Be inspired by our stylish no waste Christmas wrap solutions, for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional paper wrapped presents.
We all want to do our bit to aid a more sustainable future which is why zero waste gift wrapping ideas are such a great place to start this festive season.
While many brands and companies are thinking more about where they source their paper and wrapping from, opting for more recycled and brown paper wrapping ideas, it’s still down to us to make sure we’re being as mindful as possible with our choices.
Zero Waste Gift Wrap Ideas
From brown paper packages to gifts tied in fabric off cuts, opting for zero waste gift wrapping ideas will not only result in sustainable alternatives, but beautiful ones too. And think outside the box too, Christmas eve box ideas are getting bigger each year and each gift thats popped inside doesn’t need to be individually wrapped.
Molly Mahon Founder of Molly Mahon (opens in new tab) says, “Rather than buying rolls of traditional wrapping paper, it’s fun to have a go at making your own.’
‘If you give someone a present wrapped in a piece of paper you’ve made- it’s already special before they’ve opened it! You can be sure that your printing efforts will not be thrown away by the recipient, but treasured alongside the gift’
1. Draw on Brown Paper
Create a super-cute ‘driving home for Christmas’ wrap. Start by wrapping your gift in recyclable brown paper and then simply draw your own unique vehicle design directly onto the paper using marker or metallic pens. If you’re not a confident drawer, sketch out your drawing in pencil first, then go over it in black marker once you’re happy with the design.
Pop a small wire Christmas tree on the top of each gift and tie with cotton stripy string for a festive finishing touch.
2. Utilise Fabric off Cuts
Put fabric remnants to good use and create linen cloth-tied presents. Adorn with clear baubles filled with winter foliage for a fresh take on seasonal wrapping.
Known as Furoshiki, it’s the traditional Japanese art of wrapping and transporting gifts with squares of silk or cotton. While it can look pretty amazing (once you nail the knack of it) it does take a few goes to get it right, and you will have to either ask for the fabric back, or encourage your recipient to reuse it.
3. Add Old Book Script to Your Wrap
Pages from old books or even sheet music make beautiful wrapping paper to delight your friends and family. Combine script at a different scale for gift tags as an added decorative touch.
Scour charity shops or car boot sales for pre-loved books and use a sharp craft knife to cut the pages free from the spine.
4. Recycle Paper Gift Bags
Add glitz to gifts using gold and white striped paper bags. Punch a row of holes along the top edge to thread through gold raffia or velvet ribbon in a contrasting colour, and tie of hand-written paper tags, for a simple finishing touch.
5. Use up Leftover Lining Paper
Using paper acts as the perfect foil to a shimmering sprayed fern frond. Simply spray-paint a clean, dry leaf and secure in place on top of your gift with a gold buckle and length of velvet ribbon, for an elegant seasonal flourish.
And don’t stop at lining paper, leftover wallpaper of any design or pattern makes a great alternative to buying new wrap.
What is the most eco-friendly way of wrapping?
Olivia says, ‘One of the most eco-friendly ways to wrap this festive season is with our fabulous Seed Paper products. From gift bags to boxes, tags and cards, this range is 100% biodegradable with a secret surprise. Just rip up the paper when you’re done, pop into soil and watch beautiful blooms grow –gift wrap that gives back! Our Reindeer Seed Paper Card is a particular favourite, especially with the little ones. The paper holds carrot seeds that can be grown, ready for when the reindeers return next year.’
What can I use instead of traditional wrapping paper this Christmas?
Almost anything can be used to wrap your gifts instead of traditional paper, so think what you can utilise in your home before you buy anything new. Any kinds of fabrics, papers or gift bags that you have lying around from previous gifting is great to reuse, so avoid buying new at all costs.
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