Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping: How to Use Recycled and Repurposed Items You Already Have at Home
Beautifully wrapped gifts don’t have to come at the expense of the planet—or your wallet. With a little creativity, you can transform everyday materials into charming, eco-friendly wrapping that feels thoughtful and unique. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays, a birthday, or a special occasion, here are some easy ideas for wrapping gifts using recycled or repurposed items you likely already have at home.
Use Brown Paper Bags or Old Shopping Bags
Plain paper grocery bags are one of the simplest and most versatile materials for gift wrapping.
How to use them: Cut along the seams to create flat sheets, then wrap your gift just as you would with store-bought paper.
Decorate: Add a personal touch with twine, dried herbs, or hand-drawn designs using markers or stamps.
If the bag has a printed logo, fold it inside out or cover it with a strip of decorative paper or ribbon.
Wrap with Fabric or Old Textiles
Channel the Japanese art of furoshiki by wrapping gifts in fabric instead of paper.
Use what you have: Old scarves, tea towels, cloth napkins, or fabric scraps.
Bonus: The wrapping itself becomes part of the gift! Simply fold the fabric around the item and tie it with a knot or ribbon. You can secure smaller items with a safety pin or decorative clip if needed.
Repurpose Boxes, Tins, and Jars
Before buying new gift boxes, check your pantry or storage closet—you might already have what you need.
Empty cookie tins, mason jars, or shoeboxes make great containers for baked goods, homemade treats (like my Raspberry Crumble Bars or Blueberry Orange Muffins), or small gifts.
Line jars or tins with parchment paper or a cloth napkin for a polished look.
Wrap shoeboxes in old maps, sheet music, or leftover wallpaper for a creative twist.
These sturdy containers can easily be reused by the recipient, extending the eco-friendly spirit even further.
Upcycle Old Stationery and Paper Scraps
Instead of buying new tags or embellishments, look through your desk drawers for materials you can reuse.
Cut old holiday cards or postcards into gift tags.
Use leftover scrapbook paper, paint swatches, or even the decorative inside of envelopes for accent strips or confetti.
Secure everything with tape, glue, or twine for a handcrafted finish that feels personal and intentional.
Natural Touches Make the Difference
When wrapping with recycled materials, simple natural accents can make the presentation feel warm and festive.
Try tying on:
A sprig of pine, rosemary, or lavender
A few dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks
Pinecones, acorns, or pressed leaves
Not only do these details look beautiful—they also add a subtle, natural fragrance.
Think Reusable for Next Time
Encourage sustainability by using gift wrap that can be passed along. Collect and save ribbons, tissue paper, or boxes from gifts you receive throughout the year. Keep a small “reuse” drawer or basket with materials you can repurpose easily the next time you need to wrap something.
A Thoughtful Approach to Gifting
Wrapping with recycled or repurposed materials is about more than just saving paper—it’s a chance to add a personal touch and express creativity. Each wrapped gift tells its own story, from the paper bag turned rustic chic to the scarf that becomes part of the present itself. With a few mindful choices, you can make your gift wrapping both beautiful and kind to the planet—one ribbon (or reused newspaper) at a time.
Still have a bit of shopping to do? Check out my Holiday Gift Guide with links to some of my favorite items for home entertainers!