As someone who loves giving gifts and takes gift wrapping way too seriously, it’s important that my presents look presentable and demonstrate what the recipient means to me. As someone who tries to be conscious of the environment and what goes into the landfill, it’s important that the gift wrap does not create unnecessary waste.
Here are a few tips and tricks to gifting festive looking gifts and cards that are less harmful to the environment and your wallet!
- Perhaps most obviously, wrap your gifts in old newspaper! Up-cycle your old copy of The Quindecim (after reading it, of course!) as wrapping or tissue paper, and decorate with a colorful ribbon or bow.
2. Save gift tags and turn them into homemade cards for next year! All it takes is scissors, glue and paper to make a cute (and free) card.
3. Double your gift by finding a scarf at the thrift store (there’s a lot you can get for under $1), and wrap your present in it! You can include a festive flare by adding a cinnamon stick, bit of pine or holly, or candy cane under the knot.
4. If you opt for traditional styles of wrapping paper, avoid the shiny, metallic-looking ones. These contain plastic and are not recyclable or biodegradable. Instead, find a wrapping paper with festive designs or colors that only contains paper. Tie it up in a reusable fabric bow, or reuse a plastic gift bow from last year!
5. Make the gift keep on giving by saving tissue paper, bags, and ribbons to use as gift wrap in the future! (Or for a DIY cat bed)
Happy Holidays, Gophers!
