Sustainable Gift Wrapping Options
Americans throw out around 2.3 million pounds of wrapping paper during the holidays each year. That’s a lot of waste for something that’s often ripped off and discarded within seconds!
So, maybe this year, you’ve decided to put more thought into your gift wrapping. After all, we each try to do our part to look after our planet. By now, we all know the importance of sustainability and environmentally-friendly options—we don’t need to be adding to our landfills.
In this article, we take a closer look at what eco-friendly options you have when it comes to wrapping all of your gifts. What can replace your classic gift wrap this year?
What Is an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Gift Wrap?
When it comes to wrapping gifts more sustainably, the good news is that you’ve got tons of beautiful, eco-friendly options to choose from. Whether it’s something reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, or made from recycled materials, there’s a way to wrap that’s easier on the planet and easy on the eyes.
But here’s the best part… Sustainable gift wrap often looks even better than the shiny, mass-produced stuff.
Think kraft paper with a rustic touch or fabric wraps that feel luxurious and personal. These options cut down on waste and add a thoughtful, stylish twist that shows you care—about the planet and the person receiving the gift!
So, what alternatives should you consider? Here are our recommendations:
| Option | Looks/Style | Reuse or Recycle Potential | Bonus Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric (Furoshiki) | Luxurious, elegant, soft folds | Infinitely reusable | Add a sprig of greenery or cinnamon for a festive touch |
| Recycled Paper | Traditional paper look, sustainable print | Often recyclable again | Avoid glitter or metallic finishes to ensure recyclability |
| Tote Bags | Modern, practical, versatile | 100% reusable | Personalize with fabric paint, stamps, or embroidery |
| Kraft Paper | Rustic, neutral, artsy canvas | Biodegradable & recyclable | Use kids’ drawings for a personal family touch |
| Old Maps / Sheet Music | Vintage, story-rich, eye-catching | Repurposed (reuse or recycle) | Top it off with a minimalist ribbon or string |
| Brown Grocery Bags | Earthy, handmade, crafty | Reusable & recyclable | Stamp with wine corks or fruit for patterns |
| Reusable Bags/Boxes | Sleek, sturdy, presentable | Reusable many times | Kindly request returns for future reuse |
1. Fabric
Fabric gift wrapping—also known as Furoshiki in Japan—offers an elegant, infinitely reusable alternative to disposable paper.
Try vibrant scarves, beautiful tea towels, or even repurposed fabric scraps to create stunning wrapped packages that become part of the gift itself!
And don’t worry; the technique is surprisingly simple—place your item diagonally in the center of a square cloth, bring opposite corners together, and tie them in a decorative knot. For added flair, incorporate natural elements like sprigs of evergreen or cinnamon sticks secured in the knot. Recipients can either keep the fabric or continue the cycle by using it to wrap another gift, creating a chain of sustainable giving.
2. Paper Made From Recyclable Materials
Not all paper wrapping needs to end up in the trash! Look for gift wrap specifically labeled as made from 100% recycled materials and printed with soy-based inks. These options feel and look just like traditional wrapping paper but have a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
Better yet, choose papers that can be recycled again after use—avoiding metallic finishes, glitter, or plastic lamination that make recycling impossible.
3. Tote Bags
Canvas tote bags make perfect gift wrap alternatives. They’re sturdy, reusable, and serve as an additional present. Consider selecting designs that match the recipient’s personality or hobbies, or simply go for the plain bags that you can personalize with fabric paints, stamps, or embroidery (or leave as is!).
An added bonus: Totes are also perfect for awkwardly shaped gifts that are difficult to wrap.
4. Kraft Paper
This unbleached, minimally processed paper is biodegradable and recyclable. It also provides a perfect blank canvas for creative decoration. Untouched kraft paper also goes well with twine, dried flowers, and more for a rustic, Pinterest-worthy finish!
For a personal touch, use colored pencils or non-toxic markers to add hand-drawn designs, messages, or patterns. For instance, children’s artwork on kraft paper may make a particularly meaningful gift wrapping for grandparents or other family members.
5. Old Maps or Sheet Music
Repurpose old vintage maps, outdated atlas pages, or photocopies of sheet music for a unique spin on traditional gift wrapping. These materials tell their own stories and create visually interesting packages that stand out under the tree or at any celebration.
Finish your gift off with a simple ribbon in a complementary color. This option also adds an elegant, eye-catching touch that’s sure to spark conversation!
6. Brown Paper Grocery Bags
Reduce, reuse, recycle! And for this gift wrapping alternative, we’re talking about the second “R” here. Reuse old brown paper grocery bags for gift wrapping.
It’s really simple: Cut along the seams to create flat sheets, turn them inside-out to hide any store logos, and wrap as you would with standard paper. Add a little charm to your gift by tying it with twine, tucking in some dried lavender, or stamping fun designs using things you already have at home—like wine corks, potatoes, or even slices of fruit dipped in paint. It’s a zero-cost way to keep paper out of landfills and create those rustic, handmade vibes that feel thoughtful and stylish—not just budget or eco-friendly.
7. Reusable Gift Bags or Boxes
Last but not least, gift bags and boxes are easily reusable. They can be passed down multiple times (as long as you keep them in good shape!). In other words, the recipient can use the gift bag or gift box again.
Alternatively, you could also ask family and friends to return the bags after enjoying their gifts. Either way, these don’t belong in the landfill.
At Hammont, we offer premium packaging options—including environmentally friendly alternatives. If you’re looking to elevate your next gift wrap, check out our selection of gift bags, boxes, and more!
