I’m the first to go over and investigate the adorable Christmas pandacorn (that’s a panda-unicorn mashup for those without 9-year-old girls in their homes) gift wrap at Home Goods. But I stop myself every time. Because why? When there are other ways to wrap gifts with stuff we already have?
And yes, I realize that experiences and no gifts are more sustainable alternatives. Yet here I am, ordering a monogrammed nightgown for my kid because that’s how we roll on Christmas. (She’s also getting a huge box of cool clothes from the thrift store, as usual, so there are a lot of things to open.)
Below are are a few ideas to get you started — and I’d also love to know how you gift wrap without wasting resources.
- Random piece of fabric: I have a stash of fabric saved for some kind of mythical project that will never happen. For example, in 2011 I promised myself I would re-do my living room in moody silks ala Steve McQueen’s Savage Beauty Met exhibit, but I didn’t and I still have a ton of material left over.
- A scarf or T-shirt: Throughout the year, I collect thrift store scarves that I have vague plans for (some have been turned into kitchen curtains!). I’m sure you have a Milli Vanilli T-shirt in the back of your drawer that you appreciate but never wear — maybe it’s time to pass it on to someone else?
- Those brown paper bags: Yes, I bring my own bags to the store normally. But during the pandemic I don’t, because it means I have to lug the groceries to a table and do it outside myself, which means I’m leaving my kid alone even longer (I only shop in the store once every two to three weeks so that’s a LOT). So I opt to have my groceries bagged. This is a very long explanation to just say — use the paper bags. Paint or stamp them if you’re feeling fancy.
- Package mailers: I’m guessing you’re getting a lot of mailers right now. Why not recycle those boxes and padded envelopes for gifts? Slap on a pretty magazine photo collage for decoration, do a swipe of watercolor, or tack on a big bow and call it good.
- Waxed cotton food wraps or dishtowels: One eco-friendly food-saver that’s become widely accessible are waxed pieces of cotton that you can wash and re-use. Also think about picking up cute dish towels and using those — essentially giving two gifts on one.
- Art: Got kids? I have a stash of old art pieces my child never miss but I couldn’t throw out, such as the “red blob” series on off-white paper. With a snip and a fold, those actually became cute cards. Though it might not seem like it when your child brings home yet another masterwork of macaroni and yarn stuck on oaktag, elementary-school art is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Add a flourish to the package with baked goods, dried fruit, foliage snipped from outside, ribbon made from fabric scraps, candy canes or whatever you have that might be extra delightful on the gift.