Quick Answer
The New York Times Mini crossword clue “Gift wrapping flourish” is answered with “BOW”, a 3-letter entry.
Clue: “Gift wrapping flourish”
Answer: BOW
Answer length: 3 letters
Clue number and direction: 1-Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Gift wrapping flourish” is answered with BOW.
In the grid it appears as the pattern B O W (BOW).
Why BOW Is the Right NYT Answer
- A “flourish” on gift wrapping is the decorative touch added at the end, most commonly a bow tied from ribbon. The clue is a straightforward definition: it points directly to the classic finishing decoration on a wrapped present.
- The NYT Mini favors clean, literal clues for early Across entries like 1-Across, so a simple three-letter synonym like BOW is ideal. It also perfectly fits the required 3-letter slot, which rules out alternatives like “RIBBON” or “TAPE.”
What BOW Means in Plain English
- In this context, bow means a looped knot of ribbon used as decoration, especially on gifts. It’s the ornamental piece you place on top after the paper and tape are already in place.
- While bow can also mean to bend the body or refer to a weapon, crosswords rely on context, and the phrase “gift wrapping” clearly signals the decorative ribbon sense.
Crossword-Specific Help for “Gift wrapping flourish”
For this NYT Mini, “Gift wrapping flourish” appears at 1-Across and takes three boxes, matching BOW. As you solve, crossings from the Down clues will confirm letters like:
- B _ _ if you drop in B from 1-Down.
- B O _ once a crossing gives you O, strongly pointing to BOW.
- BOW is a very common crossword entry, showing up frequently across NYT and other puzzles for clues like “Gift topper,” “Ribbon loop,” or “Present decoration.” That makes it a good go-to guess whenever you see a short decorative-gift clue with 3 letters.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
When you encounter short clues about gifts or wrapping, ask:
- Does the grid length = 3? If yes, BOW is often your best first guess.
- Are there words like “topper,” “finishing touch,” or “flourish”? Those usually point to something decorative, not the paper or tape itself.
Related clue styles where BOW might also appear include:
- “Present topper”
- “Finishing touch on a gift”
“Ribbon arrangement on a package”
Checking crossings quickly confirms whether BOW works or if you need to rethink.
