Sustainable Gift Wrap Alternatives

Let’s be honest, we all appreciate a beautifully wrapped gift. Knowing that a loved one took the time, during one of the busiest times of the year, to wrap your present makes us feel extra special.

But consider this, every year Americans spend billions of dollars on gift wrap paper, the majority of which is quickly discarded and then sent to the landfills. While there are some of us who have tried our best over the years to gather up the scraps following Christmas morning, to then put into the recycling bin, that wrapping paper in fact can’t be recycled. In fact, a lot of paper and cardboard that you think is recycable isn’t due to it’s plastic lining (think pizza boxes, tea bags, cards, etc.). Being thin and full of ink, also makes this particular paper hard to recycle. “The ink diminishes the yield, it creates extra sludge when you process it, it requires additional chemicals,” according to Bill Moore, a paper recycling consultant based in Atlanta.

So what is one to do??

Lucky for us, there are lots of ways to come up with a beautifully wrapped gift that don’t require the traditional gift wrapping route. Following these sustainable alternatives, you will not only show your loved ones how much you care about them but also how much you care about the environment! Not only are these alternatives practical but they are inexpensive. Scroll down for the full list!

Sustainable Gift Wrapping Alternatives

Brown Paper

Brown paper is a great alternative to traditional gift wrapping paper, plastic, and Styrofoam when it comes to wrapping, packaging and shipping items. You can find rolls of brown paper in a lot of stores as well as online. Explore your inner artist by drawing and/or painting designs on the outside of it.

Cloth

Really "up" your gift wrapping game by wrapping your present using a beautiful tea towel or piece of cloth this holiday season. This is hands-down my favorite methods of gift wrapping because of how easy, inexpensive and beautiful it is.

Card Board Box

Card board boxes such as these are a great way to package gifts such as clothing or delicate pieces that need a lot of protection.  Do your best to re-use them over and over again, until its time for them to be recycled.

A Cloth Tote Bag

Instead of a traditional paper gift bag why not opt for a tote bag such as this one by Made? It can hold more weight than paper plus it’s reusable!

Woven Basket

Woven baskets are the perfect sustainable gift wrapping alternative for heavy gifts!  They're sturdy and can hold a lot; and the best part is, they can be used afterwards for all sorts of things!

Fresh Greenery

What better way to top off your gift wrapping than with some fresh, seasonal greenery or spices (think: pine, cinnamon sticks, etc.).

Wooden Box

Unique wooden boxes are a beautiful way to wrap and present a gift.  You can find them at antique stores, thrift stores, as well as big-box stores.

Gummed Paper Tape

A great alternative to Scotch tape is this gummed paper tape. Paper tape is made of paper so it is completely natural, 100% recyclable and compostable.

Hemp

Instead of tape, I generally try to use hemp, ribbon or twine when wrapping gifts.

Photo Credit: Luke and Ashley Photography