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The holiday shopping season is underway!

Andwrapped, of course.

gifts wrapped in paper

It is simply the proper way to present a gift."

So let the wrapping begin!

What’s the answer?

presents wrapped simply

Can wewrap our gifts in beautiful ways while not contributing to the global waste crisis?

Cloth, not paper

Wrapping paper that’s reallyjust papercan usually be recycled.

In other words, paper that stays balled up after scrunching can go in your recycling bin.

gift wrapped in fabric

Even better, it’s super easy.

Especially with reusable fabric gift wrap like this from Whimsy and Row.

Brightly understands that nothing’s going to stop climate change overnight and that none of us are perfect.

wrapped holiday gifts

But if we all do what we can, together, we can make a real difference.

The gift wraps are made of organic cotton, and theircute green printis suitable for any time of year.

It’s kind of a gift-within-a-gift, if you think about it!

glass yogurt containers

It’s also available in 78 patterns created by female artists from various countries.

The prints celebrate winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, love, and nature.

Have a side business making homemade skin care or cosmetics?

colorful silk scarves

These glass jars are the perfect and small business-friendly price point option.

Another option is painting the jars.

Instead, why not wrap your gifts in dishtowels?

container made from bottle

Or new or vintage scarves?

Towels and scarves are fabric, and who can’t use an extra towel or scarf?

And everyone wins because the recipient gets two presents and no wrapping paper ends up in landfills.

painted mason jars

The possibilities are endless!

But that doesn’t mean we as individuals can’t do small things to help.

You’ll find thousands on YouTube and Pinterest if you’re looking for ideas.

multicolor gift bags

Get creative, have fun, and keep a bottle out of the ocean!

According toModpodgerocksblog, this is a terrific project for novice crafters.

It’s also very inexpensive, and guess what?

hands with paper roll

You’ll also need a small piece of sandpaper, a standard soft paintbrush, and paint.

Cleanliness is super important.

You’ll need to clean the jar with rubbing alcohol and let the alcohol dry before painting.

gift wrapped in plaid

The tutorial on the site is great.

Then use a piece of sandpaper to gently distress when dry.

Use a sealer if you choose.

gifts wrapped in paper

But what about wrapping supplies you already own?

Like the one a friend used for your 30thbirthday present.

Or some beautiful ones from your wedding.

So the bags sit there, gathering dust.

A sewing machine or glue gun is necessary, and a little crafting experience will go a long way.

Cute small gift boxes from toilet paper rolls

Feeling crafty now?

Want to wrap all your gifts in homemade boxes and bags?

But this is where we caution you to be alittlecareful.

Because remember: Craft supply stores are retail establishments too.

That’s why we love the idea of creating small gift boxes from toilet paper rolls so much.

If you watch the entire video, Mariska offers suggestions for decorating your creation.

But all those ideas take a little planning since they require shopping.

Do you have some beloved pajamas now that are too ripped to wear?

An old flannel shirt with the elbows worn through?

In other words, any used, clean clothing that may not be suitable for donating?

Why not turn it into gift wrap (viaYouTube)?

And for a bit of garnish, try adding a twig or leaf (perMomtastic).

We think we understand after some consideration.

Perhaps it’s because they sound so modest.

Not shiny, not glitzy just sweet, somehow pure, and old-fashioned.

Next time you do, hang onto that brown paper bag and add it to your holiday wrapping supplies.