Image created with Canva Magic Studio
Gift wrapping is one of those holiday traditions that I always imagine going smoothly—like in the movies, where the presents come out looking perfect, wrapped in fancy paper with flawless bows. Reality, though, is very different. With a husband, two dogs, six kids (and their spouses), 15 grandkids, and two sets of parents, I spend what feels like forever buried under rolls of wrapping paper, stray tape, and enough ribbon to outfit a parade float.
To make the process less overwhelming (and more enjoyable), I turn to podcasts. They’re the perfect wrapping companion, keeping me entertained while my hands are busy. And while I could opt for cheerful holiday tunes or uplifting stories, let’s be honest—most of the time, I prefer true crime. There’s something hilarious about matching the festive act of wrapping a teddy bear to tales of mystery and intrigue.
If you’re looking to elevate your gift-wrapping sessions, here are some of my favorite podcasts to keep you company.
True Crime Favorites
For those who, like me, enjoy a bit of suspense while curling ribbon:
- My Favorite Murder
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark’s mix of humor and true crime storytelling keeps things light yet fascinating. Their chemistry and casual approach make you feel like you’re chatting with friends about crime—and sometimes other quirky topics. - Crime Junkie
Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat deliver compelling, well-researched crime stories in a straightforward and addictive format. Each episode dives into a new case, so you can focus on perfecting that bow while unraveling mysteries. - Southern Fried True Crime
This one feels like home—focusing on cases from the southern U.S., it blends crime, culture, and just the right amount of sass. Perfect for when wrapping those cowboy boots for one of the grandkids! - Dateline
The iconic Dateline format translated into a podcast. Keith Morrison’s voice will have you so engrossed you might not even notice the tape stuck to your elbow.
Holiday-Themed Podcasts
If you’re in a more festive mood (or if your family catches you wrapping gifts to murder mysteries and looks concerned):
- Christmas Past
This delightful podcast dives into the history and stories behind Christmas traditions. It’s light, cheery, and perfect for wrapping those candy cane-themed gifts. - The Lost Christmas Podcast
Fun and full of festive spirit, this podcast serves up holiday tips, stories, and plenty of inspiration for a magical season. - The Cozy Christmas Podcast
This one is like wrapping presents by a roaring fire with a cup of cocoa. It’s heartwarming, nostalgic, and filled with holiday cheer.
Lighthearted Comedy
Sometimes, you just need a good laugh to power through the pile of gifts.
- SmartLess
Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, this podcast is a hilarious mix of celebrity interviews and comedic banter. Perfect for when you accidentally rip the wrapping paper and need a distraction from your frustration. - Office Ladies
Fans of The Office will love this behind-the-scenes podcast with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey. Their chemistry and humor make it feel like you’re wrapping presents with old friends. - The Misfits Podcast
A mix of off-the-wall humor and relatable stories from a group of friends who keep things unpredictable.
For the Multi-Tasker
If you want to learn something new or feel productive while wrapping:
- Stuff You Should Know
With episodes on everything from the history of wrapping paper to bizarre facts about gift-giving, this podcast is perfect for curious minds. - How I Built This
Dive into the stories of entrepreneurs and innovators—it’s inspiring and informative, especially when you’re wrapping that fancy tech gift someone demanded! - The Daily
Keep up with current events while checking wrapping off your to-do list.
Pro Tips for Wrapping and Listening
- Stay Organized: Before pressing play, gather everything—scissors, tape, tags, ribbon—so you’re not interrupting the flow to hunt for supplies.
- Use Wireless Earbuds: Trust me, untangling ribbon is bad enough. Don’t add headphone wires to the mix.
- Pace Yourself: Switch up podcasts when you need a change of vibe. A true crime episode followed by something festive keeps things balanced.
Make It Fun
While gift-wrapping can feel like a chore, it’s also a chance to unwind and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re solving crimes with your favorite podcast hosts or getting into the holiday spirit with festive stories, the key is to make the process your own.
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfect corners or evenly curled ribbon—it’s about the love you put into each package. And if a few episodes of Crime Junkie help you survive the chaos, well, that’s just a bonus.
Happy wrapping!
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.
This website may contain affiliate links, including links to products on Amazon. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect your purchase price but helps support the site at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!