Alternatives to Christmas Wrapping Paper

Creative alternative gift wrapping under the tree attracts attention.

Help save the planet one gift at a time by using alternatives to traditional, nonrecyclable Christmas wrapping paper. Giving an unwrapped gift could certainly ruin the surprise under the Christmas tree, but with a little creativity you can save money and present a beautifully wrapped gift to your loved one. So pass by the jumbo sized rolls of wrapping paper and look for a greener idea.

Recycle

Recycled foil wrapping makes a shiny gift.

Use recycled brown wrapping paper instead of traditional paper for an original look for your gifts. Obtain and reuse the brown paper from items you receive in the mail or purchase it from organizations like World Wildlife Fund. Aluminum foil can also be recycled and reused to wrap a shiny, festive gift. Recycled aluminum foil is available from Natural Collection or Ecotopia.

Reuse

Reuse a map for an alternative to wrapping paper.

Reuse items from your home to wrap Christmas presents. Browse through magazines or newspapers for colorful pictures to dress up a gift. Old subway or train maps, along with wall maps, are an excellent size for wrapping larger gifts, and you can tailor the maps to the recipient's favorite places. Gift bags and boxes can be reused, as well as sturdy shopping bags. Those with sewing skills can quickly make simple fabric tote bags or gift bags that can also be reused for future gift giving.

Creative

Wrap your Christmas gift with a towel for a creative touch.

Make the wrapping part of the Christmas gift for a special alternative. Cover the gift with a decorative scarf or handkerchief, a towel or simply use a nice fabric remnant from your local cloth store. Jewelry boxes can wrap a bracelet or necklace, gardening supplies can fill a colorful bucket, or you can fill a mixing bowl or pot with kitchen items for the cook on your shopping list. Other choices include popcorn tins and pillowcases for larger items.

Bow and Ribbons

Pine cones and branches add a natural element to your wrapping.

Decorative bows and ribbons can make or break the appearance of a wrapped gift. Alternatives to foil bows and ribbons are real fabric ribbons from old clothes or your local discount store, strings of beads or silk sari yarn. For an earthy look, try tying raffia, hemp twine or branches and pine cones from your yard around your gift.

References

• Earth 911: Facts About Recycling Wrapping Paper
• Guardian: Avoiding the Wrap Trap
• Love 2 Learn 2 Day: Alternative to Christmas Wrapping Paper
• Gaiam Life: Top 10 Green Gift Wrap Ideas