Well, it’s that season again, and as usual, I have been looking for better and more sustainable ways to do things. While there’s not much I can do about the massive amounts of plastic and twist ties in the packaging of my nephew’s toys, I can certainly make sure that I’m choosing better wrappings. Personally, I’ve always hated spending money on wrapping paper, so this year, I spent some time researching alternative ideas for gift wrappings. The list below are some of my favorites.
1. Brown paper bags
Most grocery stores that still carry bags will give them for free, and using plain brown paper with some decorations can make your package look very classy. Add some pretty ribbon, a fun ornament, or even make a potato stamp and add a pattern for a special touch! Not only is this going to save you money, but if you work at it, it can look very classy and is good for the environment!
2. Baskets
If you have a couple of small things, one of my favorite ways to keep them together is by using tissue paper and baskets. Add a bit of ribbon, and the end result is can be really pretty. As a bonus, the person will be able to reuse the basket for something later, so it’s almost like receiving an extra gift!
3. Pretty glass jars
I’m sure you’ve seen mason jars or other pretty glass jars used to house recipes or gifts. Not only is it a convenient way to package gifts without the hassle of paper and tape, but there are literally hundreds of ways that you can reuse glass jars, so this is good for the budget. Consider giving away some of your older canning jars which no longer hold good enough seals as gifts.
4. Dish towels or cloth napkins
While we’re talking about useful wrapping, why not wrap your gift in something that they will actually use? You can make cloth napkins out of any large scrap by hemming the edges into a square or rectangular shape, or even find dish towels that match the kitchen and wrap up some cookie cutters or other kitchen-related gifts. Then, tie the whole thing up with a pretty bow!
5. Reusable boxes or bags
Speaking of saving money in the long term, many families reuse the same decorative gift boxes or bags for years, as it not only saves money but also is better for the environment as there is less waste overall. Make sure you get some pretty sturdy ones so that they last!
6. Letters or children’s essays
My absolute favorite idea, which I admit I’ve not personally done, is to wrap relatives gifts with essays or worksheets from your child. There’s just something charming about it, and it is paper that has already been used to it’s also eco-friendly. This also gives relatives a glimpse into the child’s progress in school, which is doubly neat.
What alternative wrapping methods do you use instead of spending money on paper? Tell me in the comments below!
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