It’s nearly Christmas already! Where has the year gone? If you’re looking for eco-friendly ideas on how to wrap your Christmas pressies this year, you’re in the right place.
Did you know that Australians use more than 150,000km of wrapping paper during the holiday season? For context, it’ll take about 14,750km to travel right around Australia – that’s like 10 whole trips! Absolutely insane right?!
Instead of buying new, I highly encourage you to use what you already own to wrap your Christmas gifts this year. I have a box dedicated to left over bits and pieces I can use for this exact occasion! Plus it saves money, and who doesn’t love a money win.
Wrap gifts in newspaper
Don’t throw your newspaper in the bin once you’ve read it (does anyone read the newspaper anymore?) use it to wrap your gifts! It’s quite large and great for the bigger gifts.
Reuse gift bags
Do you keep gift bags others have given you from previous gifts? I do! They’re such an easy way to ‘wrap’ gifts – plus you already own them. Oh, and no shame in asking for them back if you know recipient will just bin it afterwards.
Packing paper
Reuse the paper from your online orders to wrap your Christmas presents in as an eco-friendly way, this year. The paper is likely all different shapes and sizes, perfect for a variety of gifts.
Repurpose cardboard boxes
Just like the packing paper from online orders, simply reuse the cardboard boxes your goodies came in! Bonus tip: disguise a small gift as a large one by using a large cardboard box and the packing paper – they’ll never know!
Use furoshiki to wrap gifts
Furoshiki is the Japanese art of using fabric to wrap gifts and all sorts in a particular way. You can watch a tutorial here. It’s really a beautiful way to wrap your Christmas presents sustainably this year.
Reuse wrapping paper
If you unwrap gifts carefully you can easily reuse it for next year or the next gift giving occasion. We did this a lot growing up.
Use a pillow case
Create a ‘sack’ of gifts (perfect for the kids) for Christmas this year. It’s such a simply way to use what you already own and literally takes seconds, or minutes if you’ve got a few odd shaped gifts. But nonetheless so worth it!
Repurpose glass jars to house smaller gifts
If you’re a baker and want to gift some of your delicious rocky road or shortbread for Christmas this year use a glass jar! It’ll keep your goodies nice and fresh too.
Avoid using sticker labels
You know the cute themed stickers, perfect for writing the name of the gift recipient? Unfortunately, these labels aren’t recyclable due to the sticky adhesive on the back. Opt for tags, which you can easily create from scrap paper – and that is recyclable!
Don’t use plastic tape
Use kraft tape instead of plastic tape, otherwise it’ll just void all the good you’re doing, since plastic tape isn’t recyclable. Just make sure the adhesive is biodegradable on your new roll of tape. Alternatively, don’t use any kind of tape. You can find a tutorial on wrapping a present without tape here.
Use fabric scraps to make gift bags
If you’re quite crafty and know how to sew, you could make gift bags from your fabric scraps. It would be such a unique way (and sustainable) way to wrapping Christmas gifts.
Repurpose paper grocery bags
Use your paper grocery bags for wrapping your gifts this Christmas. You can cut them to size, or simply use it a gift bag – the choice is yours! You can use scraps as fill to make the gift look more ‘aesthetic’ if you desire.
Search op shops for wrapping paper
If you do want some colour, opt for searching op shops for wrapping paper instead of buying new. Just remember though, most store bought gift wrap is made from plastic and can’t be recycled.
Gift experiences instead of physical gifts
Just a reminder that you don’t have to give physical gifts if you don’t want to! You could organise an experience or event instead and make memories. A nice dinner out with the family could be a great gift.
Happy gift wrapping!
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