Upcycling Idea: For Gift Season

Gift giving season is a little more than right around the corner for most people but it’s here for me.  From September through December there’s at least one gift giving event per month.  Next month marks my four-year anniversary so I’ve been researching gift ideas… why are boys so hard to shop for… and along the way I’ve found plenty of eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas.  So here are a few great ways to reuse, renew and recycle during a season that creates so much waste.

Maps as Gift Wrap

Via One Woman's Haven (click the pic. to check out her blog)

So this is one of my favorite ideas.  Who uses maps anymore?  Just kidding please don’t think I’m one of those people so caught up in technology I don’t know how to use a map (though admittedly I don’t know how but I want to learn).  I know the value and importance of knowing how to use maps.  But many people have inherited so many maps they really don’t have a purpose for them anymore.  Not only are you recycling your maps but you’re distinguishing your gift from the pack.  I saw this idea a long time ago but I really liked the photo featured on One Woman’s Haven… (when I read the title in the link I thought it was one woman shaven…BAHAHAHA!)

Magazine Gift Bows

via Crafting a Green World (click the pic. to visit the site)

I have a ton of magazines that lie around the house until I have the heart to throw them in the recycle but now I can turn them into something beautiful.  I first saw this idea on Pinterest because I’m obsessed and spend hours perusing the site.  The how to is actually really simple which was surprising because they look so difficult and precise.  If you’re anything like me buying bows for $1 each is really difficult because you know the recipient is likely just going to throw them away but now you can put those old magazines to good use!  And what’s great is with a few coats of acrylic paint or spray paint you can make the bows mix and match whatever holiday or occasion the gift commemorates.  Don’t these look just like the real deal?  Click the picture for the how to.

Bonus Gift as Gift Wrap

Via The Haystack Needle (click the pic. to visit the blog)

I’ve heard of this idea before but I ABSOLUTELY love the colors in this photo on The Haystack Needle.  I think it’s a great idea because it helps your gift stand out among others (I keep thinking of under the Christmas tree or on a wedding gift table) and is a bonus gift for the recipient.  I considered wrapping my aunts gifts for her baby shower with blankets or towels that would be bonus gifts but we ended up using most of the gifts as part of the baby shower decor… diaper cakes and art pieces that I did for the baby room check those out here.

Newspaper and Comics Gift Wrap

Via Work it Mom (click the pic to visit the Blog)

I love this idea!  How many papers are thrown away or at best recycled daily this idea gives them an extended life.  I particularly like the idea of comic book paper because my boyfriend is a child caught in an adult’s body.  He loves comics and cartoons.  I also particularly like this idea because well I am a journalist and personally I think newspaper is beautiful and this technique packages it for everyone else to admire.

Via Two Shades of Pink (click the pic. to visit the blog)

Now I know many don’t actually get paper bags at grocery stores anymore but maybe for one trip you can ask for paper and use it as this years gift wrap.  It looks so clean and a bit modern and can be adorned in a number of ways.  I saw one photo with the names painted and stamped on.  The options are endless.  Plus because of its simplicity it can easily be decorated to match a variety of holidays and occasions.

If you use any of these ideas please send a picture or leave a comment with more eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas!