This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Wrapping paper looks lovely for about five minutes, then it’s torn off and stuffed in a trash bag. Much of it can’t even be recycled because of the shiny coatings and glitter. This year, try a few of these reusable and upcycled wrapping ideas. They’re pretty, budget-friendly, and some become a second gift all on their own.
10 wrapping paper alternatives
- Fabric wraps (furoshiki). Tie gifts in a square of fabric, a tea towel or a scarf. It’s beautiful, and the wrap is part of the gift.
- Reusable gift bags. Save and reuse bags year after year, or sew simple drawstring bags from holiday fabric.
- Brown kraft paper. Recyclable and inexpensive. Dress it up with twine, rosemary sprigs or a stamped design.
- Kids’ artwork. Grandparents love gifts wrapped in their grandkids’ drawings.
- Newspaper and old maps. Classic and charming, especially for travelers.
- Baskets and boxes. A basket, tin or keepsake box can be used again and again.
- Mason jars. Perfect for cookies, cocoa mix, bath salts or small treats.
- Sheet music or old book pages. Lovely for small gifts (use damaged books from thrift stores).
- Paper grocery bags. Turn them inside out for plain brown paper.
- A stocking or mitten. Tuck small gifts inside something useful.
Ways to reuse leftover wrapping paper
- Line drawers and shelves for a pop of color.
- Back photo frames or make a wall collage.
- Make confetti with a paper shredder for birthday and New Year’s parties.
- Cover cans and jars to make desk or craft organizers.
- Save the best pieces flat in a bin for next year’s small gifts.
Eco-friendly finishing touches
- Cotton ribbon, twine or yarn instead of plastic ribbon
- Fresh greenery, cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices
- Gift tags cut from last year’s Christmas cards
Planning your holiday baking? The Christmas Planner has a Christmas baking planner, a gift tracker, a six-week countdown and a Christmas dinner menu, so the whole season stays merry and organized. Get the Christmas Planner ($8) →
FAQ
Is wrapping paper recyclable?
Plain paper usually is. Shiny, metallic or glittery paper usually isn’t. Try the scrunch test: if it stays scrunched, it can often be recycled.
How do I wrap with fabric?
Set the gift in the center of a square of fabric, tie two opposite corners, then tie the other two corners over the top.
Where can I find fabric for wrapping?
Thrift stores, fabric remnant bins, old scarves and tea towels all work.
Save this for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board.
You might also like:
Leave a Reply