Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Ideas

Christmas morning usually comes with a huge pile of used-once-and-thrown-away plastic-coated gift wrap, shiny bows, and miles of scotch tape. This season, here are 5 classy and creative ways to wrap gifts in a more earth-friendly and sustainable way!

1. Recycle paper

Brown paper shopping bags (turned inside out so that company logos don’t show) can be used to give gift wrapping a nostalgic/vintage touch- there is something charming about “brown paper packages tied up with strings.” If you’re feeling crafty, make a homemade stamp and create your own cute pattern with paint or a stamp pad. You can also recycle newspaper (accent it with a bright bow), or even paper drawn or painted on by your kids!

2. Use a reusable bag

Here’s a great idea: whip up a batch of reusable fabric bags and use them year after year, just like the stockings you hang on the staircase or mantel. You can also buy these from local crafters on Etsy if you don’t have a sewing machine or the extra time. I also love Urbana Sacs — they’re made out of a “washable paper” material and can be used for many purposes around the home after they’ve served their purpose as gift packaging.

3. Give a “naked” present

Sometimes a gift doesn’t need wrapping at all! A beautiful bottle of wine, a box of truffles, or a pretty jar of bath salts can all do without. Just add a little gift tag and you’re all set! I never wrap Numi tea boxes because I think the boxes are lovely- I just add a little bow made of cotton ribbon.

4. Wrap a gift in a gift

Use anything that’s a textile to wrap another gift inside! Extra points if you can match up the “wrapping” to the gift inside: If you’re giving a pair of jeans, wrap it in a big colorful scarf. If you’re giving a kitchen gadget, wrap it in a beautiful new or vintage tea towel that the recipient can use again and again.

5. Recycle Plastic

Instead of buying shiny, metallic wrapping paper, why not use a (very clean) inside-out chips bag? You’ll get the same super shiny effect without the waste. Flimsy single-use plastic shopping bags can be turned into big, fluffy gift bows.

For more helpful tips, try browsing “DIY gift wrap” or “zero waste gift wrap” on Pinterest! Here’s to a more earth-friendly holiday season by changing one little habit.