Unwrapping gifts is undoubtedly one of the best parts of the holiday season. Whether you’re swapping secret Santas or celebrating with your kids during Hanukkah, gift wrap is what makes the giving season so special.
However, aiming for a more sustainable holiday season can complicate the subject of wrapping paper. From the waste it creates to the plastic manufacturers use to make it, gift wrap represents one of the least sustainable aspects of the holiday season—yet many people don’t realize the true implications.
Read on to find out why ordinary gift wrap isn’t sustainable and how to swap it for options that are more eco-friendly (without sacrificing the spirit of the season).
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Why should you buy eco-friendly wrapping paper?
The obvious problem with conventional wrapping paper is that it creates a considerable amount of waste. Earth 911 estimates that 2.3 million pounds of gift wrap winds up in landfills each year. This is the case even when people aim to recycle their gift wrap.That’s because many people assume they can recycle wrapping paper since it’s a form of paper. In reality, the shine and glitter on gift wrap make it unrecyclable. These sparkling additions may look festive, but manufacturers use plastics that recycling facilities can’t process.
And when someone tosses something unrecyclable into a recycling bin? It doesn’t just send the gift wrap to the landfill—it contaminates the entire batch. In other words: Wrapping paper from a single gift can send an entire truckload of recyclables straight to the landfill. Yikes.
Another thing to consider about the glitter and shine on wrapping paper is that it results in microplastics. These tiny particles of plastic can infiltrate our waterways and threaten bird and marine life. That’s also the case for bows and ribbons, which are often made from, or coated in, different types of plastic.
Similarly, wrapping paper on a gift is often secured with plastic tape. If a type of wrapping paper is recyclable, but it has plastic tape or a shiny metallic bow attached, it will likely still wind up in landfill, even if you put it in the recycling bin.
Lastly, conventional wrapping paper is often made from virgin paper, meaning it may have contributed to deforestation, pollution, and massive water consumption.
It’s especially disheartening to think we’re wrapping our gifts in material that directly degrades the environment when landfills and recycling bins are full of material that could’ve been repurposed three times over into beautiful, sustainable gift wrap. The truth about conventional wrapping paper is grim, but it doesn’t have to negatively impact the holiday season and the way we give gifts to loved ones.
In fact, there are dozens of brands focused on creating eco-friendly wrapping paper. The following seven brands boast a range of sustainability perks in their gift wrap, including cotton materials, renewable fibers, compostability, and more. We also include options for recyclable, plastic-free tape and adhesives, plus bows and other gift additions made from renewable resources.
Our Top Picks for Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap:
1. PaperSource
Have you ever heard of stone paper?
It’s exactly what it sounds like…paper made from stones, not trees! This innovative material is water-resistant, silky smooth, and cuts like butter. Plus, it’s reusable and recyclable, making it an even more planet-friendly choice for wrapping gifts.
I love that Paper Source now offers over 20 beautiful stone paper prints, along with eco touches like hemp twine and plantable gift tags. A perfect way to wrap sustainably and stylishly this season.
2. Etsy
You already know Etsy is a haven for recyclable gifts, but did you know they have a large selection of sustainable gift wrap, too? A search for eco-friendly wrapping paper on Etsy returns over 5,000 results, and the variety is vast.
Choose from sustainable gift wrap options like Furoshiki Japanese wrapping cloths, hand screen-printed paper made from renewable fibers, and gift wrap handmade from grass and mango leaf. You can also find sustainable and upcycled ribbon to wrap it all together.
Be sure to check out their options for sustainable, recyclable tape, too. This one is an adhesive you can activate with water, making it totally plastic-free. As a bonus, many Etsy sellers display their ethical manufacturing and product sourcing standards.
pictured: Of the Earth Seed Paper
3. Wrappr
DISCOUNT: use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 20% off your purchase
If you want a truly unique gift wrap idea, look no further than Furoshiki—the art of wrapping gifts with scraps of fabric. Wrappr’s Furoshiki wrapping cloths are made from materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester and can be easily reused again and again.
These wraps are available in multiple colors and patterns in four different sizes (19.5 x 19.5 to 51.18 x 51.18 inches).
You can find multiple How-To tutorials for gift wrapping different presents with their fabric, and there’s no need to buy plastic tape or extra accouterments for this already-lovely gift. The best part about Furoshiki is that it’s a gift in itself. The person you’re gifting it to can reuse the Furoshiki for storing special items or regifting with style.
4. Recycled Kraft Paper
If you are seeking to add a personal touch to your wrapping paper, consider using Kraft paper as it provides a great opportunity for customization.
Plus, involving kids in the decorating process can make it a fun and engaging activity!
This Kraft paper is made from 100% recycled material, making it fully recyclable and biodegradable, thus minimizing its impact on the environment! The paper is flexible and can conform to any shape or size, with clean and crisp fold lines that prevent tearing or fraying.
5. Printed Kraft Wrapping Paper
Here’s another fantastic option for kraft wrapping paper that is already fully printed.
Although kraft paper may not be the most sustainable choice for gift wrap, it is completely recyclable unlike traditional wrapping paper, which is a big plus.
Plus, we appreciate the rustic and classic look it adds to gifts. This wrapping paper set comes with 6 different prints and 10 feet per roll!
6. Tree-Free Wrapping Paper
This gorgeous wrapping paper is made from hand-crafted, tree-free Lokta bush cuttings harvested in the Himalayas of Nepal. The sheets feel soft yet resilient (more like fabric than standard paper) and each one carries its own unique texture and story.
Measuring 20×30 inches and sold in packs, this paper is designed to be reused again and again, which makes it a truly eco-friendly choice. Plus, its renewable source and artisanal production support sustainable traditions & local craftsmanship in Nepal.
7. Bee’s Wrap
Food gifts are inescapable during the holidays, and whipping up a batch of homemade goodies is more sustainable than buying a plastic-laden gift on Amazon.
That being said, you can take the eco-friendly nature of your gifted food item a step further with Bee’s Wrap. Made from organic cotton, beeswax, organic plant oil, and tree resin, Bee’s Wrap replaces plastic containers that can leach chemicals into your food when heated (not to mention their eventual death in the landfill).
If you’re vegan or abstain from bee products for other reasons, Bee’s Wrap has a dedicated section with vegan food wraps. Last but not least, we just love the assorted packs available from Bee’s Wrap. These packs offer a range of sizes and patterns—perfect if you’re planning on delivering a big batch of cookies or bread to different loved ones.
