That's a Wrap!

’Tis the season of gifting, and with it comes all the wasteful and expensive paper, bags, tape, tissue, ribbons, and bows!

Unless ... you would consider an alternative.

Decorative Tins.

I pick up inexpensive tins on my charity shop outings.  Tins work well for kitchen, craft, and shop storage.  They come in various sizes and shapes and often have decorative patterns or images.

I use them in place of gift wrapping whenever possible.  Their structure protects what’s inside, and they can be used many times.  

In fact, when the holidays are over, I pack up my ornaments and put them back into the tins to store until next season.

My tins are labeled to remind me what goes inside.  It saves so much time!

Repurposed Clothing Sleeves.

 

Another reusable gift bag is made from reclaimed clothing sleeves.

After laundering the clothing item, remove the sleeves.  

Though not crucial, trim the sleeve's side to give it a neater shape.

Sew along the open side and bottom.  Tie a decorative ribbon, fabric, twine, or string to close the top.  Consider using an unexpected object as the gift tag.  Shells, leather, repurposed holiday card covers, and buttons work well.

Keep in mind that other parts of the dress shirt can be used as gift wrapping as well.  Consider making a "bag" from the bodice of the dress shirt.  

Cigar Boxes.

Like tins, cigar boxes are decorative, sturdy, and available in various sizes, making them excellent gift boxes.

Furoshiki.

Furoshiki is the Japanese art of wrapping in fabric.  You can use bandanas, fabric remnants, a tablecloth, or a blanket.  Typically, a large square of fabric is used.  The item is wrapped and tied decoratively.  To learn traditional Furoshiki, check out a book at your local library or search online.

So this year, skip the wrapping paper and gift bags and try one of these thrifty and sustainable options.

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All photos by Paulette Rodriguez