1) Make your own bows. Grab some paper out of your recycle bin and make a bow. Magazines, newspapers, or any paper you have will work with this technique. Create “fringe” by cutting your paper into strips and slicing it randomly but don’t go all the way through. Roll the fringe up until you have a “poof”. Attach to you package for a fun bow that is green.
2) Turn those brown paper bags into gorgeous gift bags. Don’t throw out those bags grab your stencil and get to work. There are 5 different ideas for stenciling gift bags for you to choose from plus instructions on how to make your own.
3) Don’t have any stencils to work with? You can also stamp those plain brown bags for a great gift bag. I have 4 different versions for you to choose from but you can customize this for any occasion.
4) Recycle your jars for gift wrap as well. Keep those pickle and mayo jars to use for wrapping presents. You can see full details on this jar gift wrap to learn how to make your own version.
5) Make your own DIY Gift Boxes with this super simple tutorial. This would be a perfect use for your cereal boxes. Any thick paper or thin cardboard would work great with this idea.
6) Recycle paper strips into gorgeous wrapping for any package. Great for magazines, paper scraps, or even newspaper. Head on over and see the full instructions for making this great decorative gift wrap.
7) Never throw out your paint chips. Turn them into great gift tags with just a pair of scissors and a hole punch. See my original handmade gift wrap post for more details.
8) Turn any paper into a gift bag with a few folds. I have done this technique with a multitude of papers. Grab some paper from your recycle bin and give it a try with this great handmade gift bag tutorial.
9) Need a recycled alternative to tissue paper? Look no further than vintage sewing patterns. Save them from the landfill by using them as tissue paper in your gifts. You can see my gift below complete with vintage sewing patterns here.
10) The last idea is such a simple one. Grab some magazines and get your inner child out. Cut some snowflakes from colorful magazines and stack them on the center of your package. What a gorgeous and unique gift wrapping idea.
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[email protected] says
April 9, 2013 at 11:18 amgreat ideas (and post) angie! Going to need to try some of these.
Amanda says
April 9, 2013 at 12:26 pmSuper cute ideas!
Amanda @ Dreamsicle Sisters
keri @ shaken together says
April 9, 2013 at 5:16 pmYou are so creative! These are great ideas!
Dave Kulcsar says
April 10, 2013 at 12:40 amTo be very frank i don’t have words to explain you how much i loved your thought of using recycled paper and prepare something so very beautiful.
Rachel Steward says
January 5, 2015 at 7:50 amI’ve bookmarked this post before Christmas and I used it when I was preparing my presents! Thank you so much! Everybody was impressed!