Kids & Company Blog

5 Tips for Sustainable Gift Wrapping

The holiday season brings so much joy. The twinkling lights, the smell of fresh pine, the feeling of finding that perfect gift for someone you care about. While many believe wrapping paper is recyclable due to the name “paper”, many traditional wrapping materials are not recyclable due to coatings, glitter, or mixed materials. This year, there’s an opportunity to rethink gift wrapping—transforming it into an act of creativity and sustainability. By using eco-friendly materials, upcycling items you already have, or adopting zero-waste alternatives, it’s possible to wrap gifts in a way that’s thoughtful and environmentally conscious. Sustainable gift wrapping isn’t just better for the planet; it adds a unique, personal touch to every present. From reusable fabrics to natural decorations, there are countless ways to wrap your gifts with care for both your loved ones and the Earth.

1. Furoshiki 

Looking for a sustainable and stylish way to wrap gifts this holiday season? Enter furoshiki, a traditional Japanese art of wrapping gifts with fabric. With roots tracing back over 1,200 years to Japan’s Edo period, furoshiki is as timeless as it is thoughtful. The best part? You don’t need to break the bank to start. Reusing fabrics you already own, like thrifted vintage scarves or even old textiles, makes furoshiki not only eco-friendly but also uniquely personal. Imagine wrapping a gift in a scarf that can be part of the gift itself - a double win!

All you need: A square of fabric, approximately 3x larger than the gift itself 

If you are considering this sustainable gift-wrapping method and want to learn how to do it, we encourage you to read more about the cultural history of Furoshiki and check out Japanese Artist Keiko Kira’s website HERE for inspiration! 

2. Be Mindful of Plastic Tape, Stickers, and Labels 

When it comes to gift wrapping, even small changes to details can make a big difference. Plastic tape, shiny stickers, and decorative labels might seem harmless, but they’re often non-recyclable and can contaminate otherwise recyclable materials. This year, instead of plastic tape, try washi tape, which is biodegradable and comes in an array of beautiful designs. Better yet, skip tape altogether by using clever folding techniques, twine, or reuse old ribbons from previous years. 

These small swaps not only reduce waste but also add a personal, artisanal touch to your gifts. With a little mindfulness, your presents can spread joy without leaving behind unnecessary trash.

3. Newspaper 

Who says wrapping paper needs to be glittery to be special? Repurposing old newspapers is a simple, sustainable, and surprisingly stylish way to wrap presents. It’s also a great way to give your gifts a personal touch. Make it fun and wrap your gift with a section of the newspaper you know that the recipient might particularly enjoy, such as the sport section, comic strips, or even the stock readings for your friend in finance! 

By using what you already have, you’re not only reducing waste but also turning everyday materials into something special.

4. Brown Paper and Cardboard Boxes 

That shiny, glittery wrapping paper we all associate with the holiday season might look festive, but it’s far from a gift to the environment. Most traditional wrapping paper is made from mixed materials that are nearly impossible to recycle.

Here’s a list of materials commonly found in wrapping paper that make it non-recyclable

• Glitter
• Tape and adhesive residues
• Synthetic fibres
• Plastic laminates
• Metallic coatings or foils
• Specific dyes and inks

These additives mean that much of the gift wrap we use ends up in landfills, contributing to waste during a season meant to celebrate love and giving. Glitter, for instance, is a microplastic that doesn’t break down and can harm ecosystems. The flashiness may add to the excitement of opening presents, but it creates lasting damage to the planet. 

The good news? The simpler the wrapping, the more sustainable it is. Plain brown paper is a fantastic option: it’s 100% recyclable, affordable, and versatile. Pair it with natural decorations like twine, sprigs of greenery, or stamps for a charming, rustic look. Or, get creative with your children and have them help you decorate them, turning your wrapping into a fun family art project. Have your little ones decorate other sustainable packaging options by customizing cardboard boxes. Reuse the ones you already have from online shopping, and personalize them with hand-drawn designs, natural embellishments, or handwritten messages. 

5. Give New Life to Bags and Wrapping Paper of Past Years

One of the simplest ways to make your gift wrapping more sustainable is by repurposing what you already have. Instead of buying new wrapping paper or bags, take a look around your home for items that can be given a second life. Festive gift bags you’ve received in previous years are a great place to start. Rather than letting them pile up in storage or end up in the trash, reuse them for this year’s gifts. You can easily freshen them up by adding a new tag or a bit of twine for a personalized touch. This keeps the bags out of landfills while giving them a new purpose.

Similarly, collaged paper from past holiday seasons can add a unique, creative flair to your gift wrap. Gather old cards, wrapping paper scraps, or even newspaper clippings and turn them into a one-of-a-kind design. This is a fun and eco-friendly way to add character to your wrapping without wasting resources. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to reflect on the memories of holidays gone by while creating something new.

This holiday season, let’s wrap our gifts with the same care and thoughtfulness we put into choosing them. By opting for sustainable, creative wrapping methods, we can reduce waste, support the environment, and add a personal touch to every gift. With so many eco-friendly alternatives, the possibilities are endless—let’s make our celebrations as kind to the planet as they are to the people we love. Happy gifting!

For more sustainable holiday ideas, check out our last blog on Eco-Friendly Holiday Decoration Tips for a Low-Waste Holiday Season HERE

Posted on: Friday December 13th, 2024

Posted by: Kids & Company