We’re big fans of re-using wrapping paper, but carefully peeling away all that sticking tape can get a little tiresome, and it’s much more satisfying to give your presents a uniform look. Here are four different looks that are as kind to the environment as they are stylish and affordable
Wrapping paper is one of those Christmas expenses that always gets left off the budget—and if you love to wrap a gorgeous looking gift, it can quickly add up. Here are four different looks that are as kind to the environment as they are stylish and affordable
Photos by Toaki Okano/Croydon Studios. Styling by Sarah James and Susan Elijas/Gilded Lily
Kiwi heritage
Re-discover the spirit of giving with an old-fashioned homemade gift.
- Re-use old jars for presenting your edible treats: cookies, sweets or preserves.
- Use fabric remnants to cover jars and decorate with handmade gift tags.
- Vintage tea towels can have a second life as wrapping, or sew them into gift bags.
- Decorate with interesting badges from a charity store, or for a gift with meaning decorate with family treasures (old medals, pins or brooches) to pass onto the next generation.
Festive Earth
Forage through junk stores for sheets of old music and documents. They have a wonderful texture, cost cents not dollars and are a great way to personalise your presents.
Celebrate your connection to the land by embellishing with leaves, flax, flowers, even sticks from your garden—simply beautiful, cheap and in keeping with our southern hemisphere Christmas. Try large leaves from your garden as a green alternative to wrap presents—we used banana leaves (available from Asian supermarkets). Rub with olive oil to prevent them drying out, or just let them dry out for a papery texture.
Cardboard tubes can be re-used for gift vouchers and fabric remnants can be sewn into pockets for a perfectly presented small gift.
Yesterday’s news
Recycle old, new and foreign newspapers. For a strong graphic look contrast the black and white newspaper with red ribbon and adorn with old buttons and beads. Second-hand stores provide a ready stock of inexpensive beads that can be used as decoration.
We made our simple handmade gift bag with Fairtrade paper. To make your own:
- Fold down a 5cm hem on one edge of your paper (this will be the neat top of your bag).
- Choose a box or book the size that you would like as the finished interior dimension of your bag.
- Wrap the paper around the box and fasten the middle and unfolded end of paper around the box like you’re wrapping a normal present. Use double sided tape to be extra neat.
- Remove the box carefully and either punch holes and tie ribbon handles or simply fold over the top edge (once gift is inside!) and staple closed. Easy!
A few of my favourite things
Brown paper and jute string are a winning eco-friendly combination. Brown paper can be brought in small rolls from NZ Post shops, or for a more cost effective option buy large rolls from Warehouse Stationery with a group of friends—it will last all year.
Brown paper is a ready canvas for your creativity. We made a simple print by drawing a pohutakawa branch, then screen printing it onto paper and linen. Repeat your motif throughout all of your cards, tags and paper for a stylish personalised range of stationery.
An easier option is to make your own Lino cut. Materials and directions are available from all good art suppliers. It’s easy to design and make your own stamps or stencils this way, and a fun holiday project to do with children.
