1. Observe the position of the gift.
If the box is on top of a stack of gifts or hidden on a high shelf, it is probably not fragile. If it seems to have been carefully stored, use caution when handling.
2. Note the gift’s surroundings.
Draw a quick diagram or take a digital or instant-developing photo that shows the location of the gift relative to other presents or objects around it. You will need to return the gift to exactly the same location and position later.
3. Examine the wrapping paper.
The name of the store may be printed on the paper, or it may be sealed using a sticker from the store. Both will give clues to its contents.
4. Smell the box.
Chocolates, baked goods, bath products, and leather goods have distinctive aromas, as do many other items.
5. Squeeze the package.
Clothing boxes are generally light and will give slightly when squeezed. Electronics and other fragile items are usually packed in molded foam inserts that fit snugly inside thin outer boxes. Power tools are often packaged in rigid, thick cardboard boxes with large staples in the end flaps; you might be able to feel the staples through wrapping paper.
Clothing boxes are generally longer than they are wide, and less than six inches high. Compact disc jewel cases are 5½ inches wide, 4¾ inches long, and less than ½ inch high. If the package has the first two dimensions but is higher (thicker), it is probably several discs or a double- or triple-disc set. DVD boxes are 5½ inches wide, about 7½ inches long, and ½ inch high. Books may be any form of rectangle but are relatively heavy for their size. Underwear and socks will often be wrapped but not boxed; the packages will be flexible, and the plastic may make a quiet, crinkling sound.
7. Shake the package gently.
If you hear slight rustling, the item is likely clothes covered in tissue paper. If the box is big, heavy, and clinks slightly, it may contain an appliance.
8. Weigh the package.
If you have a hunch about the item and the store it came from, go online and compare the weight of the box to the listed shipping weight of the suspected gift.
