Mathematical Way to Wrap Gifts of Various Shapes
Gift wrapping is an art, but it is also simple geometry. Mathematician Katie Stekles demonstrates several “mathematically satisfactory” ways to wrap gifts.
Some of these you probably already know: of course, the standard method for packing boxes and how you can try to line up the pattern on the paper over soft objects. It also shows a nifty trick for packing a Toblerone (or other equilateral triangular prism) box of chocolate and shows you how to calculate the ideal paper size for packing a square box.
For many, this is probably overboard, but perfect for those of us who find fault with finely wrapped gifts or are just crazy about geometry. (If not, check out these simple gift wrapping tips , how to make a gift bag out of wrapping paper, and how to wrap gifts with just two pieces of ribbon .)
Mathematical Gift Wrapping | YouTube via FlowingData