Presents often involve a long list of materials: wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, and packing peanuts, bags, boxes, and tape–gift wrapping creates so much waste! Besides being an added cost to gift-giving, the tradition of extravagant wrapping makes millions of pounds of waste subsequently sent to landfills.

It doesn’t have to be this way. This holiday season, 11 straightforward and impactful alternatives can transform you into an environmentally conscious gift wrapper extraordinaire.

🎁Old Grocery Store Bags: You know you have extra paper bags lying around. Turn them inside out and adhere them to your present.

🎁Shredded Paper Box Filler: You might have an annoying stack of paper you meant to throw away. Cut it into strips and use it to fill any boxes or bags as a great alternative to tissue paper or packing peanuts.

🎁Jars, Tins, or Pouches: Do you have an extra mason jar or cookie tin lying around your home, waiting to hold something special? Reusing these containers or other packaging pouches is a great way to give these items a new life.

🎁Reusable Bags: What better way to deliver a gift than inside another gift? Invest in a reusable bag for your loved one to use for their next trip to a store. It’s way more impactful than a paper bag!

🎁Fabric: Use any scrap fabric in your home – or buy a special scarf or tea towel and make the wrapping part of the gift! This way, every part of the present is truly meaningful and zero-waste.

🎁Magazines, Maps, and Newspapers: Read the news and features, then upcycle your periodicals in this time-tested alternative to commercial wrapping paper.

🎁Boxes from Deliveries: Let’s face it, you might have ordered at least one gift or two this year. With so many delivery boxes, there is no need to buy more! Skip the wrapping paper and tape the box closed. Jot down a riddle or leave a note on the box as decoration. Bonus tip - if you have a child, let them draw on the boxes for extra flair and holiday cheer!

🎁Baskets: Everyone needs a basket at their residence, right? (Or is it just us?) Grab one big enough for your present and help your loved one become more organized before the new year!

🎁Washi Tape: This biodegradable alternative that comes in all sorts of fun colors and patterns is a great replacement for the classic clear tape that can help spruce up your wrapping and hide any imperfections in your skills.

🎁Scrap Paper Gift Tags: Get creative with name tags by reusing paper scraps. Use anything from a Post-It note to the back of a receipt, and make sure to decorate it with love.

🎁Skip the Wrapping! Let the present speak for itself, and do not let the person you brought the gift work to open it. You do not need any decorations to enhance the gift, plus it's the thought that counts!

But wait! You are missing a gift to put these wrapping replacements into practice. Check out our LA2050 2023 Social Impact Gift Guide featuring 60+ products and experiences sourced from local nonprofits, sustainable makers, cultural establishments, and BIPOC-owned businesses.