The holidays are magical, but one part needs a major glow-up: Gift wrap.

Americans spend over $17 million a year on wrapping paper, bags, and bows. In the process, we create about 5 million tons of waste, including microplastics from glitter, tape, and lamination.

To save money and natural resources, we’ve got a few fast ways to think outside the gift boxes without turning into a grinch…

REUSABLE BOXES

These tie-dye boxes are handmade in India by fair trade collectives, using cotton and wood that would otherwise be trashed. They can be passed along to the next gift recipient, or reused as super-cute storage.


COMPOSTABLE GIFT WRAP


Wrappily upcycles old newspapers in Washington State, turning them into kooky gift wrap that can later be recycled or composted. This one is our favorite, but they have dozens of designs.


YOUR KIDS’ ARTWORK


Take the third (and fourth… and fifth…) finger paintings of the week, and use them to wrap presents for extended family and friends. They’ll adore the added charm, you’ll save money and space, and zero new waste will be created.


TRAVEL BROCHURES + MAPS

Waterfalls! Cityscapes! Touring productions of Hamilton! Free brochures and maps are everywhere, from your local library to the airport or mall. Upcycle them into wrapping paper for added wacky flair.

OLD COMIC BOOKS

This one's for you, Riverdale fans: There are piles of old comic books available at flea markets, used bookstores, garage sales, and of course on eBay and Etsy. Get yourself a Betty & Veronica Double Digest (or just as great, a Scarlet Witch stack!) and wrap your presents with the added gift of childhood nostalgia.

BROWN PAPER BAGS

They’re 100% recyclable and let’s be real—we’ve already got a ton of them because of those Amazon grocery deliveries.