ALT-1 Green Guide to Gift Wrapping Eco Friendly Alternatives to Wrapping Paper
With just a little imagination, you can turn many items into Eco-friendly alternatives to wrapping paper, such as plastic trash bags, fabric, linens and newspapers. Try an idea from this green guide to gift-wrapping for green and unique gift-wraps that require no traditional gift-wrap purchase.
Gift-Wrap For Kitchen Gifts
It’s easy to find Eco-friendly gift-wrap for kitchen gifts. Dish towels, kitchen curtains, cheesecloth or parchment paper are all good choices and serve as the gift too. Place mats, napkins and tablecloths are great ideas too and there is nothing to throw away except maybe a bow.
Gift-Wrap For The Boudoir And Bath
Many gifts for the boudoir and bath can be used as the gift-wrap if you use your imagination. Sheets, pillowcases, throws, blankets, towels, netting or a new shower curtain are all great ways to wrap a gift for the boudoir or bath.
Gift-Wrap For Baby
Wrap a square diaper around the gift for baby and then add another one that is folded as a three-point diaper and fasten it with a decorative diaper pin. You can also use baby blankets, crib sheets, diaper keepers, curtains and sleepers to wrap a gift for baby.
Gift-Wrap For Gardening Gifts
Place gardening tools, seeds, gloves, flower pots or whatever in a watering can and tie it up in a sheet of landscaping cloth that prevents the growth of weeds. Or, use a medium sized white plastic trash bag to hold the gift and tie it with an over-sized bow. You can even draw gardening scenes with colored markers, such as large sunflowers, gardening tools, a scarecrow in a field or bouquets of flowers.
Sunday Funny Paper Gift-Wrap
The Sunday funny papers, which are usually in the bright primary colors, make the perfect gift wrap for a child’s gift. If the gift is large, tape several sheets of the paper together, wrap the gift and tie on a matching bow.
Boxes
You need never buy gift-wrap again if you save the common everyday boxes that foods and other items come in. Cigar boxes, old hat boxes, oatmeal boxes and even cereal boxes work! Paint the box, decoupage with magazine cutouts or cover with handmade paper for a lovely gift container.
Paper Grocery Bags
Paper grocery bags are both plentiful and sturdy enough to use as gift-wrap. Cut the bag apart and paint or decorate it and use as regular wrapping paper or leave the bag as is and add embellishments such as plaid or twine bows, stickers or decoupage pictures or old greeting cards on each side to cover any store logos.
Clean Recycled Aluminum Foil
Clean recycled aluminum foil makes a lovely gift wrap even if it is wrinkled. The wrinkles will catch and reflect light too. Just smooth out the foil and wrap your gift. You can add embellishments if you wish or just add a ribbon and bow.
Reusable Recycled Fabric
For only a few dollars, you can buy used clothing at a Goodwill Shop and use the fabric as gift-wrapping. Wash the garment, take it apart and iron out any wrinkles. Now you can cut it to shape to wrap a gift or make a reusable gift bag from it.
Left Over Wallpaper Gift-Wrap
Turn that leftover wallpaper into gift-wrap or gift bags for any occasion. If the right side isn’t appropriate for the occasion, use the back side and embellish it with paint, glitter, cutout from magazines or stickers. Cut a brown paper bag open and use it for a pattern. Use matching ribbon for the handles.
Use this green guide to gift-wrapping and create some unique Eco-friendly alternatives to warping-paper. Not only is this the green thing to do, but your packages will be the hit of any party or get together.
