1. Wrap with fabric
Wrap your gift in a tea towel, reusable bag, tablecloth, doily, scarf, belt or bandanna. The fabric can also double as a gift. You can also use scrap fabric leftovers from other projects or find some at the Reuse Centre or a local thrift store.
2. Basket or a container
A basket or reused container can also form part of the present and can make a gift look lovely. You can add recycled paper and tie it together with a bow. We have many different baskets and tins available at the Reuse Centre for a one-stop shop!
3. Newspaper or other reused paper
Look around, and you'll likely find an assortment of paper waiting to be recycled. Your recyclable paper can be used in the traditional way to wrap gifts, then add any decorative touches you want. If you have a traveler in your family, a paper map makes for great wrapping!
4. Recycled brown paper
This can be a great option if you're looking for something more traditional because it's made from recycled products already and can be recycled again. The neutral colour and plain pattern means you can make it as festive in any style you want. Try adding some ribbon or lace to the bag. Using decorative stamps would also work well on the plain paper.
5. Wooden ornaments as gift tags
This is yet another wrapping item that doubles as a gift. Finding locally made wooden ornaments or even just cutting some fallen branches into small segments can make for a unique and thoughtful gift after the unwrapping is done.
6. Foraged greenery
On your next winter walk, look down and see if there are some pine branches or pine cones that have fallen from a tree. This greenery can add some festive cheer to your gift wrapping and the items can be composted or left in your yard to decompose naturally after you're finished with it.
7. Make your own bows
If you have some old magazines laying around they can be turned into beautiful gift bows! The only thing you need for this is the magazine and some double sided tape or a glue gun.
9. Old Christmas cards
Cutting used Christmas cards into fun shapes creates instant gift tags! The Reuse Centre has a number of used cards available, if you don't have any at home.
10. Make your own gift box
Maybe you need a gift box but don't have anything other than some cereal boxes on hand? This post from Instuctables will help you make a gift box out of a cereal box. You don't need anything more than scissors, a cereal box, and a glue gun!
Let these ideas inspire you to wrap those presents without giving the gift of excess waste. Have other innovative wrapping ideas? Share them in the comments below!
- Krista (Staff)