I don’t know about you, but I love wrapping presents. There’s something so satisfying about taking a beautiful piece of paper, adding some ribbon or a bow, and turning a simple gift into a little masterpiece. My love for wrapping runs so deep that I even have a dedicated cupboard filled with wrapping paper, ribbons, and bags—all neatly organised. Over the years, I’ve embraced reusing and recycling my wrapping supplies, which means I hardly ever have to buy new paper. But let’s face it, every now and then, a shiny new roll of Christmas wrapping does sneak its way into my life!
Now, I know we’re all being told to be more sustainable, and it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. But honestly, small, simple changes are what make the difference. Growing up, it was second nature to reuse things. We’d save wrapping paper, ribbons, and even string for the next year—it wasn’t just practical; it was fun! So, I thought I’d share some ideas on how to get creative with your wrapping this Christmas while keeping it budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
When unwrapping gifts, try to resist the urge to tear everything to shreds. Instead, start a pile of gently used wrapping paper. Once the excitement dies down, you can trim the best pieces for reuse. Not only is this therapeutic, but it’s also surprisingly satisfying to see how much you can save! Even if the paper has small tears, it can still be repurposed in creative ways—think bookmarks, gift tags, or even decorations for next year.
The Scrunch Test: Not all wrapping paper is recyclable, but there’s a quick and easy way to check. Scrunch it into a ball and release it. If it stays scrunched, it’s recyclable. If it bounces back, it likely has plastic in it and isn’t recyclable. For those non-recyclable pieces, reuse them instead of tossing them out!
Creative Wrapping Ideas
If you’ve got leftover wrapping paper that’s a bit worse for wear, don’t despair—there’s so much you can do with it:
- Gift Tags: Cut out the prettiest parts of old wrapping paper and glue them onto card stock to make unique tags.
- Bookmarks: Laminate strips of leftover paper and tie a ribbon at the end for a thoughtful, crafty gift.
- Decorations: Use old paper to make baubles, bunting, or even little paper stars for your Christmas tree.
- Box Covers: Spruce up plain storage boxes by covering them with festive paper.
If you’re looking to buy new wrapping paper, opt for plain brown paper—it’s fully recyclable and looks chic when paired with twine or a sprig of greenery. You could even use fabric scraps, newspaper, or old maps for a truly unique look. And don’t forget the finishing touches—ribbons and bows can be reused year after year, so be sure to save them!
Wrapping gifts is such a joyful part of the Christmas season. By reusing and recycling, not only are you being kind to the planet, but you’re also adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your gifts. It’s not about being perfect or extreme—it’s about those small, mindful changes that make a big impact.
So this year, get creative, have fun, and remember: the effort you put into wrapping your gifts is just as meaningful as the gift itself. Let’s make this Christmas a celebration of thoughtfulness, creativity, and sustainability!