Unique gift wrapping ideas that are also eco-friendly using reusable items like dishtowels, scarves and napkins instead of wasteful wrapping paper.
It’s Christmas morning, and the carnage from gift opening is everywhere. Ripped gift wrap strewn about the room, boxes underfoot, beautiful ribbons carelessly discarded. The parents quietly begin gathering it all up, not wanting to break the Christmas spell, while the kids continue playing with their brand new toys.
Could this be your house? It’s definitely ours! You’d think a tornado had ripped through, for all the mess.
The eco-fairy in me makes sure that everything that can be reused is saved and all the recycling makes it to the proper bin. But maybe there’s a way to avoid such a crazy mess in the first place…
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Unique Gift Wrapping Ideas That Are Reusable
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Here’s a smart solution to the wasteful gift wrap problem:
Instead of traditional wrapping paper, wrap your gifts in reusable items like dishtowels, scarves, snack bags, and even socks! By wrapping gifts in reusable cloth you not only eliminate waste from paper gift wrap, but the wrap is actually part of the gift!
Here are some of my favorite reusable gift wrap ideas:
Dishtowels
This is one of my favorite ways to wrap – because who couldn’t use a new dishtowel? And there are so many cute ones to choose from! Buy something special at a craft show (like the sweet tomato one above), choose from all the lovely screen printed towels from Etsy or pick up something inexpensive (but still stylish) at IKEA or Target.
Scarves
The centuries old wrapping technique from Japan called furoshiki is the perfect solution for wrapping with large pieces of cloth like a scarf. You don’t need to spend big bucks on a scarf either – I have found beautiful scarves at thrift stores at very reasonable prices!
Snack bags
This one’s great for kids or anyone who might need a snack bag for when they are on-the-go. I’ve used reusable snack bags as a sneaky way to package gift cards as well as other smaller gifts.
Napkins
A pretty napkin is another fun way to package a gift – and an extra napkin will always come in handy! I used another furoshiki technique to wrap the gift above. If you’re up for a little sewing, make your own handmade napkins!
Socks
This may seem far-fetched – but how about a pair of socks? In the photo above, I packaged up a couple bottles of my homemade kombucha in a pair of organic cotton socks!
So this year, why not avoid the wrapping paper tornado and wrap in reusable gifts instead!
What unique gift wrapping ideas to you have? Please share in the comments below!
Mel says
What great ideas! So creative!
Micaela says
Thanks Mel! Just hoping to help with that holiday clutter and craziness!
Kelly @ North Country Nest says
Oh I love the idea of being reusable! What a thoughtful way to give a present.
Best,
Kelly
Micaela says
Thanks Kelly! I think people really appreciate it – both the extra gift and the creativity!
Allison says
These are such great ideas! Every holiday season, I spend all this money on wrapping paper and tissue paper that just gets thrown away… I’ll definitely be using these tips this year. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Micaela says
Oh good! Glad to be of help Allison! I think you’ll enjoy the creativity of it too!
Bre Paulson says
You are a genius! It pains my earth-loving heart to see the piles of wrapping paper, at least we make sure to recycle it. But this is even better! I see beautiful scarves at the thrift store all the time!
lori alper says
Great ideas, Micaela! I generally don’t wrap at all, but these are fabulous alternatives to conventional wrapping paper.
Heather says
I love the Lunchskin bag as a gift wrap. I would never have thought of that. I love all of these and they are always the gifts that stand out and create memories for the recipient. This year I made gift bags out of sheets to use at our house. I’d like to start giving gifts in reusable cloth gift bags as well.
Micaela says
Love the sheet idea!