Eco Friendly Gift Wrapping

Lately I’ve been digging gift wrapping that doesn’t negatively affect the environment. Upcycling, using reusable products, using recyclable products, etc. Did you know that you can't recycle wrapping paper!? I was super disappointed when I learned that fact. The good news is there are so many eco friendly options you can choose from instead.

Here are a few examples to get your creative gift wrapping juices flowing.

Instead of wrapping presents in wrapping paper use newspaper or flyers you’ve received in the mail. Not only are they free but recyclable too! I have a feeling that no kid cares what paper their present is wrapped in (or adult for that matter). Old maps work amazingly for wrapping paper, but may be harder and more costly to track down. Paper bags work great too. I like to let Adler paint the paper bag before I use it as wrapping. Then not only does it occupy my energetic toddler for a few minutes, but his artwork adds to the beauty of the wrapping.

Some non-paper wrapping options can be found at your local thrift store. Go to your local thrift store and check out their selection of tea towels, hand towels, scarves or handkerchiefs to wrap your presents up. The picture above is a scarf I found at a thrift store. Depending on the gift recipient they may use the cloth as wrapping again or the cloth can be part of their gift. I know that when I've wrapped presents for my friends' kids in scarves they always become a toy. It's amazing how much a scarf can become when you use your imagination.

I'm not sure if it's age, but I've become quite frugal. It is hard for me to stomach spending $5-8 on a card that will likely be thrown away immediately. I take Adler's art pieces and turn them into cards. The image on the right shows some of the artwork Adler and I created with watercolor the other evening. These watercolors were done on 9x12 inch watercolor paper which is pretty heavy cardstock and makes for great cards. I cut each sheet in half so that they become 9x6 inch sheets and then fold that in half to make a card. Nothing better than a handmade, one of a kind card. Especially when given to loved ones. Piece of art and a love note, does it get any better? I don't think so.

As we approach the gift giving season I hope this blog has given you a few ideas of how to give your gifts in an environmentally thoughtful way. I'd love to hear from you all, how do you wrap your gifts?