A text by Marie (GRIMM'S)
Traditional wrapping paper is only meant to wrap a present once, only to be torn to pieces during unwrapping and then end up in the trash – uncoated wrapping paper goes in the paper bin and coated wrapping paper goes in the general waste. This isn't just a shame, it's also completely unsustainable. There are so many great ways to beautifully wrap gifts. We've collected a few of them and hope we can inspire many of you to join forces this year to reduce the amount of waste under your Christmas tree.
Boxes / shoe boxes / packages
Especially before Christmas, a lot of orders are placed online. Packages arrive one after another, and the recycling bin can hardly keep up. Why not save the undamaged boxes and use them as gift wrapping? Of course, you can pimp them up as you wish with paint, pretty cords, fabric scraps, beads, and much more.
fabric bag / fabric pouch
A fabric bag or pouch has the advantage of being reusable after unpacking. For example, you can paint a fabric bag with fabric paint or make pendants from pieces of paper or beads. Even children will enjoy this. You can then use the bags for freshly baked bread or shopping.
Children's art
Do your children also produce masses of self-painted artwork on paper every day and you don't know what to do with it all? It's best to collect them first and then wrap them for the next special occasion. The recipients will be delighted with the colorful children's art, and the little artists will be incredibly proud that their works will have such a special place.
Fabrics / Cloths / Furoshiki technique
How wonderful do gifts look wrapped in beautiful fabrics?! They somehow feel so precious and special! We're not the only ones who think so; it's also a long-standing tradition in Japan, where beautiful cloths, so-called furoshiki, are often used for wrapping. Based on this furoshiki technique, you can take any cloth and then tie the diagonally opposite corners together. For example, larger fabric scraps, muslin cloths, or silk scarves are ideal for this.
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Newspapers / magazines / old issues
Before entire newspapers, magazines, or discarded old magazines end up in the trash, it's definitely worth sifting through them for beautiful images or text passages. This way, they still serve a useful purpose, and the resulting packages look totally stylish!
Reuse wrapping paper
If you have a lot of wrapping paper at home or receive gifts wrapped in it, you can reuse it multiple times. Often, it's not completely intact after unwrapping, but you can easily smooth out any undamaged pieces, cut off unsightly adhesive strips, and hey presto, it's ready for the next round.
Unpackaged
With very large gifts, the question naturally arises as to how sensible it is to wrap them at all, especially if that would require emptying an entire roll of wrapping paper. If the unwrapping itself isn't that important to you, you can simply set them up for aesthetically pleasing gifts, such as our step pyramid, and let them have their effect under the Christmas tree.
Easy-peasy, low-budget decoration
To make the wrapped gifts even more individual, you can add a variety of little things that you usually find at home or in the garden, and the package is ready for its dazzling appearance under the Christmas tree. Natural materials such as small twigs, cones, dried leaves, and string, beads, or stickers are particularly suitable. Star pendants made from our wooden beads are easy to make and make a great Christmas decoration for the tree. Even the filling material from parcels or small scraps of old wrapping paper can be turned into pretty star or name pendants.
We're looking forward to a cozy Christmas with as little waste as possible and are excited to hear if you've implemented any of these ideas or what other sustainable gift wrapping ideas you have for us!
