Why don’t you get rid of wrapping paper this year for your Christmas gifts? Try another fun and creative way of packaging and make the surprise all the greater. Here are 5 tips that will help you to replace wrapping paper.

1. Tote and handmade bags

There is something for everyone, in all colours and tastes: fabric bags are now available in many stores. They can be offered with the gift, which provides that little extra.

Another good idea: make your own gift-wrapping paper with nicely selected fabrics or scraps, which could be used again. Need help? There are certainly workshops for making bags in your area.

2. Furoshiki

Furoshiki is a Japanese art form. Take a square piece of fabric and fold it in countless ways into a gift box, bag, bottle holder… For example, use a scarf that you still have in the cupboard or a specially selected piece of textile.

You can then unpack the gift for the one who receives it. That makes an even bigger surprise because we are not used to packaging like that. You can of course choose to reuse or keep the Furoshiki.

3. Boxes and jars

You can buy a beautiful wooden box that can be reused, or a beautiful iron box that serves as a second storage or decorative gift.

And recycling is also a must: use boxes (of cake, chocolates or shoes), pots and glass jars in all shapes and sizes. A raffia ribbon, a lick of paint or a beautiful label immediately give the gift a personal touch.

4. Recycled paper or fabric

Newspapers, posters, magazines, drawings, old cards or comics that are too damaged… will always be original! It will not be zero waste, but it will be reused.

A pillowcase that you don’t like or the one that you don’t use any longer and it is stored in the cupboard, a paper sheet that is waiting for a second life, a T-shirt with worn edges,…: with some cutting, buttons and other adjustments, you will make a surprise effect.

5. Bags or socks under the chimney

A large bag, a decorated box that was used before for biscuits, a wooden box,… You can put all the gifts in it, and make a surprise to your kids.

You can put small gifts in socks, specially bought for the occasion or taken from your wardrobe because you don’t use them any longer.

What do you think about these tips? Are you ready to reduce your waste?

This article has been previously published on City of Brussels.