Wrapping a gift is half the fun in gift-giving. This Christmas, why not skip the usual supermarket wrapping papers and make your own eco-friendly gift wraps? With a little holiday cheer and creativity, you can bring a nature and personal touch to your gifts – minus the cost of buying new, disposable gift wraps. Here are some ideas for eco-friendly wraps and accents:

Wraps

• Vintage containers

Vintage containers and cookie tins add a nostalgic touch to Christmas presents. Many vintage containers become collectibles after their first use and can be repurposed as Christmas packaging. With their understated elegance, vintage tins and containers beat throwaway wrapping paper for style and function.

• Furoshiki

The art of wrapping gifts with eco-friendly wrapping printed cloths or Furoshiki uses techniques similar to another Japanese art, origami. The Japanese government recently encouraged the use of Furoshiki to promote environmental protection in the country against excessive use of plastic bags. One advantage of Furoshiki is that it can be used to wrap almost any object of all shapes and sizes.

• Découpage

Use old newspapers, music sheets, ancient maps, and other eye-catching pieces for a gift wrap that says a lot before it is even opened. Calendars, posters, and even comic book pages can be used as découpage Christmas gift wraps in place of store-bought ones.

• Leaves

For a real ‘green’ touch, wrap gifts in large, durable leaves. Justina Blakeney does a great nature wrap job in her blog here. Complete the nature packaging by using twine or jute string to neatly tie up the gift. More on natural accents can be read below.

Accents

• Natural items

DIY Network shows how common, easy-to-find natural items can be used as accents in gifts. Pinecones, cypress, cinnamon sticks, and even berries can be mixed and matched for visual impact.

• Holiday flower garlands

Spruce up your gifts with nature’s own holiday decorations. Seasonal blooms and wildflowers can be used as floral garlands in place of throwaway plastic bows and ribbons.

• Recycled materials

If you’d rather recycle old stuff than buy new ones, take your cue from HowAboutOrange‘s DIY bows made from old magazines. Posters, colorful prints, and even fabric can bring a splash of color to gifts without any additional cost.

Save money and give yourself an opportunity for fun and creativity this Christmas season with these eco-friendly gift wrap ideas. Happy holidays!

Have your own green gift wrap idea? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below.