Reusable Wrapping Paper

One of the most wasteful aspects of the holiday, is unsurprisingly, the paper that we wrap up our gifts in, rip up, and throw away after one use. There's a few ways that we as consumers can consume more considerately, and really think about the impact that our actions have on our planet. Today, we're going to walk through a few sustainable options, that will make your holiday gift giving a gift to the world.

Sure, it may seem like a classic tradition that couldn't cause that much harm! But think about it! Paper, which is already a pretty wasteful material, covered in dyes and plastics and chemicals to make it shiny and fun, crinkled up and tossed in a big pile of your family's. And then, it goes to a landfill to be piled up with all of the other wrapping paper from the holidays! So, which brands are rising to the occasion, and making wrapping paper that can be used holiday after holiday?

Furoshiki - umerdesignstudio

For only $16.00, you can wrap infinite gifts for holiday seasons to come! Here's how the etsy seller describes their Japanese Wrapping cloth, "Furoshiki is a Japanese Wrapping cloth. This is an eco-friendly gift wrap choice as you can reuse the fabric over and over. Choose from 5 fabrics from the 2021 Rifle Paper Co Holiday Classics Fabric Collection. The edges of the fabric are sewn to give it a very nice and neat finish."

The cloth dimensions are 20" x 20", and the unique form of wrapping will leave a lasting impression on your gift receiver. Each piece is handmade, and the inspiration online for how to use this fabric in the traditional Japanese way, as well as non-traditional ways!

Reindeer - Christmas Themed 100% Cotton Drawstring Gift Bags

For Christmas style, and a gift that keeps on giving, these drawstring bags are perfect for wrapping, unwrapping, and rewrapping gifts year round. Here's how the etsy seller, GoodieT's, describes their 100% cotton wrapping bags, "These delightful drawstring gift bags are handmade of 100% cotton. The outer fabric has leaping white reindeer with gold snowflakes and a dusting of white dots on a scarlet red background. The inner lining fabric is a beautiful bright white. The coordinating white satin ribbon drawstrings are securely knotted and sealed to prevent fraying. These re-useable gift bags will make a wonderful addition to your family’s gift giving traditions. "

They offer 4 pre-made sizes, which are small, medium, and large. Each size suits a different gift, and the beautiful part about it is that you can either include it as part of the gift, giving sustainability as a gift as well, or you can ask for it back and keep rewrapping for years to come!

XCFWin 12 Pack Of Christmas Gift Bags

Although shopping on Amazon is not the most eco-friendly concept in itself, it can potentially be justified when you're spending on sustainability. This 12 pack of holiday gift bags from XCFWin is a great way to get all of the many gifts you're giving wrapped up nicely, and sustainably. The brand describes the quality of the gift bags as such, "Our Christmas gift bags are made from high-quality cotton, sturdy and durable, and under fine workmanship, they are bright and beautiful, and are also capable for satisfying your repeated uses. The pattern on the bag will not fall off. It is very exquisite even the internal workmanship."

You can buy the bags in bundles with other sustainable wrapping options, in case you're the Santa Claus of your family, or save them for years to come. They've got 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 134 ratings.

These are just a few ways to live more sustainably this holiday, and give gifts that give back to the planet. Whether you're using the Furoshiki method, or giving gifts in soft cotton satchels, there's more than one way to think green this holiday season.