Zero-Waste Gift Wrap Ideas

Usually, the go-to method for wrapping presents is to go straight for beautifully designed wrapping paper, held together with tape. However, it’s incredibly wasteful, and most of these fancy types of wrapping paper and plastic tape aren’t recyclable. It's also just like throwing away money, you use it once and then straight to the trash. Americans spend about $3.2 billion annually on gift wrap, according to research by Hallmark.

How much wrapping paper lands in landfills? Earth911 estimates that approximately 4.6 million lbs. of wrapping paper is produced in the U.S. each year, and that about 2.3 million pounds ends its life in landfills

The good news? There are a lot of zero-waste ways that you can wrap gifts, without even using plastic. Consider these zero-waste gift wrap ideas to keep gift wrap out of landfills.

Fabric Scraps:  You may have some lying around, and it can be easily purchased online. Finish the edges with pinking shears and wrap the gift using ribbon or sparkly wool. (Now I can finally re-gift the wrapping along with the gift!)

Stasher Bags:  They are eco-friendly reusable bags which can be cooked in, refrigerated and washed. You can also store makeup or travel products in them. A variety in colors and styles are available. 

 Fabric Bags:  A reusable tote stuffed with fav goodies can be a beautiful gift. And you can customize it with paints or stick-ons.

 Mason Jars:  Fill it with treasures like cookie kits, granola, homemade soaps, or maybe even twinkle lights.

 Wooden Boxes:  You can buy them to fill with a bottle, concert tickets, gift cards or something sentimental. You might even find some at a thrift store.

 Reusable tins:  Get them at a bulk or craft store (or re-use a cookie tin) and fill them with home-baked goods, handmade bath salts, or a collection of teas.