
Gift wrapping is a thoughtful way to show you care, but the traditional paper and plastic wrap can be a major contributor to waste.
Reusable cloth wraps made from cotton, linen, or bamboo can be used multiple times, reducing the need for single-use paper.
These eco-friendly wraps are not only better for the environment, but they can also add a personal touch to your gifts.
Check this out: How to Wrap a Bottle of Wine in Wrapping Paper
Eco-Friendly Wrap Options
Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese style of wrapping gifts using colourful cloth, making it a great zero-waste alternative to paper as the material can be reused and doesn’t require tape.
You can find beautiful and eco-friendly upcycled sari gift wrap on Etsy from £4, made from repurposed saris that are 100% cotton.
Beeswax paper is another reusable option for gift wrapping, it's washable, reusable, biodegradable, and 100% compostable, making it a thoughtful and responsible choice.
Wrappily helps you wrap without the waste by crafting wrapping paper from recycled newspaper, which can be recycled or composted again once used, and costs $10-$15 for three sheets.
Recycled magazine or newspaper can also be used for gift wrapping, simply wrap your gift and tie with natural materials like jute or cotton twine, and add nature accents like pinecones or dried orange slices for a beautiful touch.
You can find handmade furoshiki fabric on Etsy from £8.91, which comes in multiple designs and is sent in recyclable packaging, making it a great eco-friendly option for gift wrapping.
Reusable Wrap Alternatives
Reusable wrap alternatives are a great way to reduce waste during the holiday season. You can find beautiful and eco-friendly options on Etsy, such as upcycled sari gift wrap made from repurposed saris.
Furoshiki fabric wraps are another popular choice, inspired by the Japanese tradition of wrapping gifts in fabric. They come in various designs and can be reused year after year.
For a more rustic look, consider using brown paper gift bags made from recyclable and FSC-approved materials. These bags are biodegradable and can be reused as well.
Reusable cotton drawstring bags or pillowcases are also a great option, as they can be washed and reused multiple times. You can even use them as produce bags at the grocery store.
If you're looking for a more traditional wrapping paper look, look for rolls that are marked as recyclable. They'll generally be thicker and without glitter or a shiny finish.
In addition to reusable wraps, you can also use natural accents like branches or evergreen sprigs to add a personal touch to your gifts.
Tips for Eco Gift Wrapping
Furoshiki fabric wraps are a beautiful and sustainable gift wrap option, often coming in 18 inch or 28 inch squares.
You can also cut a larger length of fabric for a bigger gift. I've found that having a few extra pieces on hand makes it easy to wrap gifts of all sizes.
Choose accessories that continue with the green theme, such as upcycled sari gift wrap made from repurposed saris.
This type of wrap is not only eco-friendly but also beautiful, and can be purchased individually or in sets from independent shops.
Consider using handmade fabric for your gift wrapping, like Christmas furoshiki fabric, which comes in multiple designs and is sent in recyclable packaging.
This type of fabric is a great zero-waste alternative to paper, and can be reused multiple times.
Sustainable Materials
Paper Source offers a unique eco-friendly wrapping option made from stone, which is recyclable, reusable, and water-resistant. This stone wrapping paper comes in six festive patterns and is a great alternative to traditional wrapping paper.
You can also opt for kraft paper gift wrapping, which can be recycled, composted, or reused after use. Adding natural accents like pinecones, branches, or dried orange slices can give it a personal touch.
Some wrapping papers are made from recycled materials, such as the 80% recycled paper used in a hand-drawn design. Others are sustainably sourced, like the RSPB's classic offering, which is also recyclable and free from non-recyclable contaminants.
Paper Source
Paper Source is a great option for eco-friendly wrapping paper. Their stone wrapping paper is made from stone and comes in six festive patterns.
This unique wrapping paper is recyclable, reusable, water-resistant, and easy to cut, making it a convenient choice. No more jagged edges or rips!
Paper Source ships to the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. The price is $9.95 for one roll.
You can also reuse paper gift bags by saving them and any tissue paper inside them for the next holiday.
Vintage Fabric
I love scouring my home for fabric to use as gift wrap - it's a great way to get creative and reduce waste. You can turn old sheets that have frayed edges or a stained tablecloth into gift wrap.
Just trim off the stained parts and you're good to go. Old neckties, doilies, or lengths of lace can add extra panache to a plain kraft paper wrap job.
A vintage handkerchief or tablecloth makes a gorgeous eco-friendly gift wrap idea.
Recycled Paper

You can reuse paper gift bags for multiple holidays, saving them and their tissue paper for future use. Simple colors and styles make them versatile for various occasions.
Save plain wrapping paper, too, as it can be recycled, although it's not ideal for composting due to the inks. Elliot likes to draw or paint on kraft paper to customize each gift.
Recycled magazine or newspaper pages can be used for gift wrapping, and you can find beautiful pages to reuse if you keep an eye out. Those mushroom papers are a great example of repurposed material.
Pages from old books, vintage maps, and newspaper sheets can also be reused for gift wrapping. Wrap your gift in your recycled paper and tie with natural jute, cotton twine, or leather cord.
Dried flowers, evergreen or holly sprigs, gilded leaves, or a few acorns can make a gorgeous addition to your eco-friendly gift wrap.
Reusable Bags and Wraps
Reusable bags and wraps are a fantastic way to reduce waste and make gift-giving more sustainable.
You can reuse paper gift bags for years to come by saving them and storing them for the next holiday. Choose simple colors and styles so they can be used for various occasions.
Reusable fabric bags are another option, made from durable materials like cotton or linen. They can be used for every holiday and are a great alternative to paper gift bags.
Fabric bags can be cut to size, making them perfect for larger gifts. Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese style of wrapping gifts using colorful cloth, which can be reused and doesn't require tape.
Reusable cotton drawstring bags or pillowcases are also a great option, made from natural fabrics like 100% cotton. They can be washed and reused multiple times, and are versatile enough to be used as produce bags at the grocery store.

Jute gift bags are another eco-friendly option, made from plant-based materials that are biodegradable and recyclable. They can be reused as gift bags or bags for life.
Canvas bags make the ultimate gift wrap, holding the gift securely and working as another bonus gift itself. They can be reused for various purposes, such as grocery shopping or carrying items to the beach.
Paper Bags
Paper bags are a great example of reusable bags. You can reuse them for multiple occasions.
Save paper gift bags and tissue paper to reuse for future holidays. Choose simple colors and styles so they can be used for various gift-giving occasions.
Reuse paper gift bags and tissue paper to reduce waste and save money.
Reusable Cotton Bags
Reusable cotton bags are a fantastic alternative to traditional wrapping paper. They're made from natural fabrics like 100% cotton that's unbleached and untreated.
You can choose from a variety of styles, including drawstring bags or pillowcases. The latter can be reused as produce bags at the grocery store or farmers market.
Cotton bags are super versatile and can be washed and reused again and again. They're also easy to make if you know how to sew.
One creative way to use cotton bags is to tie them shut with twine and add natural accents like branches or evergreen sprigs. You can also add handmade tags or embellishments for a personal touch.
These bags can be used for years to come, making them a great eco-friendly option for gift wrapping.
Furoshiki Fabric Wraps
Furoshiki fabric wraps are a beautiful and sustainable way to give gifts. They're made from fabric, which can be reused and doesn't require tape.
You can buy special furoshiki wraps or use lengths of cotton or linen from the fabric store. Most furoshiki come in 18 inch or 28 inch squares, but you can also cut a larger length of fabric for a bigger gift.
The Japanese tradition of furoshiki is all about using fabric to wrap gifts, and it's a great way to reduce waste. Furoshiki can also be used in everyday life, like a scarf.
Furoshiki is a zero-waste alternative to paper, and it's beautiful too. You can choose any fabric, like a napkin, and place the gift in the center, then tie a pretty knot.
Furoshiki wraps can be made from repurposed saris, making them a beautiful and eco-friendly option. You can also use play silks, scarves, or tea towels to create a unique and reusable gift wrap.
To use furoshiki, start by placing the item diagonally in the center of the cloth, then wrap the first set of opposite corners together and tie a knot. You can also tuck the ends of the fabric in and knot the remaining opposite corners together on top.
Furoshiki is a great way to add a personal touch to your gifts, and it's also a thoughtful way to reuse and recycle fabric.
Accessories and Embellishments
You can add a personal touch to your eco-friendly gift wrap with the right accessories and embellishments.
Consider using mixed hemp string, which comes in a pack of three for £3.50 at RSPB Shop.
Dried flowers, evergreen or holly sprigs, gilded leaves, or a few acorns can make a gorgeous addition to your eco-friendly gift wrap.
For a more polished look, gold bird gift tags are a lovely option, available in packs of 10 for £2.50 at RSPB Shop, and come with hemp string to attach them to presents.
Jute twine and paper tags can also be used to create a beautiful and eco-friendly gift wrap set.
Creative Ideas
You can use a canvas bag as the ultimate gift wrap, and it's not just a creative idea - it's also sustainable and reusable. A canvas bag can hold the gift securely and work as another bonus gift itself.
To make it even more unique, try using a furoshiki, a fabric square used in Japan for centuries to wrap and carry gifts. Simply place the gift in the center, join the opposing diagonal corners, and tie a pretty knot.
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods offers a unique Hanukkah wrapping paper made from non-coated newsprint paper and biodegradable PLA, sourced locally in California. This eco-friendly paper is reversible and dyed with soy ink.
The paper is shipped worldwide and costs $20 for six medium-sized sheets. You'll only need one set to cover all eight nights of Hanukkah.
The design is inspired by the Star of David and the Maccabees, giving you two playful options to style. Illustrator and designer Talia Gavish created this beautiful wrapping paper in the sunshine state of California.
Now's a Creative Wrap
Furoshiki fabric squares are a beautiful, eco-friendly gift wrap option that's been used in Japan for centuries.
You can use any fabric, like an apron, to create a unique gift wrap. Simply place the gift in the center, join the opposing diagonal corners, and tie a pretty knot.
Grab a couple of bags from your pantry and transform them into homemade wrapping paper. Cut the bag so it lays flat with the printed side up and wrap the gift as you would using traditional paper.
Canvas bags make the ultimate gift wrap, as they're reusable and can be used for grocery shopping, beach trips, or as a gym bag.
Use clean canning jars for a more responsible gift wrap. Jars can hold smaller items, like homemade treats, and are perfect for adding a personal touch.
Reusable wraps, like beeswax paper, are washable, reusable, biodegradable, and 100% compostable. They're a great option for home-cooked gifts that come from the heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is furoshiki gift wrapping?
Furoshiki gift wrapping is a traditional Japanese technique of wrapping gifts in reusable fabric, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. This eco-friendly method has been practiced in Japan for centuries and is now gaining popularity worldwide.
What is an eco-friendly alternative to ribbon?
Try raffia or make your own recycled paper tags and bows for a biodegradable and eco-friendly wrapping option
Sources
- https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/gift-wrapping-paper/
- https://www.realsimple.com/eco-friendly-gift-wrap-ideas-8357965
- https://woodlarkblog.com/eco-friendly-and-reusable-gift-wrap-ideas/
- https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2024/dec/03/best-eco-friendly-wrapping-paper
- https://www.patagoniaprovisions.com/blogs/learn/sustainable-gift-wrap-ideas
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