The holiday season is magical, but it is also one of the most wasteful times of the year. And I’m not talking about all the toys and unnecessary gifts. Americans throw away millions of tons of wrapping paper, ribbons and bows every Christmas. Surprisingly, not all wrapping paper is recyclable, and much of what is used ends up in landfills. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sacrifice gorgeous-looking gifts to be eco-friendly. In this post, we’ll chat about what wrapping paper can and can’t be recycled, how much waste actually piles up, and how you can skip the store-bought stuff entirely with some fun, creative and eco-friendly wrapping paper ideas. Bonus: many of these alternatives are budget-friendly too!
The Waste Problem with Traditional Gift Wrapping
Most wrapping paper isn’t recyclable — especially the shiny, glittery stuff. It may look festive and pretty, but it’s basically trash in disguise. Simple, uncoated, and non-glitter paper are great eco-friendly wrapping paper options that can be recycled. How can you tell if the paper can be recycled? Do the “scrunch test” — if the paper stays crumpled, it’s likely recyclable.
🎁 25 million tons of extra waste hits the landfills during the holiday season in the U.S. alone. Yikes!
🎁 Most ribbons, bows, and plastic decorations can’t be recycled — and we’re talking miles of ribbon thrown away every year.
🎁 The cost of wrapping paper adds up. An average roll of wrapping paper runs about $4 to $10 each. Most families buy 3-5 rolls every Christmas, meaning you could easily be spending $20-50 just to wrap gifts that’ll be torn open in seconds.
Eco-friendly Wrapping Paper Alternatives
So…what can you do to make your gifts look attractive and yet be kind to the environment? You don’t need store-bought paper to create stunning gifts. Try these eco-friendly alternatives that look amazing and won’t end up in the trash. Here is a list of ideas to get you started. Get creative. And don’t worry, many of these of these options don’t require you to be a DIY expert, or even crafty.
- Furoshiki (Japanese fabric wrapping) – this is a beautiful and reusable Japanese tradition where gifts are wrapped in cloth with creative folds and knots. It’s like origami for your presents!
- Scarves and handkerchiefs – wrap your gift in a scarf — it’s two presents in one! Tie it with a ribbon or use a cute pin for extra flair. I love doing this with small gifts and a silk scarf.
- Tea towels or kitchen towels – great for wrapping kitchen-themed gifts. Bonus: it’s super practical.
- Reusable bags – fabric or tote bags double as gift wrap and a present. Win-win!
- Brown paper (recyclable) – grab some plain kraft paper and decorate it with hand-drawn doodles or stamps.
- Newspaper or comics – quirky, colorful, and totally free. Kids love gifts wrapped in Sunday comics.
- Old maps – got a travel lover on your list? Wrap their gift in an old map for an adventurous vibe.
- Fabric scraps – leftover sewing fabric? it’s perfect for gifts and adds a cozy, handmade touch.
- Play silks – borrow them from the playroom for a few days, or add a new one to the collection. These are great to use for furoshiki.
- Pillowcases – use a fun pillowcase, tie it with a ribbon, and call it a day! You could even monogram it for a personal touch.
- Old calendar pages – last year’s calendar can become this year’s wrapping masterpiece.
- Kids’ artwork – turn your kids’ art—or yours!—into personalized wrapping paper that’s way better than anything from the store.
- Baskets – no wrapping needed, simply arrange the gifts in a cute basket and add a festive bow.
- Reusable tins or jars – cookies, candies, or even non-edibles look adorable in a decorated tin or mason jar.
- Glass containers – think outside the box…literally. Use jars for small gifts like bath bombs or jewelry.
- Cereal or shoe boxes – instead of buying gift boxes, upcycle empty boxes you have around the house with some paint or washi tape.
- Beeswax wraps – these are awesome for wrapping small food gifts and are reusable.
- Muslin bags – great for small gifts, these bags can be reused again and again.
- Burlap fabric – perfect for a rustic holiday aesthetic.
- Decorated paper bags – have plain bags lying around? Break out the markers and glitter-free stickers. This is a great activity to get little kids involved in the holiday fun.
- Wooden crates or boxes – customize these with paint or stencils for a rustic look that works long after the holidays.
- Trimmings from past gifts – never toss a good ribbon, they last for years. Instead of buying disposable ribbons and gift tags, purchase long-lasting ones and store them to use year after year.
- Yarn or twine ties – biodegradable and way cuter than tape.
- Washi tape – an eco-friendly alternative to plastic tape that comes in many colors and designs.
- Nature-inspired décor – tie on pinecones, sprigs of greenery or dried flowers for a festive touch.
How Other Cultures Wrap Gifts
Want to add a global twist to your wrapping game? Japan’s Furoshiki (tutorial) is all about using beautiful cloth wraps that can be reused year after year. In Korea, a similar technique called Bojagi turns wrapping into an art form, using stunning fabrics with intricate designs. In Europe, gifts are often wrapped in simple paper cones tied with twine — charming, easy, and totally plastic-free.
A Note About Washi Tape
Washi tape is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic tape that originated in Japan in 2006. It’s made from natural fibers like bamboo, hemp and paper. Why use washi tape?
- Durability: Washi tape is strong, flexible and durable.
- Repositionability: Washi tape can be peeled off and repositioned without damaging the surface or leaving a sticky residue.
- Upcycling: If you can’t recycle washi tape, you can repurpose it for craft projects, gift wrapping, or decorating notebooks. You can also donate it to local schools or art organizations.
- Compostability: Some washi tapes are compostable.
I will note however, that while 90% of traditional washi tape is made up of entirely biodegradable materials, lesser brands include plastic or protective coatings over their patterns, or chemical based glues, neither of which are recyclable. If the tape looks shiny or coated, it probably isn’t recyclable.
Wrapping Up
This holiday season, let’s wrap smarter, not harder. Try one of these creative, eco-friendly ideas instead of glittery paper. Not only will your gifts look amazing, but you’ll also cut down on waste and save money.
PS – these gift wrapping techniques work well all year round for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, you name it!
Do you have a favorite wrapping trick I didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear how you keep things fun and eco-friendly.
