How to eco-fy your wrapping game

Are you wrapping your (thoughtful, handmade, ethical, second-hand) gifts this weekend too?

Here are the best tips to avoid the dreaded rolls of festive prints.


These tips will save you dollars, resources AND will most definitely make your presents look so much prettier!

I recommend approaching these in order, but pick which works best for you!

Go Naked

By all means, wear clothes... just don't wrap your presents! Hide them somewhere, then behind your back and surprise the recipient when the time is right 😇

Plants are particularly great for this one!

Plants make great naked gifts!

Recycle: What do you already own?

I can't remember the last time I purchased wrapping of any kind. Seriously.

I keep an old gift bag filled with wrapping paper, brown paper, bags, boxes, ribbons, twine - you get the drift. Save, care for and re-use the wrapping you have already received, and I bet the recipients won't even notice.

And if they do? It only shares this great idea!

Boomerang wrapping

This one's simple - encourage the gift givers and receivers in your life to simply cycle back the same wrapping you used last year, while you do the same! This really goes hand-in-hand with my first tip.

That plain brown gift bag, sturdy box or basket will be good for years to come, and they're so versatile!

One single, sturdy jar can be used for so many different gifts!

Multi-use: Wrapping that's not wrapping

Another super simple one - put your gifts into something that will also form part of the gift!

Think a purse or wallet like these kangaroo leather ones I make, a colourful scarf (op shops are full of them!), fabric offcuts or a pretty tea towel.

Even if they are not likely to use this in another way, encourage them to use it when they gift in return.

Check out how to wrap Furoshiki style with fabric pieces - also great for food, picnics, work and school lunches!

My handmade kangaroo leather wallets. One lovely lady bought one to gift a ring in!

Second-hand wrap

Op shops are your go-to here. Glass jars, boxes and gift bags, fabric offcuts, scarves, towels, even clothing - get creative!

Most op shops also have a basket with salvaged wrapping paper and bags too.

Choose natural, recyclable materials

This is your last resort, if buying second hand or new.

Choose plain, 100% paper (preferably already post-consumer recycled), natural string, hemp twine, cardboard, glass, cork, metal - you get the drift.

What do I do with the wrapping I receive?

Back to tip one - save the stuff in good condition to re-use another time, and consider donating surplus stuff to op shops or your local kindy or daycare centre for craft time.

I donated to a community kindy recently and it was such a heart warming experience, they were so grateful!

No matter if you're a minimalist, zero-waster or just wanting to reduce your impact, gift giving can be really rewarding if you've put a lot of thought in to not just the gift but the wrapping too.

Happy gifting!

-  Ash