With the holidays just around the corner, there’s so many things I need to do to prepare! One of them is figuring out how I’m going to wrap presents this year. It’s so easy to change some of your practices during the holidays to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. This includes wrapping gifts, too!
In this post, I’ve put together some better options for wrapping gifts that can still look amazing. Most wrapping paper in stores can’t be recycled, especially if it’s shiny or glittered. A lot of the gift-wrapping options in this post are recyclable, compostable, or items that can be reused as gifts.
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Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is such an easy and affordable option that has so many uses year-round.
This type of paper is more sustainable to make than typical wrapping paper and is totally recyclable.
There’s a lot of ways to add a decorative touch to kraft paper too, such as adding string/ribbon or foliage. A lot of companies make kraft wrapping paper with pretty designs too!
You can write the recipient’s name on it too which gets rid of the need of name tags. Painting or drawing on the paper would add a sweet, personal touch as well.
Wrappily Eco Gift Wrap
This Eco Gift Wrap from Wrappily is probably my favorite item on this list. I’ve used this in the past and am thinking about using it this year if I don’t use regular kraft paper.
There’s so many amazing print combos, that it’s almost hard to pick a favorite! It’s so easy to switch them up too, because they’re double sided.
This gift wrap is made with recycled newsprint, which can continue to be recycled after use.
Recycled Newspaper
Newspaper is such an easy option if you already receive one in the mail everyday. If so, then you can reuse it, making it a really affordable option!
This North Pole newspaper is a really cute touch, and looks great when used with string and foliage.
The North Pole newspaper wrapping paper shown here is printed on recycled paper and is one-sided to keep ink from getting on gifts.
Seed Wrapping Paper
Seed paper is an amazing option for wrapping paper or holiday cards. They typically contain seeds that will grow really easily in any soil.
When my husband and I got married, we received a congratulatory card from a family friend that had seed paper. I planted it right away, it sprouted quite a few wildflowers, and it was so thoughtful that I’ll remember it forever!
While it is a bit pricey if using for a lot of gifts, seed paper would be a great option for a really special gift.
Hand-stamped Fabric Gift Wrap
This fabric gift wrap is a really cute option. It’s hand-stamped, and more affordable than some other options. It’s also thinner than other popular fabrics for gift-wrapping, such as old sweaters or flannel.
If using ribbon or string to tie your gift, then tape truly isn’t necessary to keep the wrapping together. You can also size up if you’d like to tie off the fabric with itself, which is another popular style.
Rope Baskets
These rope baskets are one of my favorite gifts, because I can never have too many in my house.
Baskets can hold multiple or large gifts, and make an additional gift in themselves.
The fabric baskets are usually cheaper than wood or wicker ones if you’re on a budget, and there’s so many cute styles to choose from.
Thrifted or Reused Fabric
This is the last thing on this list because it’s not the easiest option, but it’s probably one that I recommend the most. If you can go thrifting for different fabrics, or have some fabrics laying around that you’re no longer using, there are so many amazing possibilities out there.
Some fabrics that would be great for wrapping gifts: tea towels, tablecloths, clothing, or blankets. Larger pieces could be cut up to wrap numerous gifts, and would be pretty affordable.
There’s a big problem with fabric waste, especially in the clothing industry. If you’re able wrap with a piece of fabric without cutting it (like a small tea towel or piece of clothing), then you could include that as a gift too!
If you do decide to go with traditional wrapping paper, you can also look out for ones that are labeled recyclable. If the paper isn’t labelled recyclable, has glitter, or is shiny at all, then it’s most likely not recyclable. A lot of companies are starting to offer more recyclable and recycled options, so they’re becoming easier to find. With all of that being said, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season with your friends and families!
Seemingly Sophie 
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