Whatever happened to “brown paper packages tied up with string” anyway?

It seems like when it comes to the holidays, the gift wrap can cost just as much as the gift!

And there’s also the environmental cost to consider. How much shiny paper and ribbon goes straight into the trash every Christmas?

So this year I’ve decided to try to find more frugal, environmental-friendly ways to wrap Christmas gifts.

Re-use last year’s gift bags. That’s right… re-gifting may be tacky by some, but re-gifting a gift bag is not! Just be sure to put on new tags.

Wrap up a gift with a gift. Use a blanket, a table cloth, or a shower curtain to wrap up a gift. Watch the sales of deals on these items, or check out your local thrift store for options.

Take a trip back in time. Make your own wrapping paper. Have the kids decorate brown butcher paper, or wrap a gift in a brown paper grocery bag. Or use the Sunday comics for a bit of color.

Give your gift in a reusable tote. You can get reusable totes just about everywhere and they only cost $1. That’s far less than the cost of wrapping paper or paper gift bags.

Who says you need gift wrap?  If you’re giving a gift basket, or a larger item, just tie a fabric ribbon bow on it and you’re done.  As a scrapbooker and card-maker, I enjoy using those ribbons on future projects.

What are some ways you save on gift wrap?