1) Wrapping paper that is really light in color can usually be seen through by pressing the paper tight to the box its wrapped around.
2) Certain things have certain shapes. For instance a “Bratz” doll box is a one of a kind shape, and baseball bats or skis are unique shapes too.
3) Feeling with your hands. For instance, a box of candy canes, you can feel the space between each cane’s hook.
4) Sneak a round. Look in places you wouldn’t normally look. Examples, bathroom, mom and dad’s room, even in your room a present might be hidden.
5) Cracks. Sometimes there are cracks in the wrapping paper, or poor folds in the wrapping paper that you can look into and see something.
6) Shake. If you shake a present the sounds it makes could give you a clue. If it sounds like broken glass – you’re in trouble. But it back and leave the room.
7) Weight. If the box is heavy or light can be a clue.
Size. If the box is big or small can be a clue. If it as big as a doll house, it might be a doll house.
9) Smell. Your present might have a sweet smell if its candy, a new clothing smell, or some other smell that might give you a clue.
10) Think. Use your brain and think, putting together all these clues.

Written by Monica Noffsinger, 8 Dec 2006, 3rd grade Nokesville Elementary School