7+ Eco-Friendly No Waste Wrapping Ideas
Did you know the average American usually has around 25% more waste during the holidays? There are many no waste wrapping alternatives to traditional wrapping paper to reduce that number significantly that we all need to try out all year long, but especially during Christmas.
Here are a few waste free wrapping ideas for next time you have a gift to give.
No-Waste Wrapping FAQs
How do you wrap a gift with no waste?
There are plenty of gift wrap options out there that don’t involve waste. Some include newspaper, fabric gift wrap, old clothes, and recyclable items, amongst others.
What is an alternative to wrapping paper?
Instead of traditional wrapping paper, you can always use fabric, newspaper, boxes, baskets, and many other no waste wrapping paper options.
What is the most eco-friendly way to wrap presents?
You can do zero waste wrapping in a variety of ways that are incredibly eco-friendly. My favorite way is using a reusable fabric gift bag.
Are gift wraps wasteful?
The normal wrapping paper, gift tags, bows, and other gift wrapping paper can be wasteful. But, there are plenty of ways to fix that! Read on to find all the best no waste gift wrapping ideas!
Can you use recycled paper in place of gift wrap and wrapping paper?
Yes you absolutely can! Recycled wrapping paper is one of the best ways to avoid gift wrap waste.
7+ No Waste Wrapping Ideas
Here are some of the best zero waste gift wrapping ideas! All of these are things you probably already have in your home that you can easily change out to become more eco-friendly.
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Recycled Items
Before the holiday period, collect all packaging and boxes from any purchases such as food boxes, shoe boxes and any tissue paper that goods are wrapped in. These can be stored away until you need to wrap gifts.
You will then have all the supplies needed and a selection of boxes of different sizes to use. In addition, also keep hold of anything else which could come in handy for creating gift-wrap. Keep magazines and newspapers as these can be utilized, as well as keeping any gift-wrap, bows or ribbons from gifts received throughout the year. These can all be reused to create gift wrapping ideas from waste material!
Some of the best sustainable wrapping paper I have used comes from the packages I have received throughout the year, mainly the brown Kraft paper (like this) many companies now use instead of bubble wrap!
One year, my daughter painted and decorated the brown Kraft paper and made it beautiful and unique! It is a special no waste Christmas wrapping paper that everyone would love to receive.
Make Home-Made Gift Boxes
Gift boxes look more sophisticated, and they are easier to use, however, they come at a cost. Creating homemade gift boxes is fairly simple and another great zero waste gift wrapping idea. There are many tutorials teaching you how to make boxes from paper and materials you probably already have at home!
It will take some creativity and time, but the end result will be amazing. I still have the homemade gift box I received years ago because it was so special and incredible!
Fabric Gift Bags and Wraps
You can find plenty of great fabric gift bags or wraps nowadays. There are many designs to suit all tastes and budgets, and these have become popular to decrease the amount of plastic bags and gift wrapping paper that are wasted each year.
Brightly has some of the cutest zero waste gift wraps I have seen and used! They have a variety of sizes to choose from, all of which are made from 100% cotton and can be washed if they get dirty!
This organic cotton gift wrap can be used year after year whether it’s for wrapping birthday gifts or holiday presents. If not, you can use it as a secondary gift with what it wraps up, allowing the recipient to use it in the same way as you after!
They even have a compostable gift bag too!
You can also shop around at your local thrift store for tote bags that are inexpensive, durable and are designed to last a lifetime. These make great gift bags, as they can be reused for many purposes, and the recipient will have a stylish bag that they can use time and time again.
If you are giving a small gift like some oatmeal soap or a fun chocolate soap, wrap it in a towel and tie it with some compostable paper gift ribbon (this is the one I use).
Fabric gift bags and wraps are definitely one of the best reusable gift wrap ideas that I use time and time again!
Jar Containers
Food jars and coffee cans make lovely gift containers, especially for homemade gifts. Plus you probably have tons of them from the food you purchase every month. Instead of tossing them out, clean them and reuse them!
You can give some lavender bath salts in jars, as well as sugar scrubs, soaps, homemade hot cocoa, and many other things. The options are endless!
Biodegradable Wrapping Paper
If you really want to use wrapping paper, opt for a biodegradable wrapping paper instead of the traditional kind. Here are some of my favorites:
Reusable Zero Waste Wrapping Ideas
Here are a few more reusable wrapping paper ideas that are perfect and so easy to use. You probably have most of these at home, waiting to be used!
- Baby gifts in a blanket
- Scarves as zero waste wrapping paper
- Glass jars and containers for homemade gifts
- Wicker baskets from a thrift store
Other Sustainable Gift Wrapping Items to Use
You need other materials than just wrapping paper to wrap a gift. Tape and bows can be switched out too!
Use yarn to hold gifts together, as this won’t ruin the packaging and it saves on waste, as it can be reused. Alternatively use leftover wool or even a pair of colorful shoelaces for younger kids, as these can be used, and will give the gift a funky colorful look.
Decorate gifts with anything you have to hand, from beads, buttons, images from magazines or use an ink stamp. For the finishing touch, use a Swedish dishcloth greeting card that can be used time and time again.
Creating personal gift-wrap not only saves on resources and reduces waste; it can also be tailored to suit the gift and the intended recipient. A gift can actually look prettier if it has been wrapped in a creative way, using no waste wrapping paper! Use any of these zero waste gift wrapping ideas next time you give a gift!
