Sustainable Wrapping Paper Alternatives for the Holiday Season

Hey earth muffins! There is no doubt about it, December is the season of wrapping paper. 🎁 While pretty wrapped gifts are exciting and festive, they aren’t necessarily the most eco-friendly option. A lot of wrapping papers aren’t pure paper, which makes them non-recyclable. On top of that, many of them also have glitter and other 3-D effects that are definitely fit for the landfill only. To make your Christmas more sustainable this year, I want to share my top suggestions for sustainable wrapping paper alternatives – let’s jump right into it!

1. Old gift bags, wrapping paper, and tissue paper

Once you decide you want to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, it is important to use up what is already in your house. That includes all that leftover wrapping paper! People tend to buy new rolls every holiday which results in a stack of half used rolls in the back of some dusty closet. Reuse all the old gift bags, tissue paper, and wrapping paper that is already in your home!

2. Reused packaging

The next item on this sustainable wrapping paper alternatives list is often overlooked… Let’s be honest, a lot of items you purchase from the store or online come with packaging that can easily be reused. I’m talking cotton bags, bubble wrap, ribbons, cardboard boxes – the sky’s the limit! Especially when purchasing gifts for your family and friends, you will most likely run into something that you can reuse to take the place of wrapping paper.

3. Furoshiki fabric wraps

Last Christmas I discovered the art of “furoshiki“, the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in fabric. These presents turn out absolutely gorgeous! The fabric can be special furoshiki wraps, extra fabric you have lying around your house, fabric purchased from a secondhand store, or even repurposed fabric from old clothing. There are a ton of fun ways to wrap up your gifts, but you don’t have to get fancy with it if you don’t want. I personally just tie them up all nice and sustainably!

4. Tins, mason jars, and/or secondhand dishes

If you are cooking or baking someone a treat for the holidays, use some sort of reusable vessel! Cookie tins are always a classic for Christmas cookies; but, don’t underestimate a mason jar (or other reused glass container). I also love the idea of purchasing vintage bakeware at the thrift store to use as you cook – then let your family/friend keep the dish with the baked item! Such a great eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper for the holidays.

5. Recyclable wrapping paper

Last but not least, if you are unable to use any of the above suggestions in my sustainable wrapping paper alternatives list, opt for wrapping paper that is fully recyclable. Brown paper is always the best go-to in my house. While it might not look as festive as those papers plastered with Santa’s face, you know the planet will be thanking you. You can even spice up the packaging with some pine boughs or dried orange slices too!

Final Thoughts

Overall, there are plenty of sustainable wrapping paper alternatives this holiday season. First, it is important to use up the paper and gift bags you already have in your house. Once those are fully gone, try to use things like cookie tins, fabric wraps, and even mason jars instead. If all else fails, use wrapping paper that is 100% recyclable – and make sure to recycle it on Christmas Day! Looking for other ways to be more eco-friendly this holiday? Check out this guide on how to have a zero waste Christmas! What will you be wrapping your gifts in this year? Comment below with your eco-friendly ideas to replace wrapping paper this holiday!

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