step 3: The lid
Draw a wide, flat rounded rectangle on top of the box. Let it stick out a little past the box on both the left and the right.
Step 4: The ribbon stripes
Draw two straight lines going down from the top of the lid to the bottom of the box, close together near the middle. They make one wide ribbon wrapping around the present.
Step 5: The bow knot
On top of the lid, right above the ribbon, draw a small rounded shape like an upside-down bowl. This is the knot that holds the bow together.
Step 6: The two bow loops
Draw a leaf-shaped loop on each side of the knot. Start each one at the knot, curve it up and out, and bring it back down to touch the lid.
Step 7: The happy face
On the left side of the box, draw two round dots for eyes. Under them, add a small curved smile that looks like a little bowl.
Step 8: The gift tag
On the right side of the box, draw a small tilted tag. Start at the bottom with a short, slightly slanted box, then slant the top corners in so the top looks pointed. Add a tiny dot hole near the top.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your present? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a candy cane or how to draw a mitten next.
Tips for drawing a present
- Draw the box and the lid as two separate rectangles, and make the lid a little wider so it hangs over the sides.
- Draw the bow loops after the knot. Start each loop at the knot and let it swing out like a leaf, then come back to the lid.
- The tag is the trickiest part because it is tilted. Draw a small box first, slant the top corners, and add the dot hole at the end.
Free present coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this present coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your present drawing
Try a bright red box with a white ribbon, or go for purple with gold. For a creative twist, color the bow a different color from the box, or add polka dots on the lid.
Present fun fact for kids
Paper was invented in China about 2,000 years ago, long before the wrapping paper we use on gifts today.
Questions about drawing a present
What shapes do I need to draw a present?
You need rounded rectangles for the box and the lid, two straight lines for the ribbon, a small rounded shape for the knot, and two leaf-shaped loops for the bow.
How do I make my present look cuter?
Give it a face. Two round dots for eyes and a small curved smile make the box look happy. Making the corners round instead of sharp helps too.
How do I draw a bow that looks even?
Draw the knot first, then make one loop on each side. Try to start both loops at the same height on the knot and make them about the same size.
