After your wallet takes a major hit during a shopping frenzy, it may be time to save on other gifting essentials. Start with the wrapping. With this quick list of eco-friendly wrapping ideas, you can save both money and the environment this year.
Paper Gift Wrap
Easy to find and work with, vintage and repurposed papers add an unexpected flare to presents. Layer several colors and textures, or add vintage beads for a finished look. Our personal favorite to work with is, of course, newspaper!
Stamped Gift Wrap
Enclose gifts in special wrapping paper covered in impressions made with a square rubber stamp. For a uniform pattern, stamp a large sheet of paper repeatedly with the same stamp, leaving a small space between each impression. Or, stamp just the center of a piece of wrapping paper. A stamp rolling pin also makes an attractive pattern.
Cloth Gift Wrap
In Japan, the art of wrapping gifts in cloth is called “furoshiki”, and it’s 100% eco-friendly. Secure open ends with a button, safety pin, or knot. Cloth materials to try: vintage scarf; burlap rice bag; wool scarf; tea towel; scrap from a vintage kimono. Top with a spring of holly or pine for a seasonal touch.
Potato-Chip Bag Gift Wrap
Give a new life to empty potato-chip bags by dressing up your gifts in them. Cut open a potato-chip bag along its seam to reveal the shiny white or silver inside of the bag. Flatten the bag, wash it with soap and water, and air dry. Then wrap your present and adorn it with ribbons and/or homemade cards.
Cork-Stamped Shopping Bag Gift Wrap
Have shopping bags lying around the house? Repurpose them into festive gift wrap. Cut an open paper shopping bag along one fold and scissor out the bottom of the bag. Wrap your gift in the paper. Dip one end of a wine cork into ink or a dark fruit juice and begin stamping patterns.
Kids’ Artwork Gift Wrap
Children’s drawings make for inexpensive and delightful homemade gift wrap. Have kids doodle on craft paper, calendar pages, shopping bags, magazine pages, and phone book pages.