Did you know that the majority of wrapping papers aren’t recyclable? It’s a tremendous pain for landfills, with glitter, foil embellishments, and tape remnants.
Today we’re sharing some alternatives to wrapping paper that are so beautiful, they might have you ditching the rolls for good. It’s time we all started to make an effort to reuse what we already have in our homes – just think how much money you could save too!
1. Wrap anything with fabric
Furoshiki is a traditional folding technique originating in Japan. All you need is a pretty square of fabric big enough to wrap your present with. No tape or ties needed!
You can buy cheap cuts of fabric or use old bedsheets to create your very own wraps. Why not buy the recipient a scarf and use that to wrap the present?
2. Tracing paper
Got some spare tracing paper at home? It could double up as cellophane-style wrapping paper in a pinch. Place some scraps of paper or pressed flowers underneath for a unique looking gift.
3. Baking parchment
Similar to tracing paper, baking parchment can come in handy for gift wrapping if you’ve got nothing else to hand. It looks quite similar to brown paper so if you were to adorn with twine, we’re sure no one will notice the difference!
4. Brown paper
Who doesn’t love the classic brown paper package tied up with string? Add a pretty Christmas ornament as a finishing touch and a bonus gift.
5. Sheet music
Maison de Pax wrapped their gifts using sheet music. It’s perfect for the festive period or great for that music lover in your life. Add some coloured twine and foliage for stunning results.
6. Paper napkins
Got some spare paper napkins lying around from birthday parties and Christmas dinner? Use them to wrap small gifts. Napkins are especially good for wrapping up delicate items like jewellery.
7. Posters
We’ve all got some old posters knocking about. Don’t throw them away – put them to use as themed wrapping paper!
8. Paper & washi tape
Why not take some ordinary printer paper and make your own custom wrapping paper with washi tape embellishments? It’s so easy to do and looks really effective.
9. Maps
Now that maps are available at the touch of a button, all of our old paper copies are redundant. Cityhippyfarmgirl had the wonderful idea to put them to use as wrapping paper. If you ask us, it could pass as patterned wrapping paper brought from a shop.
10. Tin foil
Ever thought of wrapping your presents in tin foil? As long as you’re careful not to let it get to wrinkled or scrunched, it can pass for foil paper.
If you’re looking for environmentally friendly options, this might not be the one for you. That said, as long as tin foil is clean, it should be recyclable in your area but be sure to check first.
11. Photos
Gift tags are so last year! Why not switch them out for personal photos of you and the recipient. Not only does it help to show who the gift is for, but it adds something special to the plain brown paper. The photos can be framed afterwards too, reducing waste!
12. Chalkboard paint
Tidy mom found some matte black paper that’s great for gifting all year round. Simply use some chalk to mark the occasion!
13. Newspaper
Gave That show how easy it is to wrap presents using upcycled newspaper sheets. If you spend some time carefully choosing your sheets, you can end up with some brilliant results.
14. Use a gift box
Instead of wrapping gifts in paper that’ll be ripped off, why not decorate boxes and enclose gifts inside? You can keep the boxes to be reused at a later date.
15. Gift bags
It sounds obvious but, just in case you have forgotten, gift bags are a great way to wrap a present! Just pop the present inside and you’re done. Gift bags are nice and robust so they can be used over and over again. No need for wrapping here.
16. Rip pages from a book
Ernnish used pages from a book to wrap small gifts. They finished the design off with some brown twine. We’re not sure if a book-lover would like this though – they might consider it murder!
17. Wrappers
You might disagree, but sometimes wrappers make great wrapping. Fancy bars of chocolate and wrappings from high-end products can be reused to wrap gifts. Try it for yourself and see if it’s for you.
18. Children’s artwork
If you’ve got children, you’ll probably have a growing pile of messy masterpieces. Why not use some of them to wrap gifts?
