How to Recreate the Wrapping Paper Trend With Your Pet

Last year’s holiday wrapping paper trend took over social media, and I have a feeling it will make a comeback this season. Pets poking their heads through wrapping paper make for some of the funniest and most festive photos, especially if you plan to include them on your holiday cards. The best part is that you can easily recreate the setup at home with a few basic supplies and a little patience.

What You’ll Need

To get started, gather:

• Wrapping paper (matte works best to avoid glare)

• Scissors

• Clear tape and painter’s tape

• A spoon and a high-value treat (peanut butter is perfect)

• Optional props like bows or headbands

• A rectangular board (for pets who might charge right through the paper)

  
  

Step 1: Prepare the Setup

If you’re using a board, cut a hole a little larger than your pet’s head. Tape the wrapping paper over it using clear tape. Then poke a small hole in the center and start peeling back and taping off sections to create the “ripped through” effect.

If you have someone to help, they can hold the board steady while you guide your pet through. If not, use painter’s tape to secure it at your dog’s height so you can focus on snapping the photos.

Step 2: Lure Your Pet Through

Now for the fun part. Grab your spoon and peanut butter and use it to encourage your pet to poke their head through the paper. When they do, reward them right away. If you can, snap photos with your free hand while keeping their attention on the treat.

If your pet hesitates or backs out, that’s okay. Take your time, keep it positive, and reward every small success.

Step 3: Add Personality

Once your pet is comfortable, add in some fun details. Try festive headbands, bows, or even a little Santa hat. To get that perfect head tilt, use a squeaky toy or high-pitched sound to catch their attention.

Tips From a Wilmington Pet Photographer

As a Wilmington pet photographer, I love this trend because it captures genuine, playful moments. A few reminders for getting great results:

• Always supervise your pet to keep things safe.

• Avoid shiny paper that reflects too much light.

• Be patient. We're asking a lot of them here!

  
  

This trend is a lighthearted way to make holiday memories, and it’s a fun project to try before your holiday photo sessions.

Watch the Tutorial

If you want to see exactly how I set this up, click below to watch my video tutorial.

👉 Watch the video tutorial!