Green your holiday present-wrapping process by choosing reusable fabric and recyclable paper. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Green your holiday present-wrapping process by choosing reusable fabric and recyclable paper. (Jennifer Bardsley)

Put down the holiday wrapping paper and use your imagination

Here are some green alternatives to metallic silver and gold gift wrap that goes to the landfill.

For the past few years I’ve worked hard to shrink my family’s environmental footprint over the holidays, and the biggest way I’ve done that is by rethinking gift wrap. I mention this now, even though I’m on-board the let’s-give-Thanksgiving-its-due train, because many people are shopping early this year due to supply shortages.

The first step to a greener Christmas is not buying crap that will go into the trash. Yes, silver and gold wrapping paper is gorgeous, but metallic paper can’t be recycled. It’s tempting to pick up rolls of shiny gift wrap while cruising through Target, but wait! There are greener alternatives that will save you time and money.

One solution is to reuse gift bags. You can get a lot of life out of those suckers. Of course, the downside is that they aren’t quite as fun for kids to open.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

If tearing paper is what your littles ones expect, look for non-metallic gift wrap made from recyclable paper. Don’t forget to tear off the tape before you toss it into the recycle bin.

Another option is to use a giant roll of butcher paper. One roll lasted my family three years. Instead of synthetic ribbon, I used cotton twine and reusable felt strips. Sprigs of juniper, cedar and fir along with paper doilies made the presents look extra-festive. Sometimes I’d stick old photos on the packages for a trip down memory lane.

A fun project with kids is to stamp butcher paper with cookie cutters dipped in paint. I still have a piece of this homemade gift wrap I made in kindergarten.

If that sounds like too much work, here’s a solution that doesn’t require any tape, scissors or curling ribbon — Tokki gift bags. Tokki bags are made out of fabric with a tiny zipper. You slip the present into the bag, zip it closed, and then wrap the fabric up and bind it with a band. The Tokki band has a QR code on it that you scan with your phone. This is how you identify whom the present is meant for as well as how many times the bag has been used.

By my calculations, it’ll take five years for the Tokki bags to pay for themselves, but after that, I’ll never spend money on wrapping supplies again. Plus, I won’t have mounds of trash and recycling to deal with on future Christmas mornings. Tokki is based in the Pacific Northwest and you can find them at shop.tokki.com.

An alternative to Tokki bags is Furoshiki, the Japanese art of wrapping presents with cloth. Furoshiki cloths can also be used again and again. Google “Furoshiki” for ideas to spur your creativity.

It’s hard to let go of traditions, especially if we have a vision in our heads of what a gift-wrapped present is supposed to look like. But the holidays aren’t about trash. Let’s be innovative and stop junking them up.

Jennifer Bardsley publishes books under her own name and the pseudonym Louise Cypress. Find her online on Instagram @jenniferbardsleyauthor, on Twitter @jennbardsley or on Facebook as Jennifer Bardsley Author. Email her at teachingmybabytoread@gmail.com.jenny.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.