Wrapping paper is designed for single-use, and although the patterns can be cheerful and bright, the environmental impact is anything but. Think you'll just recycle the gift wrap? Think again! Most wrapping paper is not recyclable – meaning its final destination is a landfill.
Instead, everyday household items can be repurposed into creative gift wraps for the holidays or any occasion!
Furoshiki (traditional Japanese wrapping cloth)

Never heard of Lush? The company is against animal testing and all products are 100 percent vegetarian. Try the shampoo bar! Ditch the shampoo bottles and use a bar instead (there's even a tin you can purchase to store it in). Conditioner bars are available too.
Here are five ways you can reuse your knot wrap via LushUSA.com.
Holiday Wrapping Hacks from "Good Housekeeping"
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Try these holiday wrapping hacks from "Good Housekeeping."
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Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas from OLIO
Use what you have lying around the house such as old magazines, newspapers, maps, sheet music or book pages.
Add a touch of the outdoors by wrapping gifts in leaves or putting a sprig of greenery as an accent. Or wrap your gifts within another gift such as a fabulous tea towel or stylish reusable napkin! |
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Upcycled Gift Wrap Ideas from HGTV
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Learn how to repurpose empty food canisters, paper towel rolls, old t-shirts, socks, 6-pack holders, used jars, and more! Skip the cellophane wrap suggested for the jar gift and just tie a cute ribbon around the lid! |
Repurposed Cereal Boxes

Easy peasy and adorable! Check out this idea from "SustainableMags."
- Grab an empty cereal box
- Cut the tabs off the top of the box
- Use a hole punch to make two holes on either side of the box
- Thread ribbon, twine, shoestrings (or anything you can think of) through the holes and tie a knot on the ends
... or wrap the recycled cereal boxes in newspaper (like this idea from Too-Much-Time.com) or any other repurposed item that strikes your fancy! |

Got a gift certificate or small item such as a bracelet or other trinket? Try this recycled pillow boxes idea from Older and Wisor. How cute are these?