14 Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Ideas That'll Wow Everyone This Holiday

Recyclable Gift Wrap

If you love the look of traditional gift wrap, look for rolls that are marked as recyclable. They'll generally be gift wrap that doesn't have glitter or a shiny finish, and will be a bit thicker than standard gift wrap.

Paper Gift Bags

When you get paper gift bags, don't toss them out after a single use! Save them (and any tissue paper inside them) to reuse for the next holiday. If you're shopping for gift bags, choose simple colors and styles so they can be used for any occasion.

Recycled Newspaper or Magazines

Save up a few weeks' worth of newspapers to use as gift wrap. You can add a little panache with a cute ribbon and tags.

Don't like the black-and-white aesthetic? Opt for pretty magazine pages—we know just where you can get them. (Real Simple, of course!)

Ribbons and Bows

For large gifts like bikes, sleds, or dollhouses, just tie a ribbon (perhaps with a few jingle bells or a sprig of evergreen) for a festive touch.

Reusable Fabric Bags

Fabric bags have come on the market as an even more durable version of paper gift bags. Invest in a set that you can reuse for every holiday. (Bonus: It takes just a few minutes to wrap gifts this way!)

Furoshiki Fabric Wraps

The Japanese tradition of furoshiki uses beautiful pieces of fabric tied loosely around the gift as an elegant and eco-friendly gift wrap. You can buy special furoshiki wraps, or hit the fabric store for lengths of cotton or linen—whether in pretty patterns or a simple color. Most furoshiki come in 18 inch or 28 inch squares, but you can also cut a larger length of fabric for a bigger gift.

Kraft or Butcher Paper

Kraft or butcher-type paper, which can be bought in large rolls, is easily recyclable and gives your gifts a nice, rustic touch. If you want to jazz it up a little, use markers, crayons, or stamps, or paint to add a little color. (It's a perfect job for kids!)

Vintage Fabric

Head to your local vintage store to look for interesting things to accessorize your gifts or serve as gift wrap. A vintage handkerchief or tablecloth makes a gorgeous eco-friendly gift wrap idea, while old neckties, doilies, or lengths of lace could add extra panache to a plain kraft paper wrap job.

But you don't even have to head to the vintage store. Look around your house for fabric you can use. You can turn sheets that have frayed edges or a stained tablecloth into gift wrap. (Just trim off the stained parts!)

Add-On Gifts

You can choose a gift wrap that's part of the gift. Wrap a kitchen-oriented gift in a pretty tea towel, or use a scarf to wrap up clothes or jewelry. A makeup bag or clutch can hold beauty products, while a tote can hold beach or workout gear.

Boxes

If you do a lot of online shopping, odds are you have a ton of cardboard boxes around the house. Save packaging that you can recycle for gifts—don't be afraid to get crafty or use trim to cover up any logos you don't want to see.

Of course, a wooden box that they can repurpose as storage around their house could be another smart idea.

Jars or Bowls

Don't recycle those glass jars! While food gifts like cookies, cookie mixes, and candy are most often delivered in a jar or bowl, there's no reason you can't present other gifts (think jewelry, beauty products, or candles) in them. Dress the jars or bowls up with ribbon or evergreen sprigs if you think they need a little extra something.

Sheet Music

Sheet music makes a sweet and eco-friendly gift wrap, whether it's a music-centric present or you're giving something special to a music fan. Choose the music from a favorite artist—they can use the wrap to learn how to play the song if they're a musician.

Maps or Posters

Hit up an old atlas or posters to use as gift wrap—they're likely made of thick enough paper that they can be saved and reused.

Baskets

Gift baskets have been a tried and true way to give themed gifts—whether it's an array of snacks and gourmet food, or a set of beauty finds. But you can use a tiny basket for a small gift, or use a bigger basket to hold several gifts for your recipient. They can reuse the baskets for storage around their house, or for someone else's gift.