6 Eco-Friendly Alternatives
to Wrapping Paper

6 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Wrapping Paper

Generosity and gratitude are pillars of the holiday season—and so is mindfulness. If you’re focused on giving thoughtful, earth-friendly gifts this year, don’t overlook what you wrap them in. An estimated 2.3 million pounds of gift wrap ends up in landfills each year after the holidays. Since traditional wrapping papers with metallic, shiny, or glittery coatings are multi-material (paper plastic composite) and can’t be recycled, we gathered six creative alternatives to help you reduce your impact this holiday and give presents with presence.

Craft paper or paper bags

Simplicity is always in style. These natural, earthy paper colors are recyclable and channel Scandi-Chic when you decorate them with twine, a sprig of evergreen leaves, and bright berries. Or, add ink stamps for a unique DIY look.

A reusable tote

Why not make the wrapping part of the gift? A reusable tote bag—like our Recycled Beach Tote free with every order over $100—is a sustainable gift that keeps on giving.

Decorative fabric

Adopt the traditional Japanese furoshiki method of wrapping with patterned fabric and make a lasting impression. In addition to being a creative and beautiful way to wrap your gift, handkerchiefs, tea towels, and bandanas are an added and reusable bonus present.

Newspapers, magazines, or comics

Depending on the age and interests of the recipient, you can decorate their gift with newspaper, glossy high-fashion magazines, or old comic books for a playful surprise.

Old Maps

Are you shopping for an adventurer? Highlight their wanderlust by wrapping presents in colorful or cool vintage maps of previous and upcoming destinations. Make it extra creative with a theme and include a travel-friendly present inside!

Mason jars, baskets, and tins

Get extra mileage from a reusable container, like a tissue-lined mason jar, basket, or tin by using it as a gift vessel. If you don’t have any handy, look around the house for other types of containers or visit your local thrift store, which often offers them at a reasonable price.