Conscious gift wrapping

I love giving gifts during the Christmas season... searching for and picking out a thoughtful gift for someone you love is a great time for reflection on what he or she means to you. It is also really great to see the look of excitement and gratitude on the receiver's face, especially when it affirms that you've found the perfect gift.

What I don't love about Christmas are the millions of pounds of trash that this season creates... think about it: People spend money on rolls upon rolls of silly, brightly colored wrapping paper, gift bags and tissue paper that are probably just going to be crumpled up and thrown out. I grew up re-using the bags and paper from the gifts that were given to me... but I've realized that the thought doesn't occur to everyone...

This holiday season, you have the chance to make conscious decisions about how you wrap your gifts for your loved ones... your choices could have effects on you, your loved ones, your bank account and the environment!

So here are some alternatives to your traditional gift-wrappings:

1. Don't wrap them!

You heard me. This works especially well when giving gifts to someone one-on-one, since you can just hold it behind your back or pull it out of your bag. In my opinion, not much is lost without wrapping, especially when gifting to adults.

2. Up-cycle

I've become a bit of a hoarder in the past few months... ask my roommate! She'll tell you that every brown paper grocery bag, paper packaging, or gift bag that either of us have brought home has been stashed under my bed, waiting to be resurrected this holiday season.


3. Reusable packaging

Put your gift in a canvas tote or in something glass like a mason jar... It's kind of like two gifts in one!

4. Newspaper or other recyclable paper

There is definitely a right way to wrap gifts in newspaper that doesn't seem tacky... probably avoid using the comics section, unless the gift is for a child. Either way, you're doing the right thing in wrapping with something that you have enjoyed, and know is 100% recyclable.

5. Cloth

Wrapping gifts in little cloth bags or napkins can make a bigger impression than you would ever believe. It is classy and again, almost like getting two gifts.

6. Twine

This simple little fiber can really make your gifts seem understated and elegant. I found a gorgeous white twine with a twist of gold in it to step my packaging up a little bit.

Although wrapping your gifts in brown paper, or plain-looking bags may seem boring to you, it may surprise you just how much your gifts stand out from the others while under the tree. Though these materials seem common, they truly are sublime and you will just feel so much better knowing they won't just end up in a landfill!

Here are some posts about gift giving from some of my favorite bloggers:
- Zero Waste Gift Guide
- Gift Wrapping Alternatives

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!