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So the holidays are around the corner, you’ve got all your sustainable gifts ready, and you’re feeling pretty good. But then you remember… the wrapping.
Now you’ve got to figure out how to gift wrap sustainably, and you’re probably a little worried.
Don’t freak out! It’s okay because thankfully there are tons of different ways and ideas to be sustainable in literally just about everything you do.
So here I’m going to show you how to wrap your gifts sustainably.
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Why You Shouldn’t Use Regular Wrapping Paper
Most of the ones we use aren’t recyclable because of what it’s made with.
Wrapping paper is most often dyed and laminated. It also might contain extra additives used for decorating like glitter, colored shapes, and other plastics that can’t be recycled.
Some wrapping paper is made very thin and therefore contains very little fibers that are actually recyclable.
Even if it doesn’t contain these things, there may still tape on it from when it was used to wrap the gift, which makes it difficult to recycle.
If you do have wrapping paper, say someone got you something wrapped in it, and you want to recycle it, make sure the wrapping paper is recyclable.
It shouldn’t have any glitter, plastic, etc., and make sure the material it’s made with is also recyclable. You can check this information at your nearest recycling locations.
If it can’t be recycled, or you just aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to throw it in the trash. This is much better than it going to the recycling plant, and the whole thing of recycles going to the trash because of this one thing. Better safe than sorry!
Different Methods of Wrapping
There are tons of different and creative ways you can wrap your gifts!
You can choose many different ones for each gift you have and what you think will look and go best with that gift. Try to use materials that you already have in your home.
If you do need to use tape for decorating, try paper tape! 100% recyclable and compostable.
Be creative with it! Have some fun, don’t think of this as a chore or something you HAVE to do or else. Think of it as a thoughtful effort into the gifts you are giving, because by becoming more sustainable you’re also giving a gift to the planet. 💚
1. Fabric Gift Bags
Fabric gift bags are a really cute and creative way to gift your loved ones something special!
They are much better than paper gift bags because those may not be recyclable because of the decorations. Plus, the next person can use the fabric bag over and over again!
I’m a really big fan of this idea, and I think the bag is a whole gift in itself honestly. You can either just put the gift right on the fabric and tie it, or you can sew it together and make a really cute bag.
You can learn how to make different ones here.
If you’re thinking about cute and creative ways to decorate, making a little and simple wreath out of natural materials is a great way!
Related: 12 Meaningful Zero-Waste Gifts for Mom That Will Make you Her Favorite Kid
2. Gift Jars
If you have any food you’re gifting or small items that could fit in a jar, this is a really great idea!
You can reuse a glass jar that you have and decorate it nicely! Add a hemp ribbon or some yarn around it to make it look pretty.
3. Reuse Old Boxes
It’s a great idea to keep boxes you may have from online orders or big items that you go so that you can reuse them!
You could wrap a large piece of fabric over it (instead of wrapping paper) and add a cute ribbon. Or get any reusable/recyclable decorative things you have and just be creative and have a good time decorating!
But even if you don’t have the time or any ideas, that’s okay too! Doing less goes a long way and at the end of the day, it’s the thought (and the present haha) that matters.
4. Use a Scarf
This idea is so genius. Wrapping your gift in a scarf is a really cute idea. You don’t need to try and decorate it either because the scarf looks cute on its own. And the best part is the person you’re gifting it to can also wear the scarf.
This video shows you exactly how to wrap your gifts in a scarf.
5. Cloth Napkins
Also another great idea, this can be used for smaller gifts and would work just as well as the scarf! You could also get some branches or flowers from outside and decorate it with that.
Don’t be nervous to ask for the cloth back either, I’m sure the person being gifted wouldn’t mind and I’m pretty sure they care more about the actual present too lol.
Related: 17 Most Thoughtful Zero-Waste Gifts for Your Daughter That She’ll Love
6. Brown Paper Bags
If you have any extra paper bags, those are a great idea for gifting. Depending on the size of the bag, you could put your gift in it, big or small!
You can also cut and shape the bags to fit your gift and use it as an actual wrapping paper. Try not to use tape or glue as those can’t be recycled. I recommend trying paper tape, which is 100% recyclable and compostable!
Decorate with some pine cones, yarn, a recycled or hemp ribbon, or anything else sustainable you can think of!
Buying or grabbing some extra paper bags from the store is okay too, as they are recyclable and much better than traditional wrapping paper.
7. Holiday Themed Towles
And if you really don’t have anything to use, you could always go out and get a towel or fabric that can be reused to wrap your gifts.
At the end of the day, this is still better than plastic and is doing much less harm to the planet.
Just try to reuse it as much as possible. Extra points if you can find a compostable one!
A great idea is going to a thrift store and buying something from there rather than a new one to help divert things from going to the landfill. It’s always better to buy something used than new!
8. Reusable Bag
Another great idea is to gift your present in a reusable gift bag, which is a gift in itself since they’ll be able to reuse the bag as well. This could also give them the idea and they may reuse the bag for another gift! Either way, this is still reducing waste and helping the planet.
Final Thoughts
I really hoped this helped you come up with ideas for wrapping your gifts!
Just remember, there are no wrong ways to do this. Just be creative, reuse and reduce as much as possible, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
The last thing I’d want to happen is you not feeling like you’re doing it right or good enough and completely giving up. A little goes a long way!!
It would also be a good idea to explain to your friends and family that you’re reducing your waste, and therefore not going to use traditional wrapping paper to wrap their gifts. You could also encourage them to do the same and make it a fun thing!
These are pretty simple and easy ways to wrap your gifts, so I hope this guide really helps! I’d love to see how your gift wrapping goes, leave a comment below, and show me your wrapped gifts!! I’d love to see them. 😍
And if you have any other ideas or something that worked well for you, please share down below!
Have a wonderful day my loves 💛 .
Farah 🌱
