Want To Go Green And Gift More Sustainably This Holiday Season? Try Out These Five Alternative Gift-Wrapping Ideas That Are Eco-Friendly Without Sacrificing Any Decorative Flair

Photo 86428724 © Vladimir Nikulin - Dreamstime.com - illustrative purposes only
Photo 86428724 © Vladimir Nikulin - Dreamstime.com - illustrative purposes only

With the holiday season now upon us, many people look forward to gift-giving and treat it like a sport– scouring aisles and online shops to pick out the perfect presents.

But, after the holidays often comes a less cheerful aftermath: piles of discarded wrapping paper.

As we as a society start to become more environmentally conscious, it’s about time that we also rethink our gift-wrapping habits.

This doesn’t mean sacrificing the delightful experience of unwrapping a beautifully presented gift. Instead, eco-friendly wrapping can actually add an extra layer of thoughtfulness and creativity to your presents.

And if you’re feeling lost about where to start, here are five sustainable yet stunning gift-wrapping ideas that show you care not just about the recipient but also about our planet.

Get Creative With Fabric Wrapping

Think beyond paper and embrace the ancient art of fabric wrapping, inspired by the Japanese technique of Furoshiki.

You can use anything from thrifted scarves and bandanas to your favorite type of fabric from a craft store.

The beauty of this method lies in its versatility and reusability. Not only does it look chic and unique, but the fabric can also be repurposed by the recipient, making it a gift in itself.

Photo 86428724 © Vladimir Nikulin – Dreamstime.com – illustrative purposes only

Plus, it’s a great way to utilize those old, forgotten-about fabric pieces you’ve been holding onto for years.

Consider Using Tote Bags As Gift Bags

Who doesn’t love a good tote bag? They are practical, stylish, and, most importantly, reusable.

Using a tote bag as a gift bag is not only eco-friendly, either. It also adds an extra gift for the recipient.

So, you can choose a bag that suits your loved one’s style or interests. It could be a plain canvas tote they can personalize or a pre-designed one that reflects their personality.

Either way, by opting for a tote, your wrapping becomes a part of the gift and will remain useful long after the holiday season comes to a close.

If You Can’t Ditch Wrapping Paper, Make It Eco-Friendly

If you just can’t let go of traditional wrapping paper, I get it. But you could at least switch to eco-friendly options.

Look for paper made from recycled materials or sustainable sources like bamboo. Some eco-friendly papers are even plantable and embedded with seeds, so they can actually be planted after unwrapping to grow into herbs or flowers!

With this option, you can maintain the classic gift-wrapping experience while still being kind to the environment.

Skip Plastic And Use Washi Tape

This year, ditch the clear plastic tape for something much more sustainable– like washi tape or other paper-based tapes.

These tapes are not only better for the environment but come in a variety of colors and patterns, adding an extra decorative touch to your gifts.

Plus, they’re super easy to use and can be recycled along with paper wrapping, making your entire gift wrap biodegradable.

When In Doubt, Reuse Gift Wrap

Lastly, a simple, budget-friendly, and effective way to be eco-friendly is just by reusing gift-wrapping items.

Save the ribbons, bows, and even gently used wrapping paper you receive this season to be used for future gifts.

You can also get creative with what you have at home, transforming items like old maps, pages from magazines, or children’s artwork into unique and more personal wrapping options.

This approach will not only effectively reduce waste but also add a wholesome story to your present.

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Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

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