Gift wrapping is one of the joys of the holiday season, but traditional wrapping paper often comes with a hidden environmental cost. Glossy, glittery, or foil-lined paper may look festive, but much of it is non-recyclable, contributing to millions of tons of holiday waste each year. The good news? Eco-friendly gift wrapping ideascan be just as beautiful, creative, and personal—all while being kinder to the planet.

Why Make The True Shift to Sustainable Gift Wrapping?

  • Reduce Landfill Toxin Leaching and Microplastic Waste

    Most conventional wrapping paper contains plastic coatings, non-recyclable metallic inks, and glitter, meaning it ends up directly in landfills even if your community claims to recycle "paper." This waste stream contributes to local landfill crises and increases microplastic pollution and chemical leaching into the environment. Switching to truly sustainable alternatives drastically reduces the burden on your local waste management system.

  • Supporting a Low-Waste Lifestyle and Circular Economy

    Choosing reusable fabric wraps, compostable materials, or recycled paper signals a commitment to a zero-waste lifestyle. By avoiding single-use items, you participate in the circular economy, ensuring that materials either cycle back into use or safely return to the earth without leaving behind toxic residue or contributing to chemical off-gassing indoors.

  • Inspire Non-Toxic, Sustainable Holiday Practices at Home

    Your thoughtful switch provides a tangible, beautiful example of a non-toxic holiday solution. When friends and family see your creative, low-waste choices, it often prompts them to reconsider their own high-waste traditions. You become an authority in your own social circle, inspiring others in your neighborhood and region to adopt more environmentally responsible holiday practices next season.

Creative and Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

Repurpose What You Already Have: 

  • Recycled gift wrap like old newspapers and colorful magazine pages
  • Fabric scraps or scarves (furoshiki wrapping) for reusable and unique designs.
  • Maps, sheet music, or kraft paper for a whimsical or rustic touch.

Use Recyclable or Compostable Wrapping Materials

  • Brown kraft paper: Customize with hand-drawn designs, stamps, or eco-friendly markers.
  • Add natural accents like twine, dried flowers, or evergreen sprigs.

Choose Reusable Gift Wrap Options:

  • Cloth gift bags or reusable shopping totes.
  • Mason jars or decorative tins that can be reused.
  • Fabric wraps that double as part of the gift.

Creative and Zero-Waste Gift Wrap Ideas

Sustainable Gift Wrap

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  • Decorative Storage Boxes with Lids


    These sturdy paperboard boxes can last for years.  They can be used for both storage and for gift giving.  The recipient will easily be able to find a good use for these elegant boxes. 

    Wrap the box or opt for simply putting a bow across the box given these boxes are already elegant on their own.These boxes come in a variety of colors.
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  • 2 Pcs Burlap Tote Bags with Handles


    Use these instead of paper gift bags that may or not be recyclable (many are not recyclable). 

    Add a personalized card and bows with ribbons to personalize the bag.These bags have a variety of designs. 
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  • 50 Burlap Bags with Drawstring


    Use these small burlap bags to package individual gifts within a larger bundle such as in a gift box or gift bag.  These keep individual small items a surprise.

    Opt for mid-sized burlap bags in the 10 inch range which can fit most types of stocking stuffers. 

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  • Furoshiki Japanese Fabric Wrapping


    Furoshiki wraps are traditional Japanese wrapping clothes that are typically made of 100% cotton and can find many other post Holiday uses.  They also require no tape or other packing supplies to gift wrap. 

    Various YouTube videos exist on how to wrap with Furoshiki wraps.  Watch a couple and you’ll get the hang of this easy wrapping too pretty easily.
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Reusable Fabric Wrapping Paper

Similar to Furoshiki wraps, American companies have come out with 100% cotton beeswaxed coated gift wraps.  After the Holiday, these wraps can be used for wrapping breads to keep them fresh.

Wrap using many of the same techniques used for Furoshiki clothes though note the cloth will be a bit stiffer given the was coating.  When done as gift wrap, use it to cover loaves of bread to keep them fresher longer.
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Brown Kraft Packing Paper

Traditional kraft paper is an affordable alternative to purpose specific gift wrap.  You can use the same role for all sorts of other craft projects.  We love buying one thing and being able to use it for many purposes.

You’ll need to be a bit more careful when using kraft paper for wrapping.  It can team a bit more easily so just be mindful of sharp corners. Also note, kraft paper comes in a variety of sizes so getting a 30 inch plus roll may be better for gift wrapping so that you have more surface area to work with.
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Handmade Wrapping Paper from Nepal

Lokta paper is from Nepal and handmade.  It’s extremely vibrant paper made from plants that are more sustainable to grow and harvest than the trees often used to make traditional wrapping paper. 

Lokta paper comes in large squares.  As such, you’ll need to overlap squares for larger wrapping projects. Lokta paper is soft and almost clothlike so it’s easy to work with. 
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Hallmark Christmas Wrapping Paper Rolls

Hallmark has an entire line of recyclable wrapping paper that use more sustainable harvesting practices.  Try to opt for these.  Wrapping paper with metallic elements and high gloss surface is often not recyclable unless it’s explicitly indicated.

Probably the most familiar of the wrapping options we’ve laid out here.  Use some of the wrapping tools such as sustainable tape and bows to get the job done with traditional gift wrap.
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Eco-Friendly Gift Embellishments

Instead of plastic bows or ribbons, try these sustainable gift-wrapping decorations:

  • Natural twine or biodegradable jute.
  • Dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or small pinecones.
  • Up-cycled materials like yarn scraps, lace, or old fabric ribbons.

  • Fabric Burlap Rolls


    Burlap/jute ribbon does not have to be just drab brown.  You can get a variety of colors.  You can also get pre-tied bows.  These bows biodegrade and won’t create microplastics in the landfill like so many plastic bows more readily found.

    Use these ribbons to tie across boxes and wrapped gifts.  Tie them into bows as desired. Tape them down with plant based transparent tape to keep them in place.
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  • Burlap Wired Ribbon


    Sometimes you want that bow to just “pop.”  Wire lined burlap ribbon will keep its shape when tied with the metal wire running along either side being fully biodegradable.

    Use the wire-edged burlap ribbon to create bows and other decorative flourishes that stay in place more reliably.
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  • Raffia Paper Ribbon


    Kraft paper ribbon can come in a variety of colors and widths.  These ribbons are biodegradable just like all of the other options mentioned here.  These ribbons are also reliably easy to tie despite being made of paper.

    Use these thinner ribbons to create a more refined and understated look.  Paper ribbon is surprisingly strong and easy to work with and tie. Tape them down with plant based transparent tape to keep them in place.
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  • Pure Silk Ribbons


    You can also find colorful 100% silk ribbon that is also biodegradable. These ribbons just like paper ribbons create a more understated look.  The feel and sheen of this type of ribbon is unforgettable.

    Silk ribbons are easy to work with and can be used to wrap across packages and also create small bows and flourishes. 
    Tape them down with plant based transparent tape to keep them in place.
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Jute Twine String

For the ultimate understated and vintage look, use various types of jute string and twine.  These can be used to hold paper securely onto gift packages.

Jute string is very easy to work with and creates an understated look. Use these ribbons on packages using kraft paper for a vintage look. 
Tape them down with plant based transparent tape to keep them in place.
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Klein Tools Scissors

Make gift wrapping a joy by investing in high quality scissors.  These all stainless steel scissors are excellent for cutting wrapping paper and cloth.  They are also Made in the USA.

Use as you would with any scissors.  Store in a safe place as the rest of your family will likely want to run off with them. 
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Plastic-Free Tape Dispenser

This plant based tape is as effective as standard transparent tape.  Great thing is that it is completely biodegradable so this tape won’t turn into harmful microplastics.

Use just as you would any other transparent wrapping tape! 
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Add a Personal Touch

Make your gifts more special with these thoughtful, eco-conscious details:

  • Handwritten notes or tags made from seed paper.
  • Reuse last year’s holiday cards for tags.
  • Decorate with stamps, stencils, or pressed leaves for a personalized touch.

  • Blank Kraft Paper Cards & Envelopes


    Simple handwritten cards can send a thoughtful message in the digital age.  Use unbleached cards that are recyclable or recycled.

    These cards are sold in fairly large bundles so one purchase should last you many years. 
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  • Seed Paper Greeting Cards


    If you really want to stand out in your Holiday card game try these fully biodegradable cards that have embedded seeds.  Simply plant the card after opening and enjoy the surprise flowers that emerge. 

    Single use Holiday cards have a very short useful life.  Make these cards the source of life by using seed embedded cards.  Simply bury after opening.  
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  • Aluminum Fountain Pen


    Fountain pens just write differently than ballpoint or other pens.  Enjoy crafting your note with this truly sustainable and enjoyable to use option.  This Japanese fountain pen glides effortlessly and leaves a distinctive impression. 

    Load with ink as described below and enjoy.  Various ink options are available. 
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  • Parker Black QUINK Ink


    For fountain pens you can use a few different options.  You can use a reusable cartridge that you fill with ink from an ink bottle or you can buy pre-filled plastic cartridges that are disposable.  Obviously, the reusable cartridge option is preferable.

    Either use refillable cartridges filled from an ink bottle or get prefilled cartridges.  Either way, you’ll be writing in no time.
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Wood Rubber Stamp

Instead of wasteful address labels, buy a customized stamp to make your cards and gifts distinctive.  You can get stamps to replace address labels and to create “to/from” lines on packages.  These stamps are a much more sustainable option compared to labels.

Order these in advance and use them throughout the year.  These custom stamps may take a week or two to prepare so make sure to order in advance and use sustainable ink pads. 
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Ink Pads for Rubber Stamps

These ink pads are in metal tins which makes their packaging clearly sustainable.  These can be used for several years and keep well if stored properly. 

Store these away from heat and seal them tight - keep them in a cool, dry place.  The stamp pad ink should last for years and can be used with any rubber stamp. 
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Plant Decorative Wooden Stamp

These standard wood block stamps can be used to create custom decorations on your gift packages.  These blocks come in a variety of themes to suit different tastes.  

Use these wood block rubber stamps with any standard ink pad.  These stamps are especially created to decorate packages wrapped in kraft paper or other minimally ornate wrapping paper. 
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Mixed Metal Stencil

Just as with wraps, use these stencils to create designs with different colored markers, pens, and pencils. 

Use these stencils with any standard ink pad and minimally ornate wrapping paper. Ideally, use colored pencils when possible. 
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  • Alphabet Wax Seal Stamp


    Was seals are a great way to add a vintage touch to personalized notes.  You can get non-personalized versions that might just have a symbol or letter.  These can be ordered relatively quickly. 

    Use a simple wax melting kit with natural wax to seal envelopes, tie down ribbons, or add other decorative flourishes to envelopes and packages. 
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  • Personalized Wax Seal Stamp


    If you want to get a bit more personalized, you can get customers wax seal stamps. 

    Use a simple wax melting kit with natural wax to seal envelopes, tie down ribbons, or add other decorative flourishes to envelopes and packages.
    Note to order these with some lead time as it may take a week or two to produce. 
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  • Sealing Wax Beads Kit


    Use natural was for the seals described above.  Thai simple kt comes with tea light candles and a melting spoon.   

    Carefully melt the wax in the provided spoon and pour the melted wax over the area you want to seal.  Once poured, stamp the wax stamp onto the liquid wax until the seal impression takes.  Allow to dry. 
    Be careful with the fire and keep the flame away from anything flammable.  
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  • Personalized Book Embosser Stamps


    Going even further with your personalization game, you can also order a custom embosser to make a literal impression on your paper - whether that’s a note or gift wrapping. 

    The embosser can be personalized and can be purchased in a variety of configurations depending on how you plan to use it. 
    Note to order these with some lead time as it may take a week or two to produce.
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Extend Sustainable Wrapping Beyond the Holidays

Why limit eco-friendly practices to the holiday season? Use these techniques year-round for birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations. By embracing sustainable gift-giving, you reduce waste while creating meaningful, memorable moments.

Join the Movement: Reducing Microplastics and Holiday Waste

Your wrapping choices reflect thoughtfulness—not only for your loved ones but also for the environment. Whether you’re using repurposed materials, recyclable options, or reusable wraps, your efforts contribute to a more sustainable future.

Key Takeaways:

  • Opt for eco-friendly gift wrapping alternatives like fabric or recyclable kraft paper.
  • Get creative with zero-waste gift wrap ideas and natural embellishments.
  • Set an example of sustainable holiday living and inspire others.

Happy wrapping, and here’s to a greener, more thoughtful holiday season!

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