March 18, 2022
As we dust off the frost and emerge from winter’s dim days, spring arrives as a reminder of nature’s miraculous ability to start anew. Barren tree branches sprout teeny buds and eager bulbs push forth their bright blossoms as a signal of hope and promise. Many holidays this time of year, like Easter and the Spring Equinox, celebrate themes of resurrection, fertility, and the promise of new life through symbols of eggs, bunnies, and baby animals. Long ago, children made nests in hopes for a visit from the Easter hare, and thus the modern Easter basket was born. Sprouting seeds, fresh spring flowers, and baskets of delightful baked goods, all themes of spring traditions.
But how did a season of celebrating the promise of new life become laden with plastic waste?
Sometime around the 1970s, plastic eggs entered the scene and the convenience of being able to quickly fill them with Easter candy skyrocketed their popularity with increasingly busy parents and children alike. In the 2000s the United States was producing 250 million plastic eggs each year. Since then cheaper alternatives coming out of China eclipsed domestic production, we were not able to find a more recent statistic, but it’s safe to say production numbers have only increased.
Eco-minded families and Vegans also initially resorted to plastic eggs, repelled by growing concerns over ethical farming. The chicken-free, plastic alternative might absolve animal welfare issues, but in the last few decades our deepening understanding of the harmful effects of plastic on the environment (and its contribution to climate change) has grown our collective awareness.
Add in shredded plastic ‘Easter grass’, individually wrapped candies, and cheap plastic toys and holiday decor—suddenly our annual celebration of renewal now results in a whole lot of non-biodegradable trash that is clogging our landfills.
None of this is to say you have to skip the spring celebrations altogether, but what is a sustainably-minded party planner to do? No one wants to be that person lecturing on the dangers of plastics while everyone else is trying to have a good time. These sticking points are what drive us here at Wrappily, pushing us to innovate and find solutions. From Easter baskets to activities, below is a round-up of ideas to help you celebrate sustainably this spring.
Handmade Paper Easter Eggs
Finally... there is a plastic-free, vegan alternative for Easter Eggs! Handcrafted from upcycled newspapers, these beauties come in two styles: our whole kraft eggs are great for decorating and spring crafting, while our plastic-free fillable Easter eggs offer a more sustainable solution for egg hunts. The sturdy eggs can be reused, but if a few get missed and forgotten outside they will biodegrade naturally without causing harm.
Eco-friendly Basket Filler
Friends don't let friends use plastic Easter grass, so we offer a recycled printed newsprint alternative instead. Wrappily's Eco Shred adds a perfect pop of color that is plastic-free and compostable. It can be reused year after year, and when it’s time to say goodbye simply toss in the recycling bin, or create a teachable moment in the garden by repurposing as mulch or a layer in the compost bin.
Invest in a Reusable Basket or Make Your Own
Resist the temptation of cheap, disposable baskets and instead invest in a sturdy, basket that can be reused every year. We love the classic look of a willow basket.
If storage is an issue, there are plenty of great ways to DIY a basket out of paper grocery bags or your favorite patterned paper. There are tons of tutorials online, here's two we like for a square paper basket and a round paper basket. If you’re extra crafty, you may want to try a upcycled fabric rope easter basket tutorial.
Ideas for Candy-Free Easter Basket Treats
Parents are always looking for fresh ideas for candy-free options to fill Easter baskets. Small toys like race cars, marbles, magnets, erasers, or small accessories like hair barrettes can fit in fillable eggs. Larger items like books, puzzles, activity workbooks like Mad Libs, kites, and board games look great wrapped in a fun spring patterned paper. Handmade items like pinwheels, origami, paper airplanes, slime or play dough add a personal, crafted touch.
Another approach is creating a themed basket around your child's individual interests. Inspire a little artist with fresh, age-appropriate art supplies, crafts tools, washi tapes, and sketch books. Treat a young baker with wee sized baking mitts, apron, utensils and rolling pin, colorful mixing bowls, cookie cutters, baking mixes and specialty ingredients like fancy sprinkles. Or, double-down on earth-friendliness and create a garden theme basket with garden gloves and tools, seed packets, bulbs, herb starts, baby succulents, plant markers and the like.
Turn Egg Decorating Into A Keepsake Craft
If you cherish the moment of unpacking all the handmade ornaments at Christmas, consider turning egg decorating into keepsake craft time. Opt out of boiled chicken eggs and instead use an option like paper or wood that can be packed up and saved. Our kraft paper eggs are lightweight and easy to decorate with a variety of mediums, from paints and markers to decoupage. As your collection builds over the years, the eggs serve as a springtime snapshot of your children’s developing artistic style. Raise your hand if you'd love the sentimental warm-fuzzy feeling of unpacking your eggs each year.
Pro Tip: be sure to label each egg with the decorator's name and the year before you pack them away.
Play A Game of Golden Egg Hide & Seek
Extend the fun of the egg hunt for the weeks leading up to Easter by turning it into an indoor game you can play together. To start, hide a one-of-a-kind, or 'golden egg', around the house in plain sight. When someone spots it, it's their job to re-hide it in a new location. Extra points for hiding places that elicit giggles! On the last day, whoever finds the golden egg wins a special treat.
Garden Party Activity - Creating Seed Starts
We love highlighting teachable moments around the growth and new life that are associated with spring, and an activity of making seed starts for the garden hits the nail on the head! This activity works great on its own or can be used to alongside any Easter egg decorating party. To create a garden seed start station all you need is potting soil, seeds, a can, and 5.5” x 32” strips of Wrappily. (Of course, any newsprint will do but they won’t be quite as cute.)
Follow these DIY Seed Starter Pot instructions to make at home!
More of a visual learner? Watch our Instagram Story Highlight.
Homemade Seed Bombs for Earth Day
With Earth Day trailing Easter by just a few days, it makes sense to save up wrapping paper, Eco Shred, and other paper waste to create plantable seed bombs. These make a great kids craft or party activity, and result in a clever gift to share with friends and family in celebration of Earth Day.
Thank you for reading along, we hope you enjoy and use these ideas. If you do, please share your photos or tag us (@wrappily) on your social channels. Nothing makes us happier than helping you celebrate sustainably.
Happy Spring!
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$10.80
Wrap the best looking gift at the party! Presenting the eco-friendly, double-sided wrapping paper of your dreams: Seeds 'n Blooms is a new Wrappily exclusive by illustrator and graphic 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
$12.99 $15.00
$10.80
Wrap the best looking gift at the party! Presenting the eco-friendly, double-sided wrapping paper of your dreams: Mushrooms/Snails is a new Wrappily exclusive by illustrator and graphic 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$9.99 $12.00
$7.00
A perfect nest for your goodies, this pliable recycled printed paper shred is easy to work with and provides a lofty fill to be used as Easter grass, basket/box filler, or crinkle-paper alternative.
Why You’ll Love this Eco-Friendly Basket Filler:
Sustainable Materials:
$31.49
– Sold OutBundle and 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:
$10.80
Celebrate sustainably with Wrappily recycled and recyclable double-sided eco wrapping paper featuring the nostalgic botanical visions of Lola Pilar Hawaii. Reversible patterns make gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks
• 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
$6.49 $7.00
A perfect nest for your goodies, this pliable recycled printed paper shred is easy to work with and provides a lofty fill to be used as Easter grass, basket/box filler, or crinkle-paper alternative.
Why You’ll Love this Eco-Friendly Basket Filler:
Sustainable Materials: Package includes approximately 4 ounces of recyclable & compostable paper shred. Made in the USA with recycled, premium-grade newsprint that is sustainably milled, printed, and packaged in Washington State. Printed with soy-based inks. Clear packaging is PLASTIC-FREE, made of biodegradable plant-based PLA
$10.80
What kind of magical realm do those lovely keys unlock? One filled of sweet bunnies, fanciful feathered friends, and bursts of blooming flowers. The Enchanted Garden, designed by Tamara Houtveen, offers two charming patterns, perfect gift wrap for baby showers, kids' birthdays, or anyone who fancies a bit of whimsy and romance.
This pattern was a crowd-favorite winner in our annual EarthDay Design Contest.
Wrappily's reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Full sheet size is 21.5" x 34". Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
$7.00
A perfect nest for your goodies, this pliable recycled printed paper shred is easy to work with and provides a lofty fill to be used as Easter grass, basket/box filler, or crinkle-paper alternative.
Why You’ll Love this Eco-Friendly Basket Filler:
Sustainable Materials: Package includes approximately 4 ounces of recyclable & compostable paper shred. Made in the USA with recycled, premium-grade newsprint that is sustainably milled, printed, and packaged in Washington State. Printed with soy-based inks. Clear packaging is PLASTIC-FREE, made of biodegradable plant-based PLA
$7.00
A perfect nest for your goodies, this pliable recycled printed paper shred is easy to work with and provides a lofty fill to be used as Easter grass, basket/box filler, or crinkle-paper alternative.
Why You’ll Love this Eco-Friendly Basket Filler:
Sustainable Materials: Package includes approximately 4 ounces of recyclable & compostable paper shred. Made in the USA with recycled, premium-grade newsprint that is sustainably milled, printed, and packaged in Washington State. Printed with soy-based inks. Clear packaging is PLASTIC-FREE, made of biodegradable plant-based PLA
$6.49
– Sold OutA perfect nest for your goodies, this pliable recycled printed paper shred is easy to work with and provides a lofty fill to be used as Easter grass, basket/box filler, or crinkle-paper alternative.
Why You’ll Love this Eco-Friendly Basket Filler:
Sustainable Materials: Package includes approximately 4 ounces of recyclable & compostable paper shred. Made in the USA with recycled, premium-grade newsprint that is sustainably milled, printed, and packaged in Washington State. Printed with soy-based inks. Clear packaging is PLASTIC-FREE, made of biodegradable plant-based PLA
$6.99 $10.80
Little lambs leaping through the meadow, what a peaceful scene! In soft hues, it makes a lovely choice for baby shower gifts or little kids birthdays. Designed by Sanna Kallio, Lamb Meadow is a crowd favorite from our annual Earth Day Design Contest.
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.
$7.50
Wrap it up and tie it with a bow! This eco-friendly paper ribbon not only adds a perfect pop of color, it's recyclable, compostable and made with non-toxic, water soluble dyes. What a score! It's shapable, versatile, fairly sturdy, and has a great crinkle texture allowing you to get creative tying-on that finishing touch to your gifts.
Ribbon is 1.5" wide. Each spool is 25 yards.
$10.80
Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable double-sided eco wrapping paper featuring the bold tropical pattern play of Hawaii-based textile designer, Jana Lam. Reversible patterns of bold plumeria blossoms mix with shadowy palm fonds to make gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks
• Plastic-free PLA packaging, certified compostable + biodegradable
• 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
$7.00
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this Copen blue cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
Sustainable Materials:
Care & Disposal Instructions:
$10.80
Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable double-sided eco wrapping paper featuring the bold, tropical pattern play of Hawaii-based textile designer, Jana Lam. Reversible patterns of monstera leaves mingle with retro flower blossoms to make gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks
• Plastic-free PLA packaging, certified compostable + biodegradable
• 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
$7.00
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this Jonquil yellow cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
Sustainable Materials:
Care & Disposal Instructions:
$10.80
Somewhere over the rainbow... purple pineapples float amidst the palms. At least they do in Hawaii-based fine artist Lauren Roth's dreamy tropical visions. Pineapple Splash/ Mini Palms is part of her Over the Rainbow collection, a juicy new addition to our everyday gift wrap.
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.
$7.50
Wrap it up and tie it with a bow! This eco-friendly paper ribbon not only adds a perfect pop of color, it's recyclable, compostable and made with non-toxic, water soluble dyes. What a score! It's shapable, versatile, fairly sturdy, and has a great crinkle texture allowing you to get creative tying-on that finishing touch to your gifts.
Ribbon is 1.5" wide. Each spool is 25 yards.
$10.80
Textile designer Jana Lam's newest patterns for Wrappily are the stuff tropical dreams are made of—a juicy rainbow full of shells, pineapples, and lots of flower power. Tropical Leaves/ Rainbow Orchids pairs two Jana Lam signatures: bold banana leaves and orchids in a rainbow gradient. The combo offers a perfect 'everyday' gift wrap for graduations, weddings, birthdays, and more.
Coordinates with:
Pineapple Blush/ SeaFlower
Monstera Jungle/ Shellini
Paper Ribbon Quad: Island Dream
Reversible gift wrap sheets come flat and folded with complementary gift tag stickers. Three sheets per pack. Each Sheet is 21.5" x 34”. Printed in Washington State on recycled and recyclable newsprint.
$7.00
– Sold OutLoop it, tie it, curl it –– this Coral cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
Sustainable Materials:
Care & Disposal Instructions:
$10.80
Celebrate sustainably with our recycled and recyclable double-sided eco wrapping paper featuring the cheerful art of watercolorist and published author, Meera Lee Patel. Reversible patterns make gift wrapping fun! Paper works great for crafting, too.
Package includes three sheets + adhesive gift tags
• Sheet size 21.5" x 34"
• Premium newsprint + soy-based inks
• 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
$7.00
Loop it, tie it, curl it –– this Orchid cotton curling ribbon is the perfect eco-friendly alternative to plastic curling ribbons.
Why You’ll Love this Curling Ribbon:
Sustainable Materials:
Care & Disposal Instructions:
$10.80
Pineapple Blush/ SeaFlower by Jana Lam packs a fruity punch, mixing and matching this combo of soft-petaled pua (flowers) and pineapple sweeties will add a rosy touch to any gift.
Each pack of gift wrap includes: (3) Sheets of double-sided wrapping paper and adhesive gift tags. Each full sheet size is 21.5" x 34”. Paper arrives flat and folded in plastic-free PLA bag made of plant starch.
Our eco-friendly wrapping paper is milled, printed, and packaged in Washington State on recycled SFI certified newsprint making it 100% Recyclable and Compostable.
$10.80
It's hard to say which is more uplifting here, the unabashedly happy painted rainbow stripes or the deliciously divine floral fan palms. We know one thing, when used together there's a multiplier effect of pure joy. Hibiscus Fan Palm/ Rainbow Stripes is part of our new everyday gift wrap collection, Over the Rainbow, designed for us by Hawaii-based fine artist Lauren Roth.
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.
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