Recycled gift wrapping

GO GREEN this holiday season

Part of the pleasure of being given an imaginatively wrapped, beautifully presented gift is guessing just what might be underneath all the wrapping. If your gift is an unusual shape, put it in a discarded box first and then take the trouble to wrap the gift carefully so that the recycled materials you choose will look their best.

• Put the gift in the box; shapes with flat, angular sides are easier to wrap neatly. Place the box in the centre of the paper.
• Fold two sides of the paper over the box so they overlap.
• Wrap the string around the box and tie it in a knot to hold the folded paper in place.
• Fold the paper carefully at each end of the box: press the paper neatly in towards the centre to create two triangular flaps at either end.
• Fold down the flaps so they overlap.
• Wrap the string over the flaps to hold them in place, turn the box over, and secure the string in a bow.

Materials

• Recycled cardboard box large enough to hold the gift (optional)
• Clean sheet of recycled paper, ironed on a low setting to get rid of creases 
• Coloured string or ribbon (iron the ribbon on a low setting, or run through heated hair straighteners, to get rid of any creases)

Green tip

Avoid sticky tape: Paper can’t be reused if it is covered in sticky tape, so use ribbon, upholstery trimmings, twine, raffia, wool, or string instead.  Use paper-based, wateractivated, gummed tape to post a gift; PVC tape has a negative environmental impact.

Gift wrapping variations

• Tea towel and vintage tartan ribbon Use a colourful tea towel and smart ribbon – the tea towel could even form part of the gift.
• Paper and corrugated cardboard Over-wrap recycled paper with ridged cardboard for textural interest. Secure with a ribbon.
• Newspaper and garden string Sheets of newspaper are a simple option, but look stylish. Tie with green string for a festive look.
• Tissue paper and leaves Arrange leaves between sheets of recycled tissue paper. Secure the wrapping with glue and string.