Gift Wrap Organizer (Plywood)

A simple DIY Gift wrapping station that is small enough to roll or slide under a bed. This is a great way to organize those rolls of wrapping paper, a pair a scissors, tape, and ribbon all in one place. Roll out a piece of paper and wrap gifts right on top. The one in the video and originally designed was wider and included room for 5 rolls of wrapping paper. As a result of that build, these instructions have been adjusted for 3 rolls of wrapping paper and lightened the load a little by using a thinner base.

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Materials

1 – ¾” 4’x4’ Project Panel of Plywood (sanded pine is affordable)

1 – ½” 2’x4’ Project Panel of Plywood (sanded pine is affordable)

3 – ¾” x 48” Dowels

2 – 1” x 1” Hinges

1 – 4” or bigger Handle

4 – 1 ½” Casters (or furniture movers)

1 – Small box of 1 ¼” Coarse Drywall Screws (or SPAX multi-use construction star bit screws)

1 – Small box of 2” Coarse Drywall Screws (or SPAX multi-use construction star bit screws)

16 – 5/8” screws for casters (if not provided)

Tools

Drill/Driver

Circular Saw

Drill Bits

7/8th Inch Paddle Bit

Jigsaw

Miter Saw (to chop dowels and dividers)

It is best to sand these units after cutting to reduce the sanding necessary once the unit is built.

Top – (1) – 43 ¾” x 18”

Bottom – (1) – 42 ¼” x 16 ½” (only piece cut out of ½” plywood)

Sides – (2) – 18” x 4 ¼”

Front/Back – (2) – 42 ¼” x 4 ¼”

Dowel Holders – (2) – 10 ½” x 3 ¾”

Center Divider – (1) – 42 ¼” x 3 ¾”

Small Dividers – (3) – 4” x 3 ¾”

Front/Back Inside – (2) 42 ¼” x 3 ¾”

Dowels – (3) – 42 1/8”

Pre-drill 1/8” holes at ends of side pieces to be attached to the front and back and use 2” screws to attach the back/front to the sides.

Attach the inside panels to the inside of the box. The top of the interior pieces should be flush with whichever side you plan to use as the top of the unit, keeping it flush. Fasten with 1 ¼” screws after pre-drilling.

Cut the dowel holders as provided in the dowel diagram, using a 7/8” paddle bit and/or forstner bit, be sure to use a backer when drilling to avoid blow out. You can use a jigsaw to open up the slots.

Fasten the dowel holders using the 1 ¼” screws, be sure to pre-dill holes and to align the TOP of the holders to the top edge of the box, keeping it flush.

Flip the box over and fasten the bottom around the edges by pre-drilling around the perimeter and fastening with 2” screws. Attach the bottom to the long sides (also dowel holder if desired).

Install casters or whatever you choose to use on the bottom at each of the four corners. If using caster, be sure to pre-drill and use screws no longer than 5/8”.

The center divider and small dividers can be installed by using 2” screws (with pre-drilled pilot holes) through the bottom. Make sure to measure twice before pre-drilling and line up the dividers to in the middle to avoid splitting.

Attach handle in any location along the front (I generally try to center it). If desired, the handle or additional handles can be placed on the sides (if you are storing it that way) and/or in the top, for ease in opening.

Attach the two hinges to the back corners of the organizer. Make sure they align with the outer edge so that the paper can slide through the small gap created by the hinge.

Insert the dowel into the hole on one side and slide in into the open cut on the other after putting it through a roll of wrapping paper.

Sand any other rough edges to avoid splinters or sharp edges. If the wrapping paper doesn’t come out smoothly, sand down the back wall a little or if necessary, use a planer. Sometimes the quality of the plywood isn’t that great and the top may have a bow in it that’s pinching the paper.

If desired, either paint, stain, or finish the unit as you see fit. I recommend at least a spray shellac.

You’re all done. Yours should look just like the one pictured on the title page except it’s not as deep (about a 7 inch difference) and there are only three (3) spots for wrapping paper or you can even put small rolls of ribbon on the dowel. This final product should be significantly lighter than the one I originally made, which was very difficult to move because of its weight and size. These plans can be extrapolated for larger stations, or compressed if you use only shorter rolls of wrapping paper.