Wrapping paper plays an important and very fun role in holiday celebrations. It makes packages beautiful and fun, adds mystery to the gift-giving process, and can help identify gifts as unique and exciting. Using creative wrapping paper options means taking things to the next level! Using something unique means that no one else’s gift will look like yours and it will add more excitement and intrigue to your gift.
There are also environmental reasons to switch to alternatives to wrapping paper. Unfortunately, traditional Gift wrapping Not a very environmentally friendly option. It is made from hard-to-recycle materials that go straight to the landfill. And think how much we all use around the holidays! In fact, it contributes to waste 25% increase During the festive season.
Fortunately, there are plenty that sustain both And Attractive wrapping paper options. They will help make your gift stand out from the pack and make your gift more memorable. So let’s get into those thoughts, shall we?!
Fabric wrapping paper options
There are various techniques you can use to wrap holiday gifts with fabric. Not only is this a beautiful way to wrap gifts, but it’s also durable! Fabric wraps can be reused year after year and some materials can even be recycled after they are no longer used.
Actually the name of this art of wrapping gifts in fabric is “Furoshiki.” This is a Japanese technique that uses cloth to wrap around gift items. You can buy furoshiki wrapping cloth in stores or make it yourself. The DIY option requires you to cut fabric to fit snugly around the gift while leaving enough fabric to secure your package with a knot or bow. Here is a quick guide How to wrap and tie your furoshiki.
Furoshiki are available in a variety of fabric materials. You can choose from:
- Cotton
- silk
- Hemp
- Upcycled Fabrics- I love the idea of a thrifted cute scarf that doubles as a gift on its own.
DIY cloth pouches
DIY cloth pouches are easy to make. Sew two pieces of fabric together to create a pouch design. String ribbon to make a drawstring. Add bead, button or lace embellishments to make your pouch more attractive. You can even use an old sweater to make your gift more cozy for the season! Check outScrap fabric loveFor a tutorial on how to make these adorable gift pouches!
A decorative brown paper bag
You can also swap out your wrapping paper for a brown paper bag. Cut your bag open and wrap it directly around your gift. Decorate it with paint, stamps and crayons. Or at the very least, tie it with a simple ribbon or yarn to create a rustic design. Here’s a great example.”A beautiful improvement“
They are also easy to work with. Place your gifts in your bags and decorate them with stickers, tinsel, or make a tissue paper Christmas tree like this idea.Something turquoise” We showed in our DIY gift bags Post it to your kids as a craft activity, and they can easily stamp and color their bags to create a unique piece of their own.
Brown paper bags are a sustainable choice due to their biodegradable properties. Double check with the manufacturer or brand you buy, but most brown paper bags should be compostable if you don’t cover them with paint when you decorate them.
Decorative craft paper
Paper bags aren’t the only form of brown paper to use to make your alternative wrapping paper. Craft paper is an easily accessible, budget friendly starting point for creating something beautiful. Simply stamp, paint, draw or stencil your own wrapping paper design. I love that this project”Mod Podge Rocks” focused on one theme and created multiple coordinating designs.
The great thing about this method is that you can buy a roll of kraft paper and then create a new design for each gift you wrap. Even a simple small drawing can create a beautiful pattern for your DIY gift wrap.
Reuse tin, metal or wooden boxes
We collect boxes we no longer need because they are too tempting to throw away. They can be ideal for gift giving purposes. Here are some examples:
Cigar box
This is the perfect size for many small gifts, and wooden boxes look more luxurious when many other gifts come in cardboard.
Mint tin
Save those tins after you’ve finished your favorite mints- these make great little gift boxes for small gift items! Here a A quick tutorial How to prepare them super easily! There are also lots of creative ways to reuse these little tins, and many of them will make great ones Stocking stuffers– and you know we love us some DIY gift ideas. Check out some mint tin craft ideas here.
Electronics box
The best alternative to wrapping paper may be one that requires no paper at all! Many people agree that phone and laptop boxes are too good to throw out, so just paint them to reuse them as gift boxes! These will be reusable for future holidays too!
Jewelry box
After receiving a jewelry gift, don’t throw out the box! This cute box also makes the perfect container for future gifts!
A cookie or popcorn tin
Depending on the appearance of the box, you can redecorate it or leave it as is. Add tissue paper inside to provide an engaging unboxing experience. The paper will also prevent the item from moving.
Newspaper
Looking for sustainable options? Try a newspaper! I know that doesn’t sound like the prettiest idea, stay with me here. A little creativity goes a long way, and you can wrap your gifts beautifully with newspaper. It will also give your gifts a funky, unique look that will stand out from the rest! So, before throwing your newspaper in the recycling bin this time of year, give it a new life under the Christmas tree!
Reusable gift bags and totes
Reusable bags and totes are usually thought of as one An environmental option For plastic grocery and retail bags. But guess what, they can also act as a great wrapping paper substitute. Options are plentiful Available on AmazonOr you can create your own gift by customizing a canvas tote! I did this last year for some winter themed host gifts for my bridal shower. They were so easy and I love how they turned out! Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture of all three bags together as a gift and inside the tissue paper, so here’s a picture I got.
I simply used acrylic paint to decorate the bag with basic greenery (super easy I promise). Here are some more fun personalization techniques:
- Embroidery: Bags embroidered with holiday words like “Season’s Greetings” or “Feliz Navidad”
- Iron-on fabrics and patches: Iron on patches with vintage images that represent the holiday season.
- Paint: Use fabric paint to add a seasonal vibe to your tote bag aesthetic. Stencils and stamps make this even easier!
- Sew on Accessories: Sew on beads and baubles to make your bag more attractive.
- Use Tie Dye: Tie-dye your tote with the colors of the season
- Use holiday photos: Holiday photos Sew-on designs can be incorporated to make your gift wrapping personal and meaningful
Glass Jars and Containers
Glass jars and containers are ideal for homemade treats, candies, bath salts or gift giving. Bath bombsAnd DIY candles. You can make them more decorative by adding ribbon around the top. Use ribbon to attach tags or chalk paint labels to the jars.
natural elements
No gift wrapping is complete without the finishing touches! While we traditionally use bows and ribbons, it can be more fun to turn to things from nature to decorate your gifts. Not only do they add an elegant, rustic touch, but are hey free and 100% sustainable. Examples include twigs, dried winter flowers, Pineconesand more. “A Piece of Rainbow” has tons of ideas for creating beautiful gift decorations with natural elements here.
This is all Environmentally friendly alternatives For bowing gifts made of artificial materials and plastic. Combine them with twine or hemp string to create a rustic look.
Use your own beautiful DIY wrapping paper options this year!
I hope this post has shown you that you don’t have to sacrifice style and excitement with your wrapping paper options. There are so many great sustainable options out there. Cloth, brown paper bags, tin or wooden boxes, newspapers, glass jars and containers are all ideal Eco-friendly substitutes, and now you’ve seen how creative you can be with them! How do you avoid unnecessary waste in your gift-wrapping efforts this season? Let us know in the comments! Continue the holiday cheer by checking out our posts on DIY mid-century style paper ornaments, DIY snow globe ideasAnd DIY Christmas Stockings and Patterns!
