10 Best Sustainable Gift Wrapping Options

Sustainable gift wrapping means packaging presents in materials that can be reused, recycled or composted, instead of the glossy, foiled and glittered papers that have to be thrown away. The most environmentally friendly gift wrap options include recycled kraft paper, compostable mailers, and the Japanese Furoshiki method of wrapping gifts in reusable fabric like scarves or tea towels. The decisive factor is not the paper, it is the plastic: glitter, foil lamination, plastic tape and polyester ribbon are what disqualify an otherwise recyclable sheet, so removing them changes more than upgrading the roll does.

Many look for eco-friendly gift-wrapping ideas but want something beyond using brown paper bags or neutral kraft paper wrappings. Being environmentally friendly doesn’t mean you have to be boring!

I researched countless gift wrap options, including options such as:

• Recycled gift wrap
• Compostable wrapping paper
• Fabric wraps and bags
• Environmentally-friendly wrapping decorations

After looking into each option’s substrate, quality, how often you can reuse it, and how easy it is to recycle or compost, I chose the ten best sustainable gift-wrapping options to share. You’ll find gorgeous wrapping paper, eco-friendly tape, bows, and ribbon.

These sustainable gift-wrapping ideas will help you positively impact the world around you while elevating the overall look of the presents you give.

What Actually Makes Wrapping Paper Non-Recyclable

Before you buy anything, it helps to know what a recycling facility can and cannot take. Paper is recycled by pulping it in water. Anything in the sheet that will not break down in that slurry — plastic film, metallised foil, glitter — either has to be screened out or contaminates the batch.

Four things disqualify a sheet of gift wrap:

• Glitter. Decorative glitter is a microplastic, cut from PET or PVC film. It does not pulp, it does not biodegrade, and it travels with the water a mill discharges.
• Metallic and foil finishes. A laminated metallised layer makes the sheet a mixed material rather than paper.
• Plastic tape. Standard cellophane and polypropylene tape stays with the paper unless you peel it off first.
• Ribbon and bows. Most are polyester or nylon. They tangle in sorting screens, which is why almost no curbside programme wants them.

The quickest field test is the scrunch test. Squeeze the sheet into a ball and let go. Plain paper stays balled up; anything with a plastic or foil layer springs back open. It is not a laboratory method, but it separates the two categories reliably enough for a living-room floor on Christmas morning.

One caution about the numbers you will see quoted elsewhere. The familiar claim that Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is almost always attributed to the US Environmental Protection Agency. It did not come from the EPA. It originated with the Use Less Stuff Report, derived from the University of Arizona’s Garbage Project using data collected in Milwaukee, and the EPA does not break its waste figures out by season at all. The EPA also does not track gift wrap as its own product category — wrapping paper sits inside “other paper and paperboard packaging”. So treat any precise national gift-wrap tonnage you read, here or anywhere else, as an estimate rather than a measurement. The mechanism is not in doubt even where the tonnage is: plastic in the sheet is what sends it to landfill, and recycling on its own does not solve the plastic problem.

Acceptance also varies by municipality even for clean, uncoated paper, so it is worth checking your own local recycling programme before assuming the bin will take it. And if a product is sold as compostable, check whether that means home compostable or industrially compostable — they are not the same thing, and the second needs a facility most households cannot reach.

Best-Of by Category

Best Sustainable Gift Wrapping Options

Many factors go into choosing sustainable gift wrap. Just because an option is paper doesn’t mean it’s recyclable, so you want to know you’re picking reusable and environmentally friendly wrap while making your gift look attractive to the recipient. Check out the top ten options below.

One thing to be clear about up front: these ten are the best options you can buy. The lowest-impact choice overall is not on this list, because it costs nothing — it is reusing cloth and paper you already own, covered in the furoshiki and no-cost sections further down. For a paper-only comparison, see our separate guide to eco-friendly wrapping paper. I’ve reviewed below.

1. CENTRAL 23 Wrapping Paper Sheets: Best Gift Wrap for Recycling

You might think that all traditional wrapping paper is recyclable—after all, it’s wrapping paper, right? However, most glossy wrapping paper isn’t recyclable compared to rolls made of kraft paper or newsprint. Gift wrap with a matte finish is usually recyclable. Also, any rolls made of recyclable paper are usually good to recycle again.

These wrapping paper sheets from CENTRAL 23 come in unique designs for any occasion. You can’t even tell that they’re sustainable paper because they’re so colorful—no hint of brown paper here! Each sheet is 90 GSM thick, covering awkwardly shaped gifts without tearing. You get six 27” x 19” sheets and six tags per bundle to cover your gift-giving needs.

Pros

• Vivid, colorful designs make the paper look bright and fresh
• Fully recyclable paper with chemical-free vegan ink
• Includes six sheets of wrap and six gift tags
• Various designs cover any occasion

Cons

• Sheets come folded, leaving lines on your packages
• You’ll need multiple sheets for larger gifts

See Related: Best Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Toys for Kids

2. Hallmark Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap: Best Solution for Fabric Wrapping

The Hallmark Reusable Fabric Gift Wrap is a stunning option for wrapping gifts. They offer several options, like florals, snowflakes, and holly, so you’ll find an attractive print to wrap gifts. You get a sheet of fabric measuring 26” x 26” square, ideal for books, small boxes, or strangely shaped objects. 

Your purchase includes a paper gift tag or a decorative pom-pom, depending on your chosen print. This fabric is one of the best reusable gift wrap ideas because you can save it to reuse each holiday season or use it as a tea towel or bandana. Hallmark also offers other prints if you need a different fabric for other occasions.

Pros

• An affordable option that includes plenty of fabric and a tag or decoration
• Provides a 26” x 26” piece of finished fabric
• Can knot or tie the gift with string to stay eco-friendly
• It comes in several attractive prints for various gift use

Cons

• It has a fixed size compared to cutting as much paper as you need from a roll.
• More expensive than a roll of wrapping paper

3. Set of Six Mistorri Fabric Drawstring Bags: Best Fabric Option for Gift Bags

This set of six fabric drawstring bags includes various sizes, making it a fantastic environmentally friendly gift-wrapping solution. Reusable gift bags are quick and easy for gift wrapping, especially when finding the right one for your needs.

The four different sizes include:

• Extra large at 22” tall x 15.5” wide
• Large at 18” tall x 12” wide
• Medium at 12.5” tall x 8.5” wide
• Small at 9” tall x 6” wide

These sizes make it easy to wrap gifts in oddly sized and shaped shapes. The gold patterns are ideal for any holiday or occasion, so you’ll get a lot of use from these reusable gift bags. However, the company also has fabric gift bags in other color schemes and designs.

Pros

• Strong woven fabric can withstand a lot of weight
• Gold and white designs are suitable for any holiday
• Durable ribbon drawstrings keep the gift closed
• The bottom gusset expands to accommodate the item

Cons

• No handles to easily transport the gifts
• Some drawstrings aren’t threaded properly, so you have to insert them

See Related: Sustainable Eco-Friendly Lunch Bags

4. Hallmark Recyclable Gift Bag Assortment: Best Solution for Recyclable Gift Bags

Fabric bags aren’t the solution for everyone. If you want another environmentally-friendly bag option, this assortment of recyclable bags from Hallmark provides what you need. The bold designs suit any holiday, from birthdays to Christmas and graduations. 

The assortment includes multiple bags in three different sizes, including:

• Small bags measuring 5.5” wide x 6.5” tall x 2.9” deep
• Medium bags measuring 7.7” wide x 9.6” tall x 4.3” deep
• Large bags measuring 10.4” wide x 13” tall x 5.7” deep

The bags are made of kraft paper, making them one of the best recycled gift-wrapping ideas. The matte bags are sturdy enough to be reused for years, but once worn out, they can be recycled without any problems.

Pros

• Various sizes for any gift
• Woven paper handles allow easy transportation
• Stunning designs suitable for any occasion
• Multiple bags included at an affordable price

Cons

• Each design is a certain size, with no mixing of options
• Handles are a stark white that doesn’t blend in with the artwork

5. NaturalCozy Oval Storage Baskets: Best Basket for Beautiful Packaging

This set of three oval storage baskets is one of the unique eco-friendly wrapping ideas. NaturalCozy sells them in several colors, including:

• Off-white
• Blue
• Pink
• Gray
• Turquoise

If you have a gift that would benefit from a beautiful display, laying it out in a basket is an excellent approach. Your recipient will immediately see all the gifts and get a reusable basket. They can use it for gifts or put it to work in their home. A rope basket is an ideal packaging option for baby showers since the new parent can use it to store diapers or baby toys.

Pros

• Get a set of three to package several gifts at once
• An affordable option that the recipient can reuse 
• Beautiful colors available
• Practical baskets are easy to transport

Cons

• It won’t completely cover your gift
• It might require wrap or tissue paper to secure everything inside

See Related: Best Gift Ideas for Vegans

6. RUSPEPA Wrapping Paper: Best Gift Wrap for Composting

This environmentally friendly gift wrap from RUSPEPA is compostable, as it has a kraft paper base and non-hazardous inks. The company offers several design bundles, including florals, animals, bright rainbows, and ocean images.

The assortment of three rolls includes eco-friendly jute string to wrap around the package and secure a recyclable gift tag. This affordable bundle gives you everything you need to ensure your holiday season benefits the environment.

Pros

• Made of compostable kraft paper
• Inks aren’t hazardous to good bacteria in the compost bin
• Includes eco-friendly jute string for the tags
• It has a grid printed on the backside for simple measurements

Cons

• Paper is thin and rips easily with the use
• The kraft base is a dark brown paper

7. Sorarto Luxury Magnetic Gift Box: Best Gift Boxes for Reuse

With the right box, you won’t need any gift wrap for your presents! These luxury gift boxes from Sorarto look great as-is—all you need to do is place the items inside and close the magnetic lid. You can choose from several designs and color schemes to get unique gift boxes for everyone on your list.

The gift boxes arrive flat and fold out to measure 7.5” long x 11.5” wide x 3.7” deep. They can handle over five pounds of weight, so many gifts and items can easily fit inside.

These sturdy boxes are sturdy enough to last for countless reuses. Your recipient can also use them to store things at home. They make a beautiful place to store jewelry or collect small items that roll around on your dresser.

Pros

• The magnetic lid stays closed during transport
• Five various colors and designs give many options
• Box can hold over five pounds of goods
• Folds flat for easy storage between uses

Cons

• You might need tissue paper inside to prevent items from rolling around
• Can’t store oddly shaped items like wine bottles

See Related: Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Candles to Buy Today 

8. Healifty Christmas Fabric Ribbon Bows: Best Option for Sustainable Bows

Sustainable gift wrap ideas include decorations that make your package a work of art. Using sustainable bows will elevate your gift into something beautiful the recipient appreciates. Most bows use plastic-coated paper that wears out after a few uses and cracks in extreme temperatures during storage. Fabric bows last longer and stay in good shape for the duration.

The Healifty Christmas Fabric Ribbon Bows are made of cloth, so they last for years. They also carry a layer of glitter, and that deserves a caveat this article originally left out. Glitter is a microplastic — PET or PVC film cut into flakes — and the FAQ below correctly lists glitter as one of the things that makes paper unrecyclable. A glittered fabric bow is still defensible, because you keep and reuse it for years instead of binning it after one gift, which is the opposite of a single-use plastic bow. But it must never go into a compost bin or a paper recycling load, and loose glitter shed onto the wrapping underneath can spoil an otherwise recyclable sheet. If that trade-off bothers you, the plain raffia ribbon at number nine does the same job with no plastic at all. They’re sturdy enough to be used on a gift or as decoration, so you’ll get plenty of use out of them.

Pros

• Pack of five fabric bows at an affordable price
• Blue glitter looks great for any occasion (see the microplastic caveat above)
• The fabric is already knotted into a nice bow

Cons

• It needs string or adhesive to attach it to the gift
• They only come in one size

9. Goodma Raffia Paper Ribbon: Best Paper Ribbon for Eco-Friendly Decorations

You don’t have to use a fabric bow for your gift decorations—paper options are also made with raffia. The assortment of raffia paper ribbons from Goodma includes 15 colors to complement any gift wrap you use. Each roll is 21.9 yards long, so you’ll have enough to last for multiple seasons.

The raffia is 7mm wide, but you can unfold it and create ribbons up to 1.2” wide. This ribbon’s flexibility makes it one of the best-recycled gift wrap ideas for decorating packages. It’s beautiful and durable enough to be reused to tie multiple gifts.

Pros

• It comes in 15 bold colors suitable for any occasion
• Paper twine is durable yet recyclable
• You can cut it to your ideal size and unfold it for more width

Cons

• Tears easily, so tie your bows carefully
• It feels slick and cheap

See Related: Best Compostable Trash Bags | Eco-Friendly Options to Buy

10. Knaid Washi Tape: Best Biodegradable Paper Option for Tape

Sustainable gift packaging requires biodegradable tape; otherwise, the paper isn’t recyclable without removing the plastic tape. Knaid washi tape uses washi, a paper made from long plant bast fibres, to give you a paper-backed alternative to plastic tape.

Washi is often called rice paper, but that name is a misnomer: it contains no rice. It is made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry (kōzo), which accounts for the large majority of washi produced today, along with mitsumata and the rarer, more expensive gampi. Two things follow. First, the backing genuinely is plant fibre rather than plastic film, which is the whole reason to use it instead of cellophane tape. Second, be careful with the word biodegradable: most mass-market decorative washi tape uses a synthetic acrylic adhesive, so only tape explicitly certified as biodegradable belongs in a compost bin. Otherwise, peel it off and treat the paper as the recyclable part.

The paper used for washi tape means you can find adhesive with attractive designs. Knaid includes solid colors, beautiful prints, and bold designs in its 40 rolls. Each roll is 10mm wide, so you can use the tape to make a design on the package. The company has a minimalist package and pastel bundle, so you’ll find the perfect color for gifts in any season.

Pros

• Plant-fibre paper backing, so it recycles with the wrapping instead of contaminating it
• They come in 40 different designs and colors
• Affordable bundle for so much tape

Cons

• No transparent option
• All rolls are 10mm wide

Furoshiki: The Reusable Cloth Method Behind Fabric Wrapping

Furoshiki is the Japanese practice of wrapping and carrying an object in a single square of cloth, knotted rather than taped. It is by a wide margin the oldest idea on this page. Wrapping cloths held imperial valuables during the Nara period (710–794), and an example survives in the Shōsōin repository at Tōdai-ji in Nara; the word furoshiki itself dates from the Muromachi period.

Its modern environmental revival has a specific date. In March 2006, at the Senior Officials Meeting on the 3R Initiative in Tokyo, Japan’s Environment Minister Yuriko Koike presented the “Mottainai Furoshiki” — a wrapping cloth woven from fibre made of recycled PET bottles and printed with a birds-and-flowers design after the Edo-period painter Itō Jakuchū — and argued for the cloth as a working answer to packaging waste. Mottainai is the Japanese sense of regret at waste, roughly “what a waste, don’t throw it away”.

What makes it the strongest option here is arithmetic rather than sentiment. Every product further up this page is used once per gift, even the recyclable ones. A cloth is used, untied, folded and used again, and the recipient keeps it as a scarf, a dishcloth, a tea towel or a bag. Its impact per gift falls every time it is reused, which is not true of any roll of paper.

How to wrap a box in cloth, in four steps

1. Lay the cloth as a diamond, printed side down, and set the box in the middle at 45 degrees. As a rule of thumb, use a square about three times the width of the box.
2. Bring the near and far corners up over the box and tie them once, loosely, in the centre.
3. Bring the two side corners up and tie them in a square knot on top of the first tie.
4. Tuck the loose ends under, or leave them out and knot them again as a carrying handle. No tape, no scissors, nothing to throw away.

A scarf, a bandana, a square of leftover dress fabric or a plain tea towel all work. So does the Hallmark fabric wrap at number two on this list, which is furoshiki sold by the sheet.

Free Sustainable Gift Wrap You Already Own

The lowest-impact wrap is the one nobody had to manufacture for the purpose. None of the following costs anything, and all of them avoid the plastic layers described earlier:

• Brown paper grocery bags, cut open and turned inside out. Uncoated kraft, so it recycles and composts cleanly.
• Newspaper and old maps. Newsprint is plain matte paper. The sports pages for a sports fan, or a road-atlas page for a traveller, read as deliberate rather than cheap.
• Last year’s gift bags and tissue paper, flattened and kept. Reusing one bag three times beats buying a recyclable one once.
• A reusable shopping bag or tote as the wrapping itself, so the packaging is part of the present.
• A scarf, tea towel, dishcloth or an outgrown sweater cut into squares, tied furoshiki-style.
• Jars, tins and biscuit boxes for small or awkward items, which the recipient keeps and uses.

For decoration, skip the plastic bows and ribbons entirely. Garden twine or jute string, a sprig of rosemary, pine or eucalyptus, a cinnamon stick, a dried orange slice, or a wooden ornament the recipient hangs on the tree all give a festive finish that goes into the compost or gets kept, rather than into the bin. A stamped or hand-drawn design on plain kraft does more for how a gift looks than a metallic finish does, and it leaves the sheet recyclable.

If you are trying to cut packaging across the board rather than only at Christmas, our guides to zero-waste stores and to the wider ocean plastic crisis cover where the rest of the household plastic ends up.

FAQs

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See Related: 5 Best Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas