No Christmas is complete without the beautiful wrapped presents waiting to be opened. But while gift wrapping forms a significant part of the celebration, the environmental impact left behind can thwart our efforts towards a more sustainable Christmas.

Traditional paper gift wraps are not recyclable, as they contain shiny foil coated with polyethylene, rendering the wrapping paper non-recyclable. Earth 911 estimates that 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper are produced yearly, half of which end up in landfills.

You wish there were more eco-friendly alternatives. Fortunately, there are.

We have rounded up 10 sustainable gift wrapping alternatives that are just as gorgeous (perhaps more), helping you wow your loved ones while reducing your carbon footprint.

1. Used Fabric

If you're looking for a cheap alternative to gift wrapping paper that's sustainable and reusable, used fabric is arguably the best option out there. For starters, you spend $0.

Also, it's super adorable! Simply grab any of your favorite vintage that you have outgrown. Think scarves, patterned shirts, and table linen. What's more, a piece of fabric is perfect for going over corners and wrapping oddly shaped gifts.

Repurposing fabrics into gift wrapping is a great way to upcycle old clothes, reducing waste you would otherwise have generated by discarding them.

Plus it's fun! Try these Furoshiki-style knots to fasten the fabric gift wrap and add a creative twist to your gift-giving this holiday season.

Tip: (If you don’t have suitable-length fabric or can’t sew, feel free to get some Furoshiki wraps at the fabric store).

2. Newspapers, Maps, and Magazines

Old Newspapers make excellent alternatives to gift wraps as they're totally recyclable and add a vintage vibe to your presents. All without spending a dime. If you have an old map, count yourself lucky! But if magazines are what you have at home, go for it! The colorful pages of a magazine can elevate your Christmas gifts to a whole new level of beauty.

3. Brown Paper

If you can't find a newspaper or magazine at home to use as an alternative gift wrap, consider buying brown paper instead. Brown kraft paper isn't bleached with chemicals, making it a compostable and more environmentally friendly gift wrap alternative than white ones.

Note: When you use regular tape to hold recyclable paper, the tape's adhesive makes the paper unrecyclable. This defeats the whole idea. So, use twine or fabric ribbon to keep it in place.

4. Pouches

For a unique gift-giving experience, consider using pouches instead of gift wraps. These cute block-printed pouches are so adorable and functional they can even double as gifts themselves. Let the recipient know they can hold small items like cards, clips, earphones, and even toiletries.

Made of 100% organic cotton and hand-dyed in plant-based dyes, this sustainable gift-wrapping paper alternative is a perfect way to complete your zero-waste gift idea this Christmas.

5. Paper Bags

If you're looking for effortless gift wrapping alternatives, consider using the paper bags you've piled up at home. There's a good chance you have some lying around, whether the paper gift bags you got from friends or the tote bags from stores. Or you can start gathering now against next year.

Choose plain colors and styles that can work for Christmas, birthdays, and any other gift-giving occasion. Simply tuck the gift neatly inside.

6. Gift Baskets

Baskets make for an incredibly unique gift wrap alternative. You'll get decent-sized baskets at almost no cost at thrift stores, making them a cheap alternative to gift wrapping paper. Choose a size suitable for the gift, and wrap the gift in an old scarf (or new one to double as an added present). Fold the ends of the fabric inside the basket to lock in the gift.

Baskets are practical alternatives to gift wraps that the recipient can reuse for storage or to wrap someone else's gift.

7. Shoe Boxes

If you're an avid online shopper, chances are you have a truckload of cardboard boxes lying around the house. You can use these boxes as a sustainable gift-wrapping alternative, saving money and reducing waste at the same time.

If the gift is much smaller than the box and moves around noisily, cushion it with fabrics. Use a colorful ribbon to add a personal touch.

8. Reusable Tote Bags

Reusable fabric bags are an excellent alternative gift wrap for large or oddly shaped gifts. Best part is, you can make them yourself from fabric scraps if you sew for fun. For a no-sew option, bind the fabric with hemming tape. Otherwise, buy these block-printed tote bags.

This is one of the most sustainable gift wrapping alternatives as the recipient can reuse the bag as a grocery shopping bag or storage.

9. Source Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper

If you can't find enough materials to repurpose as gift wraps, source for brands offering eco-friendly gift wrap alternatives. Wrapping paper made from sustainable materials will not have a glossy coating or plastic texture.

• Of The Earth is one eco-conscious brand to consider. Made from natural plant fibers, Of The Earth's gift wraps are highly compostable and strong enough to be reused again and again.
• You can also get sustainable gift wrap alternatives from Waterleaf Paper Co., a female-owned brand with an entire product line free of synthetics.
• If you prefer an alternative gift wrap that also functions as a present, check out Ichcha's zero-waste gift bags.

10. Ditch the Wrap Altogether

One of the best alternatives to gift wrap is to ditch wrapping altogether. But don't spoil the element of surprise: let the recipient work for the gift by turning it into a scavenger hunt. The suspense will create a fun twist that makes Christmas morning even more exciting.

Eco-Friendly Tips for Wrapping Gifts

Using sustainable gift wraps is only one piece of the puzzle. To make your gift-giving truly sustainable this Christmas:

• Opt for sustainable gifts: Products that are fair-trade, eco-friendly, and reusable. Consider these sustainable handmade Christmas gift ideas.
• Ditch plastic tape: The adhesive from plastic tape renders your sustainable gift wrap non-recyclable. So, use ribbon or paper tape like pretty washi tape instead.
• Avoid sticker tags: Just like plastic tape, gift tags pose a recycling problem due to their adhesive. Instead, write the label on paper and hold it in place using a ribbon.
• Dress up the gift sustainably: Dried leaves or fresh sprigs of pine or rosemary will work wonders for any Christmas present. Beyond that, consider using ribbons made from natural materials like cotton or silk instead of synthetic ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most eco-friendly way to wrap a present?

The most eco-friendly way to wrap a gift is the furoshiki style using old fabrics like scarves and table linen. Fabric wraps are also the cheapest alternative to gift wrapping paper, as you can always find scrap fabric at home. Instead of plastic ribbons, use sustainable options like cotton or silk.

How to wrap presents without waste?

To wrap presents without waste, opt for zero-waste alternatives like fabric wrapping, glass jars, or reusable gift bags. Avoid single-use materials and get creative with items you already have at home.

What is an alternative to gift wraps?

Alternatives to traditional gift wrapping paper include newspaper, brown kraft paper, fabric wraps like furoshiki, or decorative boxes that can be reused. These are sustainable and add a unique touch to your gift.

Is tissue paper more environmentally friendly than wrapping paper?

Tissue paper is often more environmentally friendly because it is thinner and uses less material, but only if it’s made from recycled content or is recyclable. However, reusable alternatives are better for the environment.

What can you use instead of gift wrap?

Instead of gift wrap, you can use scarves, tote bags, tea towels, or even an old map. These creative options eliminate waste and double as part of the gift.

Is gift wrap biodegradable?

Traditional gift wrap is not biodegradable due to synthetic coatings and glitter. For a more eco-friendly choice, look for sustainable wrapping paper made of 100% natural or recycled materials.