Cheap Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas Using What You Have

You can wrap Christmas gifts with paper grocery bags, newspaper, old maps, fabric, and reusable gift bags. A scarf, dish towel, tote bag, or old T-shirt can act as wrap and add to the present. Mississippi State University Extension notes Americans generate 25 percent more trash from Thanksgiving to New Year's, so reuse saves cash and landfill space MSU Extension's sustainable holiday tips.

You need no new paper when household goods can cover boxes neatly.

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Turn Bags, Newsprint, and Maps Into Wrap

Mississippi State University Extension advises households to minimize wrap and reuse gift bags each year. Cut open a paper grocery bag and wrap with the plain side out for a clean base. Washington University Sustainability says newspaper from home or work gives a vintage look.

Old maps also cover small and odd-shaped boxes well. Pair it with kraft paper if a box needs a sturdier layer.

Let Cloth Do Double Duty

Furoshiki is Japanese cloth wrapping that folds fabric around a gift instead of taping paper. Washington University Sustainability suggests repurposing a scarf, old T-shirt, or towel for this method. Home Depot's Eco Actions guide recommends wrapping a gift in a scarf or dish towel so the wrapper becomes part of the present Home Depot's sustainable gift-wrapping guide.

Mississippi State University Extension also lists totes and reusable bags that count as part of the gift.

Decorate With Yard and Kitchen Trimmings

Mississippi State University Extension suggests free natural trim such as pine branches, pinecones, rosemary, and oranges. Home Depot advises cotton or jute twine in place of plastic ribbon. Mississippi State University Extension favors neutral decorations that can be reused for other celebrations.

A sprig of rosemary on brown paper looks festive without dye or glitter.

Skip Wrap That Blocks Recycling

U.S. EPA cautions that much gift wrap is not recyclable because of shiny, laminated coatings U.S. EPA's recycling questions.

Home Depot's Eco Actions guide says skip shiny or metallic paper because it cannot be recycled. Pinellas County says only paper-only wrap is recyclable, with no foil, plastic, or glitter Pinellas County's holiday giving guide. The county says ribbons and bows must be reused, donated, or trashed.

Save Bags and Cut Waste Next Year

U.S. EPA advises wrapping gifts in recycled or reused paper and saving or recycling used wrap. Fold bags flat, roll salvaged paper, and store trim with ornaments for next season.

Mississippi State University Extension advises reusing gift bags yearly to cut cost and waste. U.S. EPA lists concert tickets and gift certificates as low-packaging gifts.