In the lead-up to Christmas, few things are more satisfying than seeing a pile of beautifully wrapped presents under the tree. But here’s a festive reality check, most Christmas wrapping paper isn’t recyclable.
Each year, Australians use around 150,000 kilometres of wrapping paper, enough to wrap around Australia more than ten times, or nearly four times around the Earth! Most of it ends up in landfill because it’s lined with plastic or coated in foil, glitter, or dyes that can’t be recycled.
If more people understood the environmental impact of their gift-giving habits, many would happily switch to eco-friendly Christmas wrapping alternatives. Luckily, there are plenty of sustainable, stylish, and creative ways to wrap gifts that are better for the planet and look just as beautiful under the tree.
Here are our top 7 eco-friendly Christmas wrapping ideas for 2025.
1. Use Craft Paper for Sustainable Wrapping
Craft paper is one of the easiest and most affordable eco-friendly alternatives to wrapping paper. It’s recyclable, biodegradable, and surprisingly elegant once decorated.
If you have kids, turn it into a fun Christmas activity! Let them decorate the wrapping with drawings, stamps (choose vegetable-based inks if you can), or paper cut-outs. It’s a wonderful way to personalise gifts and get children involved in the festive preparations.
To make your craft paper gifts stand out, add a few decorative touches:
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Reusable wooden ornaments
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Native plant trimmings for a natural look
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Cotton string, hessian ribbon, or natural twine to tie it all together
Hot Tip: Dye your twine naturally using food colouring or fruit and vegetable dyes for a custom festive colour palette.
2. Reusable Paper Gift Bags
Paper gift bags are a great recyclable wrapping option plus they can be reused for several Christmases. Choose plain paper bags and add your own creative touch with hand-drawn designs, stamped patterns, or simple twine and greenery.
When they eventually wear out, paper bags can go straight into your recycling bin, unlike most glossy or metallic wrapping paper.
3. Gift Boxes and Repurposed Packaging
Gift boxes are sturdy, stylish, and easy to reuse. Dress them up with eco-friendly decorations like twine, paper tags, or small sprigs of eucalyptus or rosemary.
Hot Tip: Repurpose shoe boxes or old packaging boxes instead of buying new ones. Simply cover them with craft paper and decorate to your liking. Just note that tissue paper isn’t recyclable, so skip it or opt for shredded paper instead.
4. Buy Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper
If you still love the look of Christmas-themed wrapping, you don’t have to give it up! Brands like Earth Greetings create eco-friendly wrapping paper that’s 100% post-consumer recycled, printed with VOC-free inks, and made in Australia. They even support local artists by featuring their work on every sheet.
This paper can be reused multiple times and is home-compostable when it’s finally done its job.
Hot Tip: Earth Greetings also sell sustainable accessories like gift tags, twine, and eco ribbon to complete your wrapping set.
Image credit: Earth Greetings and Sarah Allen
5. Try Cloth Wrapping (Furoshiki Style)
In Japan, gift wrapping with fabric - known as Furoshiki, is a timeless and sustainable tradition. You can use scarves, tea towels, or any beautiful piece of cloth you already own.
The best part? The wrapping becomes part of the gift itself. This zero-waste gift wrapping idea looks elegant and thoughtful while avoiding paper waste altogether.
6. Wrap with Newspaper or Butcher Paper
For a creative and sustainable twist, try wrapping gifts in newspaper or uncoated butcher paper. It’s a great way to repurpose what you already have and gives gifts a rustic, vintage look.
Add some twine, dried orange slices, or a sprig of native greenery to elevate the presentation. For inspiration, search “newspaper gift wrapping ideas” on Pinterest. You’ll be amazed at how chic it can look!
7. Reuse Old Wrapping Paper
Before you toss old wrapping paper away, think again. If it’s still in good condition, reuse it. Giving non-recyclable materials a longer life helps reduce waste and makes your wrapping more sustainable.
Even small actions like this can make a big difference over time.
Make This Christmas a Little Greener
Eco-friendly Christmas wrapping doesn’t have to be dull, it’s an opportunity to get creative, save money, and do something good for the planet. Whether you opt for craft paper, reusable fabric, or recycled wrapping, every small change helps reduce waste and inspire others to do the same.
This Christmas, let your gifts shine, beautifully wrapped, sustainably made, and full of heart.
If you're looking for great eco-friendly Christmas gifts, make sure to check out our Eco-Friendly products.
