CLEVER & PRACTICAL Gift Wrap Alternatives!

I shared some of these ideas on a different blog last year, but thought I'd share here for all those Black Friday shoppers that need to dress all those gift deals they just scored! :)

This time of year stores are full of colorful paper gift wrap, bags and bows. While paper gift wrap makes a nice presentation, it's really nothing more than trash. So, I offer a few alternatives here that are equally colorful, nicely presentable and even more, practical options!

 Pillowcase Gift Wrap

 

For the kids in the family, wrapping their gifts in pillowcases made especially for them is a special bonus gift they will enjoy using again and again! Another advantage to the pillowcase wrap, it can be folded to accomadate many size gifts or used as a bag for larger boxed items. And if you don't want to make them, they can also be purchased ready made....and for about the same price as some holiday gift bags!

Cute don't you think?

Now, this is a fun one that the kids will enjoy helping with! Our laundry soap comes in these nice fabric bags that I just can't bear to throw out. You could use them as is for a nostalgic kind of wrap or, turn them inside out and let the kids have fun decorating them with markers or paints, again, personalizing the presentation, not just the gift! (Love this one of my lil' guy's hand....think I'll wrap something for myself with it!) ;)

How 'bout a classic that you just can't go wrong with, the newspaper comics. I remember getting Christmas gifts as a child wrapped in the comics and tied with yarn. I always loved that! And of course, you can choose your recipients favorite comic strip and then they get to enjoy reading it as well! Talk about colorful!....not to mention, newspaper, in general, composts and recycles more easily than that shiny gift wrap.

Don't ya just love Garfield!?!?!?

This one the kids will have fun with too! We used a formula can, but you could also use an oatmeal canister, coffee can or any can with a smooth surface and snap lid. We also used fabric scraps, but again, use your imagination here....you could use newspaper or magazine cut outs, last years Christmas cards or whatever. Glue your decoration choice to the outside of the container and Voila! These are perfect for breakable gifts like ornaments....especially if you are a holiday traveler.

For gift bags, check out the Wrapped Up post over at Threading My Way. She offers a variety of bag options depending on your recipient, many that can be used as totes and such afterwards and all of course that can be reused for gifting again in the future! I love this one!

Daisy Janie also offers a PDF for a roll up produce bag that would be a great gift in itself! And there is of course the handy (& free!) tote tutorial over at Green Bag Lady too!

And what about this PERFECT combo for the gift/gift wrap...it's a pattern called Pillow Pack and supports Create H.O.P.E. Designs orphan care outreach!

This is ideal for those holiday travelers and readers on your list! The pillow provides a soft place to rest and the pockets will hold all their necessary items like books and chapstick nearby! I love it!

 To top it all off, check out this tutorial with printable template for Gift Tags made from last years Christmas cards by Homespun Threads. Love this idea!!!

So, have a little fun, save a little money and avoid a little unnecessary waste this year with creative alternatives to paper gift wrap!