Clever and Cute, Recycled, Repurposed, or Reused Gift Wrap Ideas

Don't wrap more wrap; make the wrap, be the wrap.

Alas, it's that time of year again, you have to wrap something for someone, and you don’t really have anything. What is the occasion? Do you think a repurposed gift wrap idea would work? Of course, these green gift wrap ideas are not suited for all occasions, but they can definitely suit most as well as help cut the costs of expensive gift wrapping material while still yielding a unique and excellent result.

1. Trader Joe Bag décor and ad "tissue paper"

This is for larger gifts, and when you are in a pinch and don’t have a lot of money. This is a great repurposed gift wrap idea that has a lot of character. My sister was travelling and she did this for me, and I was extremely tickled. Seeing her take this small action was like a gift within a gift. Anyway, you can decorate this and draw on it, write quotes or something personal on the bag, write an inside joke. The great thing about something like this is it can be flexible and can really make a person smile, if done correctly.

2. Recycled old cool magazine wrap

Visit your local used bookstore, or Savers, or dig up some old magazines. This is an idea for smaller gifts. Find a cool image or something that is suitable for the gift you are giving, or the person you are giving it to. If the person is outdoorsy, find a picture of a mountain. If the person is a homebody, find a picture of serenity. Tear out the picture and use that side to wrap the gift. It will be a unique wrapping paper, and could be symbolic if you want it to be. Its also a great way to save on wrapping paper for small items and repurpose some old stuff laying around before you toss it in the recycle bin for good.

3. Using ad paper

Use the Sprouts ad. Use the produce section. Wrap up an appropriate gift, like gardening gloves or seeds. Again, this is an idea for a little bit larger gift. It makes use of something before it ends up in the recycle bin, and you don’t need to purchase anything.  And ads come to you in the mail, you don’t even have to get in the car or commute anywhere.

4. Bandana or fabric wraps 

This is another one of those wrap ideas that can be a gift itself. Find a nice a bandana, or repurpose some fabric if you sew. This is a good idea in a pinch and can be re-gifted time and time again. Some people think re-gifting is cheap and maybe rude, but re-gifting can be a gift to, as in giving the gift of giving itself.  Re-gifting is essentially recycling as well, we should encourage people to be more open to the idea.

5. Recycled printable paper

This is not really repurposed or recycled, however it is an option in a pinch. If you choose this option it is best to be used on recycled paper, or on the other side of an already used paper. You can really customize something for someone this way. Print out the labels that are copyrighted since it custom and for someone special. This is only for small items that can be wrapped in 8.5x 11 in. However, this idea could be perfect for something special like a family heirloom, or some Chanel earrings.

6. Drawing paper

Artists can capitalize on reusing some of their old sketch and drawing paper. They can even draw something on the paper itself as another cusom option that creates a gift within a gift.  If you are an artist or are looking to flex that art muscle or yours, this may be a perfect medium to do so and get away with it.  Maybe your kid likes bears, draw them a bear! Have fun and enjoy!

7. Chalk paper and chalk markers 

This is by no means something to just use for nothing, but it is something you could use as wrapping paper and something that could be a fun little creative project. For medium to small sized items, you could easy draw some seasonal lettering or a TO: and FROM: on the paper. This is a great option for customization as well for those with calligraphy or typographical talents.