Cheap Eco-Friendly Green Alternatives to Wrapping Paper

The next time that you have an occasion to wrap presents, choose an eco friendly alternative. It is awesome for people to receive wrapping that can be re-used or recycled instead of simply thrown in the garbage. There are so many options out there that will suit a wide variety of gift sizes and shapes, all of which are inexpensive and readily available.

• It is inexpensive. One of the primary reasons that I stopped buying wrapping paper is because I don't like spending money on something that is just going to get thrown away. Many eco friendly options are less expensive
• It does not create waste. In addition to having a smaller cost, eco friendly gift wrapping has a longer life span than traditional wrapping. When most options do get worn out, they can be recycled instead of thrown away.
• It pairs well with eco friendly gifts. If you will be giving eco friendly gifts, why not complete the packages with appropriately paired wrapping?
• Unique wrapping adds a personal touch to a present. Every time I have given a baby bath gift wrapped in a towel, I have gotten lots of compliments on it. People appreciate these special touches for gifts.

• Newspaper and other routinely recycled paper. My husband and I don't even subscribe to a newspaper and we still get an ample supply of grocery store ads and local mailings to wrap lots of presents. Don't forget about junk mail, too. Many junk postcards and flyers have pretty colors as well as interesting patterns and fonts.
• Paper bags and other reusable bags. Many stores sell inexpensive reusable cloth bags that are perfect for presents. If you can't find one that works for your particular gift, consider making one. There are lots of sew and no-sew bag tutorials out there.
  
• Old maps. While outdated maps may not serve a functional purpose anymore, they still have a beautiful aesthetic.
• Fabric. If you sew, this is a great way to use up fabric scraps. You can also opt for pre-made or homemade fabric items such as bags, towels, and small blankets for your gifts.
• Gift boxes and other reusable boxes. When you get an item in a gift box, most likely the box will be in good condition and can be used again. Additionally, think about Amazon boxes, cereal boxes, Kleenex boxes, and other boxes that you break down for the recycling every month. Many of them just need a little decorating to transform into gift giving materials.
• Children's artwork. Enlist your kids to help you make some wrapping paper by creating artwork for gift wrapping. This is also a great option for teachers who are working on gifts with their students for any number of different occasions.
• Old calendars. Similar to old maps, old calendars may not have a functional purpose anymore, but the artwork can be re-purposed. If you can't wrap a gift with a single calendar page, it can still be used to decorate a gift box, paper bag, etc.
• Wallpaper samples. This may be a somewhat antiquated notion, but if you still have wallpaper samples sitting around your home, use them for gift wrapping.
• Jars, cans, and pots. Save your old jars, cans, and flower pots for gift giving. You can also pick up old inexpensive glass, metal, and ceramic wares at many thrift stores and garage sales.
• Old magazines. Much like newspaper and junk mail, you can extend the life of old magazines for gift giving. In addition to wrapping presents with their pages, you can also use them to make coordinating gift tags and greeting cards.
• A gift in a gift. Go beyond reusable gift wrap and challenge yourself to turn the wrapping into a gift itself. Wrap some inexpensive baby bath products in a homemade blanket or quilt or wrap a set of mittens in a scarf or hat.