Tis the season to kill a bunch of trees, and spend a bunch of dough, on a snazzing up the packages under the tree. If the prospect of expending all those natural and financial resources on something that’s just going in the recycling bin Christmas morning is turning you into a grinch, check out these ideas for green and budget friendly gift wrapping from MarthaStewart.com.
Old bags, shopping, grocery or even potato chip, can make great gift wrapping. Cut paper bags along their seams, turn them inside out and use anything you like to decorate them. Rubber stamps are always fun, but MarthStewart.com suggests taking an old wine bottle cork, dipping it in ink or dark fruit juice and using it to create patterns. You can turn holiday wrapping into a family affair if you grab the kids, their favorite coloring gear and set them to work decorating your former shopping bags turned future wrapping paper. Not only will relatives love the works of art their presents will become, you’ll be happy to have something to keep kids on holiday busy!
If you want to be even cleverer, collect old snack bags, cut them open and clean the insides thoroughly. The insides of these bags are usually shiny silver or shiny white — perfect colors for holiday wrapping. If you cut the bags carefully, you can recreate the look of expensive foil wrapping paper and recycle at the same time!
Instead of Styrofoam packing peanuts, try using actual popcorn or real peanuts to pack your gifts. It’s biodegradable, cheaper to buy and make and easier for your friends and family to get rid of. Plus, the kids will love snacking on the packaging as they help you with your shipping chores!
