Updated on January 13, 2024
Here are 8 unique eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas for you to consider. Or maybe it will just provide inspiration for you to come up with your own ideas.
What Is Sustainable & Recycled Gift Wrapping?
Sustainable and recycled gift wrapping is using materials that do not cause damage to the environment.
Eco-friendly materials that are foraged or recycled are both free materials and positively impact the environment.
Kraft Paper, Twine & Old Photos:
Wrap a gift in kraft paper and then add vintage images as an embellishment. Use masking tape to secure the photo.
Then use baker’s twine to casually wrap around the package. Use rubber stamps to add the name of the recipient of the gift.
This kind of gift wrapping is both eco-friendly and a pleasure to look at!
Infused Sea Salt In A Reusable Jar:
For that cook you know, infused lemon and thyme sea salt is a very thoughtful gift. It is packaged in a reusable glass jar that of course you can wash and use again and again.
This site will give you instructions to make the infused lemon and thyme sea salt mix for the cook in your family. The infused salt would be a great way to season chicken, fish, beef, or a pasta dish.
Nature’s Embellishment On Kraft Paper:
Wrap your gift in kraft or other recyclable paper. Then tie sprigs of greenery found outdoors with a strand of jute.
Stove Top Potpourri In A Reusable Jar:
Jars can be used for many different things. I happen to have buttons and beads in jars in my craft room. And all kinds of foods in jars in my kitchen.
This stove top potpourri is a thoughtful gift for that person who has everything. And the jar it’s in is an additional bonus.
Herb Inspired Wrapping Paper:
Making herbal wrapping paper is an opportunity to learn about different plants and their uses.
For an embellishment on paper, use simple leaves to make imprints. Leaves with deep and veined undersides will work best.
DIY Christmas Tree Embellished Gift:
Wrap the present in kraft paper or fabric. Then create the rustic DIY Christmas tree with a twig and strips of muslin.
Fabric & Twine Wrapped Gift:
Use fabric like this checkered gingham to wrap the present. Then tie jute around the gift.
Fabric Gift Sack:
You could purchase fabric sacks that are already made. But the sacks would be easy to sew.
You can find full instructions to sew them here. Embellish the sack any way you like.
Tips:
- Recycle, repurpose, and reuse
- Avoid plastic-lined paper, plastic ribbon and glitter
- Add natural adornments
- To reduce waste use newspapers or magazines to wrap presents
- Reuse delivery boxes
- Put gifts in baskets or glass jars
- Opt for natural ribbons and twine
The majority of wrapping paper is not recyclable.
Traditional glossy wrapping paper is finished with polyethylene, polypropylene, and laminates to give it a sheen. This makes it incredibly hard to recycle.
The ideas shown above are easy on the pocketbook so you’ll also save money.
Those gift wrapping ideas are so cute. My favorites were the sheep, the 3D flowers, and the photo gift tags. I have used Christmas hand towels in place of wrapping paper in the past. It’s cute, and the packaging is part of the gift. Tie on some curly ribbon and it’s adorable.
Love this!!! Thanks for sharing. I have a Eucalyptis tree and may try to rig up some nice-smelling bows. :0) .. Hope your Holidays are filled with goodness and peace..(and we know they will be filled with lots of moving boxes, too).. Have a great week.
Many cute ways to wrap things…I have even wrapped in fabric…when the giftee liked to sew etc. I have used the comic papers from Sunday newspaper, brown paper sacks turned inside out etc…
I love wrapping gifts in non-traditional ways. Typically I use brown paper and then decorate it with ribbons, ornaments and more. I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend Brenda, in just a few short weeks you are off to a new and beautiful home. I am so excited for you.
Those sheep on the packages is adorable. Love the vase and flower paper too.