The most wonderful time of the year is unfortunately also one of the most wasteful. I’m a strong believer using what you already have and in reusing materials whenever possible, so each year I splurge on a couple sheets of printed wrapping paper (typically hand illustrated from an artist or small shop) and wrap the rest of our gifts with materials that we already have. It’s a nice balance that works for us and allows us to cut down on waste. There are so many beautiful ways to wrap gifts using found, recycled or low impact materials that you probably already have lying around at home. Here are some of my favorite eco-friendly and reusable gift wrapping ideas that are my go-to’s year round. These are great alternatives for gifts that are being given in your own household so materials can be saved and reused several times. Elliot’s favorite option is receiving gifts wrapped in fabric- he loves imaginative play and always finds a use for them.

Eco-friendly and reusable gift wrapping ideas

Kraft paper gift wrapping with nature accents

If you know us in real life, you’ve probably received more than one gift from us wrapped in kraft paper and twine. It’s a material that we always have on hand and is a great alternative to traditional wrapping paper because it can be recycled, composted or reused after. (Plain wrapping paper can also be recycled but it is often not ideal to compost because of the inks and is not commonly reused). Elliot likes to draw or paint on the paper to customize each gift!
        How to: Wrap your gift in kraft paper and tie with natural jute, cotton twine or leather cord. Add nature accents such as pinecones, branches, evergreen sprigs or dried orange slices.

Recycled magazine or newspaper gift wrapping

I’m all about using what you already have, so I love the concept of reusing paper for gift wrapping. If you plan ahead and keep an eye out, I promise that you’ll be able to find something that you feel is beautiful enough to use. Those mushroom papers are pages that I found in an old cooking magazine just lying around my father in law’s house. Some other things I’ve reused are: pages from old books, vintage maps and newspaper sheets.
        How to: Wrap your gift in your recycled paper and tie with natural jute, cotton twine or leather cord. Add nature accents such as pinecones, branches, evergreen sprigs or dried orange slices.

Furoshiki gift wrapping using scrap fabrics or play silks

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese gift wrapping cloth that is given with intention for it to be reused. I love fabric as a gift wrapping material because its versatile and can be reused forever. You can use any sturdy fabric you already have as long as it is big enough to cover the gift. I hold on to scrap fabric from our various projects throughout the year for this purpose. I also like using play silks, scarves or tea towels and love that the wrapping is then also a part of the gift (the ultimate low waste option, right?!)
        How to: Start with a square or rectangular piece of fabric. A basic technique is to start by placing the item diagonally in the center of the cloth. Wrap the first set of opposite corners together. Tie in a knot in the center, or tuck the ends of the fabric in. Knot the two remaining opposite corners together on top. Tuck any loose fabric in. Marie Kondo has a great video demonstrating the technique here.

Reusable cotton drawstring bags or pillowcases

Using cotton bags is another favorite option of mine because I love how they look and the bags can be reused again and again. Choose a natural fabric such as 100% cotton that is unbleached and untreated. If you know how to sew, these are also very easy to make! These bags can usually be washed and are so versatile- we use similar bags as produce bags at the grocery store and farmers market. One year my son wrapped all of my gifts in pillowcases that were tied shut with twine with handwritten tags on them. They were so sweet!
        How to: Place your items into the drawstring bag and cinch shut. If you’re using a spare pillowcase, you can either fold the fabric over or tie the excess shut. If you’d like to add natural accents, branches or evergreen sprigs are easy to attach with a tie. I made the bell accent by stringing some jingle bells (left over from an activity we did last year) on a jute string and looping it around the bag’s drawstring. It can be easily removed so that it can be reused.