Sustainable Wrapping Paper Ideas For The Holidays!

This time of year is dedicated to showing those around you how much you care about them, and gift-giving is the most common way to do so. One thing about the Holidays that we don’t normally think about is the amount of waste that goes to our landfills. Between wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, and gift bags, our garbage cans accumulate a lot of the Holiday aftermath. To cut back on waste and have a happy Holiday that celebrates each other along with the Earth, try out these alternative gift-wrapping methods!

1. Save and Reuse Gift Wrapping

Even though you may be trying to go green by wrapping your presents in alternative ways, it is highly likely that you will receive a gift this year that uses all the traditional supplies of wrapping paper, bows, tissue paper, and the like. Instead of collecting the tissue paper and gift bags in the trash can after you open your gifts, try to fold them neatly and take them home with you to be used for another round of presents. Saving gift-wrapping supplies and getting more uses out of them is not only good for the Earth but also great for your wallet. This way, you’ll always have wrapping supplies on hand, ready to spread more cheer while also being environmentally conscious! 

2. Old Newspapers

Even if you do not read newspapers yourself, it is likely that someone you know does. Ask around and collect the newspapers that your loved ones have finished reading and were ready to trash. This reading source can be saved and used as unique gift-wrapping paper. Newspapers are both affordable and more sustainable than traditional wrapping paper. So, why not get one more use out of them before you send them to the recycling center? You can even draw your own designs on the paper to really customize it and make it special for your giftee! 

3. Fabric

Instead of using paper to wrap your gifts this year, why not choose a wrapping method that is both more sustainable and beautiful? Collecting scarves, tea towels, bandanas, and the like is the first step in this wrapping process. Fabrics come in endless colors and patterns, just like traditional wrapping paper! By wrapping gifts in these types of fabric items, you are not only saving paper but you also are giving your giftee a bonus gift. Who wouldn’t want to receive their present wrapped in a warm, cozy new scarf? These items are useful and practical and will not be thrown out like normal wrapping paper would be. 

4. Thrift Store Finds

The thrift store has a great selection of gift-wrapping supplies if you let your mind get creative. Scour your local secondhand store for decorative boxes that can double as gift boxes (and be a bonus decor item gift), glass jars and bottles that can double as containers for homemade gifts such as jam and bath salts, baskets that can be used to create personalized gift baskets, etc. Buying your gift-wrapping supplies from the thrift store means you are giving a piece a second life, and those items can be enjoyed by their new owner or be passed on again and again. By choosing to give your gifts in reusable items, you are taking the first step towards building a greener community!

Happy gifting!