Did you know that most traditional wrapping paper can’t be recycled?
Anything shiny, glittery, metallic, laminated, or textured usually ends up in a landfill — no matter how carefully you sort it.
Each year, the U.S. produces about 4.6 billion pounds of wrapping paper, and nearly half of it goes straight to the trash. That’s billions of pounds of mixed plastic, foil, and dye waste — used once, loved for a moment only to live on our planet for centuries.
But here’s the good news:
You can still wrap your gifts beautifully without creating waste. All it takes is a little creativity, a few natural materials, and some sustainable inspiration. 🌿
Let’s make this holiday season beautiful for your loved ones and for the planet.
Kraft Paper for the Win (and for the Planet)
We’ll admit — kraft paper might not scream “festive” at first glance. But this humble brown paper is a hero for Mother Earth.
It’s recyclable, compostable, and endlessly versatile — the perfect blank canvas for creative wrapping. Use it on its own or decorate it with a personal touch.
💡 Try this:
Reuse what you already have — newspaper, old maps, magazines, or even paper grocery bags (Trader Joe’s bags work perfectly!).
Then, elevate your wrapping with natural accents:
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Twine, cotton, or jute string instead of plastic ribbon
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Biodegradable glitter or dried flowers for sparkle
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Dried citrus slices, pine sprigs, or cinnamon sticks for that festive touch
How to make DIY Dried Citrus Ornaments:
-Slice oranges, lemons, or grapefruits and place them on parchment paper or a reusable silicone mat.
-Bake for 2 hours at 200°F, flipping every 30 minutes until dry.
-Thread twine through the center once cooled — and voila! Natural, compostable ornaments that last for years.
Add a few to your wrapped gifts for a cozy, handmade feel.
Greenery that Feels Like a Winter Forest
Pine, fir, rosemary, eucalyptus — any small dried stalks will do.
Slip a few sprigs under the twine, and your gifts will look cute and smell divine!
After the holidays, you can recycle the kraft paper, compost the greens and citrus, and store any reusable bits for next year.
Kraft paper truly is a blank canvas — decorate it with chalk pens, stamps, or hand-drawn patterns for a personal, low-waste touch.
Try Furoshiki Wrapping: The Art of Fabric Gift Wrap
If you love wrapping that feels special and reusable, Furoshiki is for you.
Originally from Japan, this beautiful technique uses square pieces of fabric — scarves, towels, napkins, or fabric scraps — to wrap gifts elegantly without tape or paper.
The best part?
The wrapping becomes part of the gift.
Choose cloths with reversible patterns and sturdy fabric that can be tied securely. Sizes vary depending on your gift — from 17x17 inches for small items to 28x28 inches or larger for boxes and bottles.
Finish it with a touch of nature — a sprig of rosemary, a small tag, or a dried orange slice.
After the holidays, simply wash and fold your fabrics for next year, or encourage the recipient to reuse them too.
(Want to try? Watch a quick Furoshiki tutorial [here].)
Wrap in a Reusable Bag — A Gift Within a Gift
If you want something even simpler, wrap your presents in reusable fabric bags.
It’s a fast, easy, and eco-friendly alternative that turns your wrapping into part of the gift.
For smaller items, try our cotton bulk bags — they’re reusable, beautiful when tied with twine or decorated with greenery, and actually useful after the holidays are over! For larger gifts, use our half mesh market tote bag.
Your recipient gets two gifts in one: what’s inside and the bag itself.
Sustainable Gift Wrapping Is More Than a Trend
Whether you wrap with kraft paper, Furoshiki fabric, or reusable gift bags, every small swap helps reduce waste during the holidays. Sustainable gift wrapping isn’t just a trend — it’s a simple way to cut down on single-use plastic, save resources, and create gifts that feel more thoughtful and personal.
Each present you wrap with intention becomes a quiet act of care — for your loved ones and for the planet. By choosing eco-friendly materials, you’re supporting a greener holiday season and minimizing what ends up in landfills.
This year, let’s make every gift a symbol of something bigger:
✨ Mindfulness — choosing materials that align with your values
🌿 Creativity — turning everyday items into beautiful wrapping
💚 Sustainability — reducing waste one gift at a time
Because the most meaningful gifts aren’t just what’s inside the box — they’re the ones that don’t cost our Mother Earth.
