Creative Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas (Without the Gift Wrap)

Many types of paper are 100% recyclable. Sadly, gift wrap is usually not included among them (often because of the way it is processed or the inclusion of metal). And yet, it remains the traditional wrapping for gifts on every occasion, from holidays to birthdays to weddings and anniversaries (although, a Tiffany box only has a bow…just to give the eco-conscious guys out there a little hint!). Not only is it standard practice to use this shiny camouflage, but people expect no less. If you show up with an unwrapped gift and the explanation that you’re doing it for the environment, recipients may look at you in utter puzzlement or outright disgust. So in order to uphold your green values and still give friends and family the conventional packages they desire, here are a few alternatives to buying paper that will ultimately enjoy a long life in the landfill.

1. If you can’t recycle, reuse. Kids are prone to ripping wrapping paper to shreds. But we adults can do better. If people insist on giving you gaily papered gifts, simply remove the paper as delicately as possible and set it aside for future usage. This will keep it out of the trash (at least for a little while) and give you something to use on the return gift.
2. DIY. If you choose to eschew store-bought wrap, you can still dress your presents in concealing finery. Simply decorate recycled paper (with natural dyes or inks) and use it in place of traditional wrapping. Another good alternative is butcher’s paper, which combined with twine makes a chic and rustic wrap (you can even add a few fall leaves or a pine cone instead of a bow to stick to the theme and keep it totally green).
3. Try cloth. Whether you’re swaddling your gift or stuffing it in a sack, you can use a few yards of organic cotton to cover your give-aways. The best thing to do is sew up a handy satchel and embroider on a monogram some other design to make it special or personalized. Then it becomes part of the present instead of something expendable.
4. Use your old newspapers. This is not a new idea. In fact, it gained popularity during the Depression when people couldn’t afford fancy gift wrap (although it probably originated even earlier). Use the funny-pages if you want a lot of color or choose newsprint for stylish black and white. If you’re worried about your paper leaving the wrong impression (as ink rubs off on hands, clothing, and anything else it touches), simply hit it up with a non-toxic fixative spray used for art projects like pastels (SpectraFix is one that uses natural milk casein instead of harmful chemicals).
5. Buy green shopping bags. Many grocery stores looking to cut down on the use of plastic bags have begun to offer strong and re-usable bags that hold more groceries and give a discount to consumers. They are often green, but may be found in a variety of festive colors, and they generally cost $1-2 (look for sales to stock up). Not only will you be giving the gift recipient an eco-friendly wrapping, but you will help them to save money on their grocery bill and ensure that they aren’t the ones tossing plastic bags into the landfill. You can’t beat triple-duty wrapping!

Jessica Ryan is a writer for Medical Assistant Schools where you can browse the top medical assistant programs.

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