9 Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

Simple but Creative Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

I was wrapping gifts the other day and realized that I have published some fun eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas here on DIY Inspired.  Since the holidays are just around the corner, I thought I’d share nine easy ideas from both sites. Make sure you check out the links for all the pictures and full step by step tutorials!  

What Items to Save

Before we start, here is a list of things around the house you can save for gift wrapping.

• Brown Paper Bags
• Food Boxes and Shipping Boxes
• Newspaper
• Cardboard Tubes
• The inside of Wrapping Paper
• Packing Paper
• Cans (Coffee, chips, food, etc.)

Here we go!

Clever Recycled Gift Wrapping Ideas

Let’s start with a gift my daughter made for each of her seven teachers. We used the inside of a wrapping paper roll. It isn’t a tub, but a thick piece of brown paper that works great for gift tags. All you need to do it cut it to the size you need.

Here’s What You Need:

Materials:

• Cardboard Tube
• White Paper (or any color)
• Paper Cutter and/or Scissors
• Glue Stick
• Stapler
• Marker
• Plastic Favor Bags

Instructions:

Watch how we made these on Instagram!

1. Cut the paper to the desired size and fold them in half. Make sure the width is long enough to fit over your bag.
2. Fil your bag and staple the paper to close it.
3. If desired, use another piece of paper to glue overtop and write a message with a marker.

More Fun Ideas

Recycled Food Containers & Dyed Coffee Filter Flowers

I made these for my Twin God Daughter’s on their first birthday. Recycled food boxes worked out perfectly because their clothes were so small!

Brown Paper Bag with Neon Color Gift Wrapping

These are a bright mix of fun neon colors mixed with the simplicity of the brown paper bag.  This wrapping is perfect for stocking stuffers and small gifts.

Dyed Book Page or Newspaper Flowers

I used good old newspaper to wrap this present but gave it a colorful kick with some dyed water colored book page roses.  Check out the full tutorial.

Recycled Box Gift Bags

These were quite a hit with the recipient. All you need is boxes, scrapbook paper, ribbon, and decorative tape. I made similar ones for a Hello Kitty themed gift for my daughter’s best friend’s birthday.

Recycled Food Box Gift Bags 

Recycled Coin Wrapper Gift Embellishment

This eco-friendly gift wrapping idea was the result of a challenge from one of my friends who works at a bank and handed me several rolls of coin wrappers.  These cute little flowers are perfect for embellishing gifts, especially at this time of the year.

Repurposed Coffee Can Gift Set

I drink so much coffee that I always have these little buckets handy, which make perfect gift boxes.  You can paint and decorate them any which way you wish!

Recycled Baby Food Jar Gifts

These are perfect for an upcoming Christmas party for favors.  So ask your friends with little ones to save those jars for you!

Pringle’s Can “Pull Me” Gift Kits

Last but not least! These fun gift kits are great for anyone on your list and are fun to open too!

I hope you liked my Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas!

 

 

 

 

Update from 12/2013