You may have now reached the part of the holiday season where the gifts have all been purchased and the lists have all been checked, but now you have the task of wrapping all those gifts. However, the environmental impact of traditional gift wrapping is something we can’t ignore. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that approximately 4 million tons of wrapping paper and gift bags end up in landfills every year. With rising concerns about waste and sustainability, many people are turning to eco-friendly alternatives to wrap their gifts while still making their presents look beautiful. This Christmas, why not consider some of these creative, sustainable wrapping ideas?
1. Fabric Gift Wrap: Furoshiki
One of the most ancient and stylish alternatives to paper wrapping is the Japanese art of furoshiki. Furoshiki refers to square pieces of fabric that can be folded and tied in various ways to wrap gifts of all shapes and sizes. Not only is this method reusable, but it also adds a unique and personal touch to your presents. You can use a beautiful scarf, old t-shirts, or even scrap fabric you have lying around the house. If you don’t have anything on hand, the thrift shop has loads of options.
How to Use:
- Lay the fabric flat.
- Place the gift in the centre.
- Fold the corners over and tie them together with a knot.
- Or you can watch this video to see how it is done.
You can find tutorials online for more intricate folding techniques. Best of all, the fabric itself can be reused again and again as a gift wrap or even as part of a new outfit!
2. Reusable Tote Bags
Tote bags are a fantastic alternative to traditional wrapping paper and come in a variety of designs, making them a charming and practical choice for gifting. Many people already use tote bags for shopping, so giving one as part of a present is doubly sustainable. Your recipient will not only love the gift inside but will also have a practical bag they can use in the future. The Tote bag doesn’t have to be new, but make sure it’s in good condition.
3. Old Maps or Newspaper
Old maps, newspaper pages, or vintage magazines can make for quirky and eco-conscious wrapping materials. You can even use pages from a book that’s no longer in circulation. Maps have an added advantage of being decorative and can be a fun conversation starter if your recipient appreciates unique and creative wrapping ideas. There is something so completely charming with a nod to vintage vibes wrapping this way.
4. Brown Kraft Paper and Twine
Speaking of classic and nostalgic ways of wrapping a gift, nothing is more classic than brown kraft paper. It’s made from recycled materials and is biodegradable. You can keep it simple or get creative by adding your own artistic touches. Use stamps, drawings, or even dried flowers to decorate the brown paper for a personal, rustic look. Twine or natural string can be used to tie the gift, adding a little extra flair.
5. Upcycled Containers: Jars, Baskets, and Boxes
Instead of wrapping a gift in paper, you can place it inside an upcycled container like a mason jar, basket, or reusable box. These containers are often sturdier than a simple paper wrap and can be repurposed by the recipient for storage or other practical uses. For smaller items, glass jars or wooden boxes are a lovely choice, and they add an extra element of surprise and delight.
6. Recycled or DIY Wrapping Paper
If you’re attached to the idea of using paper but still want to stay eco-conscious, you can make your own gift wrap using recycled paper, brown grocery bags, or scrap paper. You can also up-cycle old calendars, cereal boxes, or even fabric scraps. You can add colour and personal touches by decorating it with stamps, drawings, or homemade stencils. One of the most creative up-cycled gift wraps I’ve seen is with an empty chip bag. You simply wash the chip bag after it’s empty, turn the bag inside out, and now you have shiny, silver packaging to wrap a gift.
7. Thrift Your Wrap
Most thrift shops this time of year will be well stocked with items like holiday gift boxes, tins, greeting cards, ribbons, bows, cloth and paper bags, and even rolls of gift wrap. There are so many unique, quality, and even sometimes vintage, gift wrapping options at your local thrift shop. Many of this unused, donated wrapping will go to landfill after the festive season. You can give these items a chance to be used again and save money while doing it.
8. DIY Paper Gift Bags
If you enjoy crafting, you can make your own gift bags from old newspapers, magazines, or other scrap paper you have at home. You can even personalize the gift bags with festive drawings, stamps, dried flowers or sprigs of holly, dried orange slices, or even some of your child’s art. The possibilities are endless, and making your own bags is a great way to reduce waste.
Choosing eco-friendly gift wrap alternatives doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity or beauty. In fact, many of these options allow for a more personal and thoughtful approach to wrapping, with the added benefit of reducing waste. Whether you choose reusable fabric, upcycled containers, or natural materials like leaves and twine, your gifts will look beautiful and sustainable.
By making small changes in how we wrap our gifts, we can collectively reduce the environmental impact of holiday traditions and help make Christmas a greener, more thoughtful celebration for all. —Jen Pistor
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