6 environmentally-friendly ways to wrap your holiday presents, mama

Even if you aren’t a crafty person, holiday decorating and gift wrapping are great ways to engage the entire family during the holiday season. But how do you make sure your hard work doesn’t end up in a landfill next year?

Did you know that Americans throw away about 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve? If every American family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. Sadly, ribbon, glitter and wrapping paper can’t be recycled, but we can reduce our impact on the environment during the holidays with a little bit of planning and creativity.

Here are DIY ideas that are goof-proof, thrifty and environmentally-friendly to up your holiday decorating and gift-wrapping game:

1. Pillowcase wrapping:

Instead of using your old pillowcases as dust cloths, why not use them as gift wrap? All you need is an old pillowcase and some ribbon. Put the gift inside the case and tie it with a ribbon and bow. It’s a great option for large or oddly shaped gifts and an enviro-friendly alternative to paper.

2. Tote bag revamp:

Glam up a canvas tote bag to wrap a gift in a gift. Simply decorate a new or recycled canvas tote bag and insert your gift inside. When the recipient receives this gift, they can use it to house small items.

3. Socks for wine bottles:

Finally, an answer for what to do with single mismatched socks! Place the wine bottle inside the sock and tie it shut with a ribbon and bow.

4. Ice cream gift box:

Recycling is always a good idea! Locate items around your home to use for wrapping paper. I like frozen food boxes because they are usually in my home and are easy to transform.

Step 1: Buy ice cream.

Step 2: Eat it.

Step 3: Wash the container and let it dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Decorate the outside of the container with scraps of old ribbon and paper, or use it as is and find a matching bow for the top.

5. Upcycled bow:

Make a bow using scraps of old ribbon. You don’t need to be a bow tying expert to make this look good. All you need is a couple of inches of ribbon in a few coordinating (or matching) colors. Simply tye the ribbon pieces together and it’s a great eco-friendly gift topper.

6. Knit Hat Wrap:

Wrap your gift inside an old knitted hat—or a new one if you want to give two gifts in one! Place the gift inside the hat and then secure it shut.