Dec 02 2008
Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper Ideas for the Holidays
The holidays to me are the celebration of life; the birth of Christ, the birth of the sun at Yule, the re-birth or rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at Hanukkah are all symbolisms of life. The thought of cutting down trees to wrap presents with and then so callously throwing them in the trash is a very strange way to celebrate life, in my eyes. With a little bit of creativity and imagination buying wrapping paper for the holidays can be a thing of the past! This year delve into your artsy side and turn tissue paper, old gift bags or old paper bags into something festive, fun and eco-friendly!
1. Use old paper bags to wrap your gifts, then stamp the outsides with metallic paint using apple halves, cut up sponges or foam. For the grandparents you can use the grandkids feet and hands for stamps! This type of wrapping can either be recycled or re-used again for other holidays.
2. Cut up last years holiday cards; you know, the ones that you’ll inevitably find at the bottom of your Christmas box when you take it out of the attic this year, and use them for gift tags.
3. Take tissue paper and bunch it up in a ball, open up the paper and smooth out some of the wrinkles. Glue the paper to the outside of a gift box and spray with suede paint. Add twigs, leaves or acorns for decorations, this makes the gift look like it was wrapped in leather. The box can be used by the recipient as a decoration after the holidays; it’s like two gifts in one!
4. Each year I make my own soaps, oils, incense and jewelry and add them all to a nicely decorated gift basket. The baskets get used by my family as decorations or to pass on as gifts for their friends. Watch for deals at thrift stores or yard sales.
5. Take two sheets of waxed paper and press flowers and/or leaves with a warm iron and use it wrap plain boxes. These look just beautiful!
Although the holidays can be very hectic, take some time out and get creative and have a little fun with your gifts! While at the same time you can do your part to save the trees!
Hi Wind,
I love these ideas! I’ve used old paper bags that I’ve decorated with stamps cut from potatoes for years. It’s a fun activity for my kids as well. I’ve also found that old road or forest service maps make great wrapping paper for my more adventurous friends!
Lynne
Hi Lynne! What a great idea! I never thought of that! Thanks for the addition.
Wind