October 20, 2022
A guest post by Eco Karen - the blog about eco-conscious life
Every year, it's estimated that millions of pounds of wrapping paper end up in landfills. While some types of wrapping paper like Wrappily are recyclable & compostable, most other brands of wrapping paper found in stores have mixed materials that make them a one-and-done experience before ending up in a landfill. The same applies to ribbons, bows, and other fixtures. Yet, wrapping paper is a part of the gift-giving experience, and creates a sense of excitement on holidays and special occasions.
Fortunately, you can reuse wrapping paper to turn it into a fun craft or decor to cut back on waste. Here are 12 creative ways to reuse wrapping paper and mitigate your carbon footprint:
It's never too early to think ahead to the next gift-giving season. Save last year's wrapping paper to make gift tags for the upcoming holiday, rather than purchasing more disposable tags from the store. Reuse gift wrapping paper by cutting out the unique patterns and shapes, attaching to card stock (or the back of upcycled holiday cards) to transform and upcycled gift wrap into gift tags!
Pro tip: you can also use the covers from old holiday cards for the same purpose.
Rectangular Gift Tag Tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqK4a-luu9U
Custom Shaped Gift Tag Tutorial with Templates: https://www.madeeveryday.com/tutorial-wrapping-paper-tags-with-free-printable-shapes/
There's an eternal struggle between those who dog-ear the pages of their books and the purists who refuse to fold. If you find yourself in the latter category, you can use your leftover wrapping paper to make bookmarks. Even better, you can give them as gifts in an attempt to convert your dog-earring friends.
Reuse an old cereal box to cut out the base of your bookmark. Then, glue wrapping paper around it to contain the cardboard. You can even reuse your ribbon by punching a hole at the top of the bookmark and stringing it through.
This craft is also a great way to reuse a gift bag that has tears or isn’t suited to repackage gifts in the future. As gift bags already have structure, you won’t even need to add cardboard. Make a traditional bookmark, or a simple page corner marker.
Book Corner Tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJBVPGUzUVc
There are a few ways you can make a photo frame with reused wrapping paper. The first method follows the cereal box repurposing strategy listed above. Conversely, you can upcycle an old photo frame with your wrapping paper and some Mod Podge. This craft is a great way to use tissue paper or wrapping paper that’s crumpled or damaged.
Framing wrapping paper is a fun, seasonal decoration that's easy to throw together and offers a unique twist on traditional holiday decor. The festive patterns will spark memories of holidays gone by.
Tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK_F79F8l48
Wallpaper is making a comeback in the world of interior design. Lining the back of a bookshelf is a fun way to add a pop of color that brings the room together.
Instead of wallpaper, try the same craft with your favorite gift wrap. Birthday balloons and festive snowmen might not suit your everyday decor, but those nicer matte and metallic papers can make a bold statement.
Tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vIDvzu_42c
When it comes to traditional gifts, fresh-cut flowers are a great way to say thank you, I love you, I'm sorry, and congratulations. Rather than adding to the landfill problem with new cellophane wrapping, elevate your bouquet by wrapping it in reused wrapping paper.
For a fun spring or summer twist, put your bouquet in a homemade paper basket instead. This crafty way to reuse wrapping paper makes a great centerpiece for a picnic or event.
As a fun alternative that you can keep forever, use the leftover paper to make paper flowers. The crinkles in used wrapping paper create a nice, organic texture that brings the decor to life. These are also a great alternative to ribbons and bows.
You can find the first of three paper flower tutorials here.
Paper cone Christmas trees are a fun craft for the holiday season. Use your old wrapping paper to make a bright, festive Christmas tree decoration to display throughout the holiday season.
This craft is kid-friendly and a great way for them to make gifts for friends and loved ones.
Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzZGKJqcAuE
Keeping books safe from harm is the purpose of a dust cover. Unfortunately, dust covers tend to bear the brunt of a book's existence, quickly falling apart to wear and tear. Whether you're trying to protect an old favorite or keeping textbooks pristine to re-sell, wrapping paper can help.
Cut the wrapping paper with an inch of excess space around the border of your book. Then, fold the paper around the cover and secure it in place with tape.
You can even add a pocket to your book cover for extra storage!
Regular Book Cover Tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcbP1W1aaJg
Book Cover with Pockets Tutorial: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CSz7OaNBtVh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Piñatas add fun to any type of party. If the idea of blindfolding your guests and giving them a bat doesn’t appeal, you can reuse wrapping paper and old ribbons to make a miniature party piñata. As you’re cutting the materials into small bits, wrinkles and tears don’t matter. This is also a great way to reuse old tissue paper.
Check out this step-by-step piñata tutorial for inspiration. The miniature version makes a great, individual party favor. Replicate the experience by cutting a tab at the bottom, filling it with treats, taping it up, and attaching your reused ribbon so it opens with a quick pull.
You can also reuse wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows to make other party decor elements, like hats, garland, and cupcake toppers.
For more ideas, you can revisit this post: How to Create a Whole Party Theme with Just Wrapping Paper
Use your uncoated wrapping paper and leftover tissue paper to make seed bomb Easter eggs as a fun, eco-friendly spring gift. This craft is a great alternative to candy Easter eggs or messy egg dye experiments.
If you can’t find all the eggs, there’s peace in knowing that you’re helping the environment rather than harming it. Everyone who finds their eggs gets the joy of planting them and watching them bloom!
Get the full tutorial here.
Bring your holiday meal to life with designer-inspired place settings. For this project, you can use your wrapping paper to create elegant napkin pockets to hold your napkins in place. You can also elevate this look with some simple origami to make your arrangement even more elegant.
Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNVElb6Q-ko
Paper pinwheels are a fun decor piece for any season and a simple craft to pass the time on a rainy day. All you need is your reused wrapping paper, metal brads, small dowel rods, and a tack or nail. Make your pinwheel double-sided by sticking two pieces of wrapping paper together with the decorated side facing outward.
Tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S13ah0yuT5A
Finally, use your wrapping paper to make a simple paper kite. This child-friendly craft will keep the kids busy for hours as they create, decorate, and fly their kites around outside. While these kites won't fly too high, they're great for catching a breeze in the backyard and make cute party decorations. Old ribbons and bows also make great additions to the tail of your paper kite.
Instructables Tutorial: https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Wrapping-Paper-Kite/
Siddharth Creation Video Tutorial: https://www.marthastewart.com/1112288/how-make-kite
Another Video Tutorial Option: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8JVAS8N2L4
Karen is a proud mommy of 2 and the founder of Eco Karen - the blog about eco-conscious life. She loves everything that has to do with the natural/organic lifestyle and absolutely adores all things green. She enjoys writing, decorating, making cookies, and spending time outside with her family.
Exclusive access to sales, craft ideas, and gift inspirations
$10.80
Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable wrapping paper filled with hopeful holiday messages of peace on earth by watercolorist and published author, Meera Lee Patel. Reversible patterns make holiday gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
JOIN the mission to green-up gifting!
#wrapriprecycle #wraphappy #gifthappily
$28.99
– Sold OutA perfect accent to your holiday gift wrapping, our paper ribbon set includes four colors: red, green, gold, and silver. This eco-friendly ribbon adds a perfect pop of color and is recyclable, compostable and made with non-toxic, water soluble dyes. It's shapable, versatile, sturdy, and has a great crinkle texture allowing you to get creative tying-on that finishing touch to your gifts.
Each roll is approximately 1.5" wide and a generous 25 yards. Multi-spool set includes four ribbon colors for a total of 100 yards.
$10.80
'Tis the season to bling out. Bold boughs bedecked brightly—say that ten times fast! We love how these branches swing and swoop, creating playful graphic elements that are amplified by the cheeriest coordinating holiday confetti scene you might not have known you ever needed (but clearly did.) This holiday brilliance is the work of surface pattern designer, Nadia Hassan, who puts the wham in whimsy and the cheer in our year.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
$10.80
Your holiday gifts will look stunning in these playfully sophisticated patterns by Seattle designer Misha Zadeh. Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable wrapping paper. Reversible patterns make holiday gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
JOIN the mission to green-up gifting!
#wrapriprecycle #wraphappy #gifthappily
$10.50
– Sold Out$10.80
Your holiday gifts will look stunning in these playfully sophisticated patterns by Seattle designer Misha Zadeh. Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable wrapping paper. Reversible patterns make holiday gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
JOIN the mission to green-up gifting!
#wrapriprecycle #wraphappy #gifthappily
$31.49 $35.00
All the colors of Christmas! Bundle & Save on our Natural Cotton Curling Ribbon, 50 yds total on plastic-free recycled kraft spools.
Loop it, tie it, curl it. This bundle includes: Organic Cream, 10 yds Solid Red, 10 yds Red & White Stripe, 10 yds Holiday Green, 10 yds Holiday Green & White Stripe, 10 yds
Our artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is committed to the highest levels of sustainability. They use water-based dyes, soy-based non-toxic inks, and cotton yarn that is 100% grown and dyed in the USA.
$10.80
What merry moose roam this Noel Forest! And on the back, a pale and dreamy Wintry Wood, these fantastical wintry scenes are from the imagination of Australian artist Esther Fallon Lau. They coordinate perfectly with rustic plaids and swirling florals in her Noel Forest holiday collection for Wrappily.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
PLEASE NOTE: We don’t want a little smudge to come between us. Wrappily is uncoated newsprint, ink from darkly saturated patterns such as this will likely transfer onto fingertips during the wrapping process. Our soy-based inks are safe, non-toxic, and rinse right off with water. If this sounds like more than you bargained for, we suggest you select from our lighter patterned papers.
$10.80
Greens, reds, plaids, holly and evergreens—all that holiday charm makes this duo an absolute delight for seasonal gift wrapping. Use alone or pair together with others from the Noel Forest collection, Esther Fallon Lau’s festive and fantastical wintry pattern wonderland.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
PLEASE NOTE: We don’t want a little smudge to come between us. Wrappily is uncoated newsprint, ink from darkly saturated patterns such as this will likely transfer onto fingertips during the wrapping process. Our soy-based inks are safe, non-toxic, and rinse right off with water. If this sounds like more than you bargained for, we suggest you select from our lighter patterned papers.
$10.80
Rustic green plaid pairs lovely with this elegant swirl of holly, evergreens, hearty winter flowers, and a snip-of-an-ode to artist Esther Fallon Lau’s Australian homeland (can you spot it?) Use alone or pair with other festive and fantastical wintry scenes from the Noel Forest holiday collection.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
$10.80
This wooded cabin scene is a wee bit festive, a wee bit minimalist, and a whole lot charming. Rustic and earthy with its geometric counterpart, Serendipity Jewels, this pairing completes the festive and fantastical winter scenes in Esther Fallon Lau’s Noel Forest holiday collection.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
$7.49 $8.00
Add a festive touch to special gifts with these double-sided hanging gift tags in the shape of vintage Christmas light bulbs. Printed with the highest standard of sustainability, these gift tags are cute and credentialed: FSC-certified 100% recycled paper, plant-based inks, and carbon-offset printed.
Set of six pop-out tags with coordinating natural fiber twine.
$10.80
Geometric holiday trees in bright, festive color ways. It's a Christmas classic!
Reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Sheet is 21.5" x 34". Printed in Washington on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
$10.80
Tis' the season to think pink. Lots of pink. These jaunty birds and jungle foliage make any tropical holiday scene complete. Paired with this maximalist's candy cane dream, we think you'll have the whole 'merry and bright' thing on lock. Feliz Flamingos/Candy Canes is a new Wrappily exclusive by surface pattern designer Nadia Hassan.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
$10.80
'Tis the season to stay cozy. String lights from the eaves and perfect your cookie icing, there's no better place to be than Home for the Holidays. This charming pattern combo playing with indoor/ outdoor homey holiday scenes is the clever work of surface pattern designer Nadia Hassan.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
$7.19 $8.00
$10.80
Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable wrapping paper featuring sweet wintery holiday themes of snowy animals and starry nights by watercolorist and published author, Meera Lee Patel. Reversible patterns make holiday gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
JOIN the mission to green-up gifting!
#wrapriprecycle #wraphappy #gifthappily
$7.49 $8.00
$10.80
Va-va-va-bloom! Make your Christmas gift wrapping a work of art with this festive duo designed by Nadia Hassan. Poinsettias that really pop, and the hand-painted watercolor pattern? It's a sheer brushstroke of genius. Paired with Marbled/ Mistletoe, this holiday collection artfully done.
Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Sheet size is 21.5" x 34". Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
$10.80
Swirls of festive green and a classic winter botanical – make your holiday gift wrapping a work of art with this fresh duo designed by Nadia Hassan (who else would hand marble paper then turn it into a repeating pattern?!) Paired with Poinsettias/ Painterly, we'd call this holiday collection artfully done.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
$10.80
Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable wrapping paper featuring the rich colors and symbols of Hanukkah by pattern designer Sandra Hutter. Reversible patterns make holiday gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three double-sided wrapping paper sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks = eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Plastic-free PLA packaging
• Flat, folded sheet for easy storage
• No unnecessary cardboard tube
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
JOIN the mission to green-up gifting!
#wrapriprecycle #wraphappy #gifthappily
$19.49 $21.00
All the colors inspired by a Starry Night - Bundle and Save on our Natural Cotton Curling Ribbon, 30 yds total on plastic-free recycled kraft spools. Loop it, tie it, curl it. This bundle includes: Midnight Blue, 10 yds Curry, 10 yds Grey & Cream Stripe, 10 yds. Perfect for Hanukkah and everyday gifting celebrations
Our artisanal ribbon maker in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is committed to the highest levels of sustainability. They use water-based dyes, soy-based non-toxic inks, and cotton yarn that is 100% grown and dyed in the USA.
Spool measurements: 1/2" x 10yds. each
$10.80
– Sold Out$69.99
– Sold OutCelebrate sustainably with a season's worth of recycled and recyclable gift wrap goodies featuring the art of cheeriest gal we know, designer, Nadia Hassan. Reversible patterns make gift wrapping fun!
Bundle includes:
• Poinsettia/Painterly double-sided wrapping paper, 3 sheets
• Festive Forest double-sided wrapping paper, 3 sheets
• Boughs/Twinkle double-sided wrapping paper, 3 sheets
• Home For The Holidays double-sided wrapping paper, 3 sheets
• (2) Festive Holiday Pop Out Gift Tags & Twine (10 tags total)
• (2) Rolls of Paper Ribbon, 25 yards each (Red and/or Silver)
JOIN the mission to green-up gifting! #wrapriprecycle #wraphappy #gifthappily
$69.99 $75.00
Celebrate sustainably with this eco-friendly gift wrap collection of Christmas favorites for kids. Recycled and recyclable wrapping paper with reversible patterns make gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Kids Christmas Wrapping Paper Bundle includes:
JOIN the mission to green-up gifting! #wrapriprecycle #wraphappy #gifthappily
$68.99 $75.00
Celebrate sustainably with this eco-friendly collection of all-time Christmas Wrappily favorites. These coordinated Holiday gift wrapping goodies provide the height of sustainability and beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree. Reversible patterns make gift wrapping fun!
Bundle includes:
• O Tannenbaum double-sided eco wrapping paper, 3 sheets
• Poinsettia/Painterly double-sided eco wrapping paper, 3 sheets
• Marbled/Mistletoe double-sided eco wrapping paper, 3 sheets
• Stags & Birch double-sided eco wrapping paper, 3 sheets
• (2) Snow Scenes Pop Out Gift Tags & Twine (12 total tags)
• (2) Rolls of Paper Ribbon, 25 yards each (Red and Gold)
100% Plastic-free PLA packaging! Flat, folded sheet provide easy storage and eliminate the need for that unnecessary cardboard tube. 100% recyclable and compostable. Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
JOIN the mission to green-up gifting! #wrapriprecycle #wraphappy #gifthappily
$40.99 $43.20
Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable gift wrap featuring our full pattern collection Aussie designer Esther Fallon-Lau. Reversible patterns make gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Bundle includes one package of each:
Each package includes 3 sheets + adhesive gift tags. Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks
• Plastic-free PLA packaging (plus no unnecessary cardboard tube!)
• Flat, folded sheets for easy storage
• 100% recyclable and compostable
• Milled, printed and packaged in Washington State
JOIN the mission to green-up gifting! #wrapriprecycle #wraphappy #gifthappily