Small gestures, big impact: Wrapping gifts sustainably

Giving gifts to loved ones brings joy and happiness into our lives, but unfortunately traditional gift wrapping often leaves a lot of waste behind. Plastic ribbons, shiny wrapping paper and plastic bags are just a few examples of environmentally harmful materials that usually end up in the trash after the presents are unwrapped. But there are so many better ways to wrap gifts sustainably. Here are some creative ideas on how you can wrap your gifts in an environmentally friendly way, and not just for Christmas. 

Green and creative: tips for environmentally friendly gift wrapping

1. Use tea towels, bandanas and scarves as sustainable wrapping paper 

A great way to wrap gifts sustainably is to use fabric scraps or old tea towels and bandanas. These materials are often colorful and unique, which gives your gift wrapping a personal touch. You can cut fabric scraps and use a simple seam to turn them into pouches or bags that can be reused. Tea towels and bandanas in particular are ideal for wrapping gifts and can later be used in the kitchen or as an accessory. Our multifunctional towels or, depending on the size of the gift, our lunch boxes are also very suitable here. 

>>> Check out our multifunctional towels . The towel itself can also be the gift.

2. Make your own wrapping paper from paper scraps, potato prints and things from nature 

Homemade wrapping paper is not only environmentally friendly, but also a great way to let your creativity run wild. We've collected a few ideas on how you can make your own sustainable wrapping paper: 

• Use scrap paper : Collect old newspapers, magazines or wrapping paper and use them to make wrapping paper. You can paint them with eco-friendly paint or markers to create a personalized design. 

• Stamping : You don't need to buy new stamps, you can make your own with very little effort. You can carve stamps out of potatoes or corks as you wish. For printing, it's best to use natural inks or water-based paints to stamp unique patterns on your sustainable wrapping paper. 

• Natural materials : Next time you go for a walk, just keep your eyes open and you'll surely be able to collect some special natural materials. Leaves, flowers or twigs are ideal for decorating your wrapping paper in a natural way. You can either print your environmentally friendly wrapping paper by painting leaves and twigs and pressing them onto the paper. Or you can attach fir or holly branches, pine cones or other items you find in the forest to the gift. 

3. More sustainable ideas for sustainable gift wrapping

There are many other ways to wrap gifts sustainably. We have some more ideas for you: 

• Reusable gift boxes : Instead of 

Instead of disposable gift boxes, you can use reusable gift boxes made of wood, metal or cardboard. They can be used again and again and are often very decorative. 

• Beeswax cloths: Beeswax cloths are an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic wrap for keeping food fresh. You can also use them to wrap gifts without creating waste. The recipient will certainly be happy with this useful accessory. 

• Recycled paper and hemp cord : Use 

Recycled wrapping paper and eco-friendly hemp cords to wrap gifts in a sustainable way. These materials are biodegradable and can be recycled. 

• Fabric ribbons instead of plastic ribbons : Replace plastic ribbons and bows with fabric ribbons that can be reused. A beautifully tied fabric bow is not only more environmentally friendly, but also adds a charming touch to your gift. 

Personal and minimalist: Sustainable gift packaging as a statement

When you use sustainable gift packaging, you are also sending a clear message. This way, you express your appreciation for the environment and help reduce waste. At the same time, you show the recipients that you have thought about the gift and the packaging, and you give the whole thing a personal touch. Sustainable gift packaging doesn't always have to look homemade, but can also look classy and minimalist. We hope that we have been able to inspire you with our tips and that you are looking forward to wrapping your gifts a little differently this year.

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Photos: Carola Cless