In a related article, we highlighted how Wrapping Paper Is Full of Toxic Waste. Once you pause to think about the environmental damage caused from a simple, everyday item like wrapping paper, it makes sense you’d be looking for an alternative to traditional gift wrap. With that in mind, one way you can reduce waste and the environmental impact of gift wrap is by using some of these classic, fun, or creative zero-waste solutions.
Scarves
You can give two gifts in one when you use a scarf or pashmina as your wrapping paper too. Simply place gift items in a box and wrap the scarf around it. Tie thinner scarves into a bow. For larger pashminas, criss-cross and double-wrap or secure it in place with an additional layer of ribbon tied around the package.
Fabric
If you have scraps of fabric around the house, they make a great substitution for wrapping paper. Once unwrapped, repurpose the fabric to line the top of jars, turn into needle cushions, throw pillows, seat covers, or as panels for a quilt. Similarly, reuse fabric as wrapping paper countless times.
Brown Paper as Gift Wrap
Before the invention and popularization of wrapping paper, brown paper was the standard in gift wrap. It offers a rustic appeal and pairs perfectly with elements of nature. Wrap your gift with recycled paper from packaging, brown paper grocery bags, or other sources. If you want to get the wrinkles out, you can place a towel over the paper and iron it on a low setting. Adorn the package with a natural material like jute, raffia, or cotton cord as ribbon and embellish with pinecones, herb sprigs, colorful leaves, shells, or dried berries.
Cloth Bags
Many items come in nice cloth bags that provide a perfect alternative to wrapping paper. When you buy from sustainably-minded companies, they often use cloth bags as packaging for all types of items ranging from foodstuffs to bamboo sheets, clothing, slippers, candles, soaps, laundry products, and beauty products.
Even if the bag has a company logo on it, it is a useful way to gift without wrapping paper waste. If it’s a brand you’re willing to share, put a few samples in with the gift (I love to try new eco-friendly laundry detergents or naturally-scented candles and soaps!). If you’re bothered by the company logo but still want to reuse the bag, cover it up with a creatively stitched fabric square, pressed flowers, or personalized note.
Table Runner
This is another gift inside of a gift. When you find table runners or tablecloths made from natural materials, stock up. Then use them to wrap gifts for friends and family.
Kitchen Towels
Kitchen towels of all sorts make a great gift wrap. Thin towels perhaps work best, but thicker towels can be used too. Plus, towels are something that seem to need updated frequently so your gift recipient will be just as excited about the gift wrap as the gift itself.
Newspaper as Gift Wrap
Go classic with the Sunday paper! Commonly used as wrapping paper for generations, the newspaper may have more of an appeal than ever considering its diminishing appearance in daily society. Kids and kids at heart will especially enjoy the comics, which of course add a bit of humor to life.
Butcher Paper
Similar to brown paper, you may find yourself with an abundance of white (or brown) butcher paper around the house. When clean and dry, don’t toss it. Instead, save it for your next wrapping task. You can even have some fun decorating it to add some personalization and pizzazz. Try some traditional potato stamping, let the kids contribute handprints, or use natural dyes for a splatter paint effect.
Jars
Gifts in a jar can take shape as ingredients for a recipe like soup or brownies. When layered, they are pretty enough to simply embellish with a bow. Jars are also great as a vessel for other gifts. Frost it, paint it, or stencil it. Alternatively, put your gift inside and wrap the jar in fabric.
Decorative (or Decorated) Boxes
Got an old hat box lying around? What about a photo box? When you use a decorative box you don’t need additional wrapping paper. Even if your box isn’t delightfully decorated, you can add your own special touch with stamps, paint, or decoupage.
Maps as Gift Wrap
Paper maps bring a rustic appeal to any gift. If you have a drawer full of maps from different occasions, put them to work as wrapping paper. The colorful designs and intriguing landmarks create gifts that are interesting and environmentally-friendly.
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap
If you’re still set on the new normal for wrapping paper, get the look with brands you can recycle or repurpose without any research about how they are made. Check out Wrappily for a complete eco-friendly product lineup of recyclable and compostable wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and shredded basket filler, all of which are plastic free and made entirely in the United States.
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