Fabric wraps
Fabric is brilliant because it can be used again and again. You can go with pretty scarves, tea towels, bandanas or even leftover fabric from craft projects. Tie the corners together, tuck the ends neatly, and you’ve got a lovely wrap that doubles as part of the present.
Reusable bags
Canvas totes, small drawstring bags and reusable shopping bags make practical gift wraps. They look charming under the tree and can be used all year round. It’s a great option for oddly shaped gifts that usually eat up far too much paper.
Old maps and sheet music
If you’ve got a stash of old maps or music books, they make surprisingly stylish gift wraps. Larger maps are perfect for bigger items, while sheet music gives smaller gifts a nostalgic touch.
Newspaper with flair
Newspaper can look surprisingly festive with a bit of creative flair. Add a ribbon or twine, a sprig of rosemary or eucalyptus, or a handmade tag. It’s a great way to reuse something you already have in the house.
Jars, tins and containers
Glass jars, biscuit tins and sturdy containers are ideal for edible gifts or small treats. Decorate with a bit of ribbon or a homemade label and you’re good to go. Best of all, they can all be reused long after Christmas is over.
Brown paper and natural decorations
If you prefer a more classic look, simple brown paper is always a winner. It’s usually recycled or recyclable, and it looks lovely decorated with natural touches like dried oranges, small pinecones or herbs from the garden.
Fabric pouches from old clothing
If you’ve got worn-out shirts, dresses or jeans, cut out squares or sew simple pouches. They’re charming, sustainable and add a personal touch that store-bought paper can’t match.
Boxes you can decorate
Keep boxes from online shopping and dress them up with paint, crayons or homemade stickers. Kids especially love creating their own designs, and the boxes can be reused for storage.
Tea tins, coffee canisters and biscuit tubs
Give sturdy containers a second life. Fill them with homemade treats, small gifts or even vouchers. Add a little ribbon or a handwritten tag and they instantly feel special.
Wrapping with clothing
Pair a gift with a cosy scarf, fun socks or a bandana that doubles as the wrapping. Roll or fold everything together and tie it with string. It’s practical, waste-free and feels generous.
Gift baskets from op shops
Pick up inexpensive baskets from your local op shop and fill them with a mix of goodies. Add shredded paper from old documents or magazines, then tie on a sprig of greenery for a festive touch.
Reusable Christmas fabric bags
Sew (or buy) fabric bags in different sizes and bring them out each year. They’re easy to pack, store and reuse. Kids especially love discovering which bag is theirs.
Pillowcases for bigger gifts
Bright pillowcases work beautifully for larger presents. Simply slip the gift inside and tie the top with ribbon or twine. It’s quick, cheerful and completely reusable.
Kraft boxes with simple closures
Flat pack kraft boxes come in all shapes and sizes and can be reused many times. They’re ideal for anything fragile or awkward, and you can decorate them with stamps, crayons or watercolours.
Leftover wallpaper or contact paper
Wallpaper scraps from renovation projects make surprisingly strong gift wrap. They’re pretty, durable and often end up in the bin otherwise. Cut to size, tape lightly and tie with yarn or twine.
Reusing last year’s Christmas cards
Cut old cards into tags, labels or even small wrap panels. It’s a charming way to give them a second Christmas without sending them straight to recycling.
Cloth napkins or tea towels
Cloth napkins look festive and fold beautifully around boxes and jars. Tuck the ends underneath or secure with a ribbon for a tidy finish.
Old book pages
Pages from books that are too damaged to donate can make unique wraps for small gifts. Tie with rustic twine for a vintage look.
Cardboard tubes
Hang on to the tubes from paper towel or foil rolls. They’re perfect for small treats, rolled-up vouchers or jewellery. Cover them with fabric scraps or decorate with paint, then tie the ends with twine for a bonbon-style surprise.
Upcycled pasta jars
Large jars from pasta sauce or pickles make excellent gift containers. Fill with biscuits, pamper items or craft kits and decorate the lid with leftover fabric.
