How to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Revamp Your Gift Wrap

One scroll through the 200+ pins on our “Yum” Pinterest board would reveal that we drool over a perfectly plated photo as much as the next social media fiend. That little extra TLC in the presentation makes all the difference in a meal. We think the same phenomenon applies in gift giving. Just like a perfectly plated meal, a beautifully packaged present makes the gift giving experience even more joyful. Careful wrapping can require the same attention to detail as decorating a cake. Finding the right spices is just as crucial as sealing a present with a beautiful bow.

 

Just as we wouldn’t want a gorgeous meal to go to waste, we don’t want to see pretty gift wrap overflowing out of the trash can. Unfortunately, though, it’s said that Americans alone contribute around 5 million tons of extra waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, a great portion of which is from disposable wrapping paper and shopping bags. Yikes! Instead of feeling discouraged, it’s time to get creative and plan ahead! For those who opt out of our gift wrapping option, we gathered some of our favorite DIY wrapping ideas from Pinterest and the “blogosphere” that will give your wrapping game a sustainable face-lift while honoring the gift that you worked so hard to find.

Revamp With Nature

Justina Blakeney, one of our all-time favorites, finds creative gift wrapping inspiration in her own backyard! Check out how she made these “junglelicious” designs here.

 

Repurpose “Furoshiki” Style

Furoshiki, or “the art of wrapping with fabric,” is a creative way to give scarves, pocket squares, handkerchiefs, and other fabrics a second life. We recommend this step-by-step guide to Furoshiki gift wrapping and this tutorial by Omiyage.

 

Reuse Retired Maps

Your map collection shouldn’t be collecting dust now that smart phones are taking over. Wherever your gift is heading, this nostalgic technique by Country Living will be sure to make your giftee smile.

 

Revive Newspaper and Sheet Music

When you’ve already caught up on the Sunday comics, or mastered every chord of Jingle Bells, consider saving these elements for your next gift. See Page Smith’s design for inspiration!

 

Revisit Old Book Pages

Our team loves all things literary, especially literary gifts.  We instantly fell in love with Erin Nish’s vintage design below, which will make a great presentation for small gifts. For larger items, we recommend trying this DIY garland design by Better Homes and Gardens. 

 

 

Rip Out Your Favorite Calendar Pages

When you’ve flipped through your wall calendar and reflected on the last 12 months, save your favorite pages for your next gift!  Real Simple recommends this method for wrapping paperback books and other small items.

 

Record with #BringBackTheBow

As you may have read in our last blog post, we’re pretty giddy about our newest social media contest: #BringBacktheBow. We’re asking the craftiest gift gurus around to share their prettiest wrapped presents with the hashtag #BringBacktheBow for a chance to win a $50 gift card! If you tag your giftee, both of you will be in the running for $50 at UncommonGoods! Extra points if you can exercise gift wrap RRR. Let the green “Giftstagrams” commence!