How Do I Find New Types of Gift Wrap?

Some cities won't recycle regular gift wrap.

Gift wrapping can be a way to express your creativity. Instead of wrapping gifts with holiday or birthday-themed traditional gift wrap, you can easily find new kinds of materials to use to do the job. Look for found objects around the house or investigate eco-friendly ways to wrap gifts.

Instructions

1. Look around the house for fabrics you can use for gift wrap. Think about decorative sheets you no longer use, clothes you don't mind cutting up or wall hangings. Scraps of fabric from scrapbooking projects or sewing projects can sometimes be big enough to work as wrapping paper. You will need to use twine or string to secure fabric, since tape probably won't hold it.

2. Look around the house and your office for different sources of paper. Old maps make interesting and eco-friendly wrapping paper, as does newspaper. Butcher paper is another great idea because you can decorate the package yourself.

3. Wait for your children's school to run the traditional gift-wrapping sales fundraiser. Ask neighborhood kids if they are participating, if you don't have school age children. The catalogues often carry new and fun gift wrapping varieties, including some eco-friendly options.

4. Visit an eco-friendly gift store in your area. These retail shops carry gift wrappings that are recycled or recyclable.

References

• Real Simple: Creative Wrapping Ideas
• Gaiam: Top 10 Green Gift Wrap Ideas