Eco-friendly gift wrap ideas for when the holidays creep up on you
The holidays are approaching. And yes, I’m listing out ideas for the perfect gifts and squirreling money away to get the most out of shop small saturday… but this year I’m also putting more thought into how I wrap each gift.
At Willinglee, we always wrap our gifts in hand-painted Kraft paper and tie them up with a twine bow. So when it comes to gift-giving in my personal life, sometimes I don’t feel I have the energy to wrap something so beautifully. But whenever I receive a gift that’s delightfully wrapped, I am more easily able to appreciate the time and care that went into preparing it.
What’s more fun, for example, than a paper-tablecloth-covered card table piled high with brightly-colored birthday presents, each one dawning one of those shiny bows that come pre-built? What’s sweeter than a gift wrapped effortfully by your kid, hand-drawn card included? And what’s a more nostalgic holiday sight than wrapped gifts under the tree or next to the menorah?
To help you bring back those warm and cozy feelings (while keeping things earth-friendly!), we’re here to give you 6 gift wrap ideas that will have your recipients second-guessing if they even want to tear into them at all.
#1 Furoshiki
Otherwise known as Japanese Gift Wrapping. I’ve always aspired to do furoshiki because I adore the idea of using recycled fabric (that will then likely get used again by the recipient. Maybe this is my year. To add another drop of creativity, use a component of your gift, like a winter scarf or tea towel, as the wrap (who doesn’t love a little multi-function?!). Dress it up with dried fruits, pine, or cinnamon sticks and you’ve got yourself a magazine-worthy presentation.
We like Sunday Lane’s step-by-step guide to wrapping:
Place the gift in the center (boxed if you can).
Fold the top and bottom corners in.
Pinch the remaining outside corners in.
Knot on top.
#2 Photo Finish
Are you a photographer that has too many prints? Collector of vintage magazines and catalogs? Have doubles (or triples!?) of sweet family photos you’re not sure how to use? Break out the kraft paper and washi tape and get to wrapping!
Like the images below portray, a thin white border around your photographs takes this technique from homemade to professional.
#3 Decorated Kraft
Of course we would suggest this since it’s what we do here at Willinglee. Kraft paper is not only durable and visually appealing with its neutral tones, but it’s also compostable since it’s uncoated. To draw our designs, we use acrylic pens, but chalk markers or a trusty paint brush will work just fine. Now is the perfect time to unleash your inner elementary art class enthusiast—let your creativity run wild! We often visit Pinterest for inspiration—especially for holiday-themed paper—but also love simpler designs like smileys, florals, stars, and squiggles. When you receive a Willinglee gift, you can take pride in knowing that someone has personally crafted the wrapping just for you! If any of the below designs speak to you, you have our permission to steal like an artist.
Have kids? Look up “potato stamps” on Google for an instant favorite craft the grandparents will adore.
#4 Repurposed Paper
Growing up, my family kept old newspapers to recycle as we could, using them to press the trash compactor down, wrap breakables for shipping, or cover the dining table when embarking on art projects. Around the holidays, I remember pillaging the drawer to use the Cape Cod Times and Barnstable Patriot as gift wrap for my parent’s presents. Sunday morning cartoon strips are great wrap for kids’s gifts.
To add a personalized touch, use old maps, sheet music, kids’ art (see #3 above 😉), pretty paper bags, or even recycled gift wrap. Finally, a reason to be thankful for those gift recipients who open their treasures so slowly!
#5 Elements From Nature
Decorate with natural elements like pinecones, dried leaves, or sprigs of rosemary for an effortless, rustic touch. Make an event (or maybe even a tradition!) out of it by going on a nature walk to collect leaves, dried plants, berries, and sprigs before turning your haul into seasonal art. Even the grocery store can be of good use here: think citrus fruits (dried in the oven), cinnamon sticks, or old fashioned candies. This option adds even more festive cheer to the house.
© Moodfeather
#6 Uncustomary Containers
If your gift fits in something small, why not pack it up in a mason jar or ceramic piece? Baskets or old vintage tins are always a pretty touch to any home, and your recipient would gladly accept the additional token of thoughtfulness. For kids, try fabric drawstring bags or even a fun pair or socks or decorated egg cartons for small gifts.
Whatever creative ways you choose to elevate your holiday gifts this year, we hope these ideas inspire you to keep things eco-friendly! If you have any other sustainable gift-wrapping options to share, we’d love to hear them in the comments below. We wish everyone a simple, safe, and festive holiday season!
About Willinglee
It's always a good time to connect with those you love and appreciate. That’s why we created our company—so you can focus your thoughtful energy toward others and leave the rest to us.
At Willinglee, build fun and personalized gift boxes filled with intentional, artisan-made goods. We'll wrap your gift in hand-painted paper, write your custom card, and ship it out the next day.
We're here to bring the joy back to gift-giving.
