Creative and greener ways to wrap gifts

Posting on the giveaway got me thinking about the holiday gift season that is fast approaching.  One of my goals this year is to wrap gifts using more earth friendly materials.  Here are a few of my ideas, but I'd love to hear your own creative solutions!  

Option #1: Recycled craft paper and hemp twine or repurposed yarn
This is how I wrap most gifts nowadays.  Craft paper is easy to use, cost-effective, and a step above the Sunday comics! Last weekend, I was running behind and needing to quickly wrap a wedding gift.  I couldn't find the natural twine that I normally use as a tie, so I grabbed a crochet sampling my daughter had made.  By tying the ends together, it made a cute little pompom- perfect for a gift topper.


 























Option #2: Recycled paper bags and boxes with personalized designs

At my shop, we used cardboard boxes, bags, and tissue that were made from recycled paper.  My business partner printed original designs on the packaging using a home printing system.  A more affordable alternative is the use of custom stamps.  You can have your own design made into a stamp for a reasonable price, as long as the size of the stamp is relatively small.  My suggestion is to create a pattern that can continue across a box or bag.  Just add a couple of rows for a striking feature.

Option #3: Drawstring bags from scrap or found fabrics
This is one that I'm really excited about, because it's something that can be used over and over again.  I just recently purchased unbleached muslin, which is an excellent fabric for drawstring bags.  It's gender neutral and easy to adorn.  Instead of using gift tags, you can embroider names on the bags. 

A cute little drawstring bag that is part of Pigeon Toe Ceramics' Stacking Thimble Cup Set.