Sadly most of the common gift wrapping materials we use today are non-recyclable and destined for landfill after one or two uses.

When you consider how many gifts are given each holiday season, it’s a sobering thought. 

But gift wrapping doesn’t have to be wasteful. In fact, rethinking the way you approach gift wrapping can reduce waste and divert items from landfill while also saving you money and adding a personal touch to your presents. 

It’s also a great way to inspire your family and friends to opt for gift wrapping that’s kinder on the earth.

Here are some easy low-waste ways to wrap gifts this holiday season:

 

1. Embrace Furoshiki or Fabric Gift Wrapping

Using the Japanese Furoshiki technique, you can wrap any shaped gift in reusable fabric wraps - no sticky tape or other unnecessary waste needed. It’s an elegant and beautiful method.

Tip: Write a little note to the receiver of your gift explaining what Furoshiki is. Encourage them to reuse the fabric the next time they give a gift – or return the fabric to you if they’re unlikely to repurpose it. 

 

Fabric Gift Wraps by Wrap Happy Co.

We also stock upcycled Fabric Gift Wraps by Paula W.

 

2. Repurpose Found Materials

A brief look around at home, or a visit to an op shop can throw up all kinds of useful items which can be reused to wrap gifts. 

• Tea towels or repurposed fabric provide a similar solution to the Furoshiki wraps already mentioned. 
• Cardboard boxes can be decorated or wrapped with paper to create homemade gift boxes. 
• Glass jars are another freely available item that you can recycle from home, and they can be simply decorated with sustainable materials such as paper and twine. They are great for home-made gifts such as soaps, skincare products, yummy treats from a zero waste food store, DIY dessert ingredients, jams/preserves and more.
• Newspapers or pages from an old magazine, book or calendar make great wrapping paper, without costing a thing. Select a page that has a nice picture and use jute string and dried citrus to add some beauty.

Think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to use alternative wrapping.

 

These organic cotton Tea Towels from Earth Greetings make great gift wrapping.

 

3. Use Last Year’s Wrapping

Reuse decorative wrapping paper and tissue paper from previous gifts and deliveries. Keep your cards too. The image on the front can be cut and turned into gift tags next year.

It can be helpful to keep a drawer especially for collecting pretty pieces of paper, ribbon and other bits and pieces ready for when you need to wrap a gift.

Getting your family on board with saving wrapping paper can be tricky - especially if you have children around who love to rip open gifts. 

Try explaining your reasoning before presents are open, and request that gifts are opened carefully where possible. Instead of throwing all the wrapping paper in the bin after gifts are opened, spend five minutes together, gathering and folding the paper to use again next year.

 

4. Wrap with a Tote Bag

Make your wrapping part of your gift. Choose a tote bag your recipient will love, and use it to hold the other items in your gift. Use some jute string or paper ribbon to hold the bag together.

The same idea could be applied with:

• T-shirts, scarves and other clothing items 
  
• Teatowels and fabric serviettes
  
• Jute baskets
  
• Garden trugs

Anything that’s able to wrap or hold your other items will work like a charm.

 

These 100% Cotton Flora Bags make beautiful gift wrapping.

 

5. Try Beeswax Wraps / Vegan Wraps

Wrapping something small like soap or lip balm? Use a beeswax wrap (or vegan alternative) with a design that strikes your fancy. Your recipient can reuse their wrap to keep food covered and wrap sandwiches without the need for plastic wraps.

Beeswax wraps also make the perfect wrap for food-based gifts like Christmas cookies. If your recipient is unlikely to know what the beeswax wrap can be used for, why not write them a note full of ideas and slip it into the present?

 

Beeswax Wraps by The Family Hub make for great eco Gift Wrapping

Vegan Food Wraps also available

 

6. Ditch the Sticky Tape

The use of plastic sticky tape prevents many gift wrapping materials from being eligible for recycling or composting. Ditch the sticky tape and opt for a compostable option instead such as masking tape or another paper based tape.

We love washi tape, which is made from Japanese Washi paper and a water based adhesive. (Double check before you purchase washi tape that it is using water based adhesive, because some modern washi tapes don’t). 

Plus, washi tape is made with gorgeous designs which add beauty and personality to your wrapping. 

 

We adore these Washi Tape designs from Earth Greetings.

 

7. Opt for Compostable Materials

Glossy wrapping paper and plastic-based ribbons cannot be recycled or composted and are destined for landfill. With a little thought, it is possible to find earth-friendly alternatives that can be composted at the end of their useful life.

Butcher’s paper, kraft paper or brown paper bags are all good options. Cotton, hessian, jute twine and coconut fibre string are all great compostable gift wrapping materials too.

Go for a paper gift bag - yes they exist! We sell some gorgeous fair-trade reusable gift bags made from recycled organic cotton.

We love these Fair Trade Fabric Gift Bags

 

8. Sew Your Own Reusable Gift Bag

If you’re a little crafty, why not sew your own fabric gift bag? Choose a natural fabric like linen or cotton where possible so that it can be composted at the end of its life. 

 

Beautiful origami style reusable gift bags, handmade in Perth by PaulaW.

 

9. Decorate with Nature

Beautiful wrapping can be half the pleasure of receiving a gift. Take some time to add some simple yet beautiful finishing touches on your presents. 

Here are some ideas from nature:

• Dried citrus
  
• Feathers, shells, nuts and other found treasures
  
• Flowers and leaves
  
• Sprigs of herbs

Alternatively, vintage and thrifted items like vintage jewellery, brooches and buttons can be a nice way to finish off a gift.

 

These Foraged Seedpod Key Rings make lovely natural decoration for gifts.

 

10. Write in an Earth-Friendly Card

Opt for cards and gift tags that have been made ethically. Shop local where possible and support small businesses or artists.

Alternatively, make your own cards and gift tags out of found items. Try these DIY card ideas:

• Repurpose old cards. Cut off the part of a card that’s been used, and write on the back of the image, like you would a postcard.
  
• Use a pretty page from an old calendar or book. Glue a plain bit of paper or card on the back for writing your message.
  
• For gift tags, simply cut out the shape of your choice from an old card, book, calendar, photograph or other repurposed item. Write your recipient’s name on the back and punch a hole for tying onto your gift.

Alternatively, skip the card altogether.

 

Gorgeous Greeting Cards from Earth Greetings, printed with vegetable inks.

Rethink Your Wrapping

Thoughtful gift giving doesn’t end at the gift you choose, but also includes how you present the gift. Although there’s much waste surrounding gift giving in our culture, it doesn’t have to be that way. 

We can give gifts that are also kind to the environment - showing our loved ones we care at the same time as we care for the earth.

Think outside the box, have fun, and don’t be afraid to try some alternative, unique wrapping!