One of the things that gives us instant holiday blues: all those piles
of post-gift-opening wrapping paper, crumpled and used and pretty darn
sad. It's sad because the hoopla is over, but it's extra-sad because
that's a lot of wasted paper. Did you know that half of the paper
consumed in the U.S. every year is used to wrap and decorate stuff?
Even if we're normally good about saving paper, it seems like the
holidays are a time when people forget about conserving resources. But
presents need to be pretty, right?
Ah,
but that's where you can really have some fun! Wrapping doesn't have to
mean cutting a huge swath of store-bought printed paper. It can be a
chance to get creative and express yourself, and make your gift
extra-special because you did something different and original with it.
Here are a few ideas:
And then it's time for the finishing touches! Give your gift some bling such as fabric or reused bows and ribbons, or take a walk in your backyard and scoop up leaves, fir or cedar branches, pine cones, and sticks. (Avoid berries, since they can be poisonous to young kids and pets.)
If you create something truly fantastic, snap a photo and email to us at itsmylife@pbs.org!
Ah,
but that's where you can really have some fun! Wrapping doesn't have to
mean cutting a huge swath of store-bought printed paper. It can be a
chance to get creative and express yourself, and make your gift
extra-special because you did something different and original with it.
Here are a few ideas:- First, the "duh." Save wrapping
paper to reuse by opening it neatly. If you need a large sheet, try
collaging together smaller ones.
- Paper can be found
everywhere. The Sunday comics is a time-tested favorite, as is torn out
sheets from magazines. Where else? Think about old calendars, posters,
unused wallpaper, and even old road maps. Fancy them up if you need to
with a layer of clear or colored cellophane.
- Tear open
brown paper grocery bags and decorate the insides. Buy a roll of
"butcher paper" at a craft or art store. If something's small enough,
grab a brown paper lunch bag. Decorate with drawings, painting,
stickers, rubber stamps, words cut out from magazines, glitter, etc.
- Put
something pretty (a ribbon, some glitter, beads, etc.) between two
pieces of wax paper; ironing it will glue them together and make a
single, spectacular sheet for wrapping.
- Consider
fabric, too -- fabric scraps make great wrapping material. If you or a
family member like to sew, make reusable fabric gift bags that can
maybe even become a holiday tradition in your home.
- We have a ton of those gift bags lying around from gifts we've received in the past. Doesn't everyone? This is a great time to put them to use, even if they're not decorated with a holiday theme. Paint them, collage them, sticker 'em up. Even small paper shopping bags with store logos can be tricked out, and don't forget the good ole brown paper lunch sacks that might already be in your kitchen cabinet.
- If you just have to buy wrapping paper, look out for the kind that's biodegradable or has recycled content.
And then it's time for the finishing touches! Give your gift some bling such as fabric or reused bows and ribbons, or take a walk in your backyard and scoop up leaves, fir or cedar branches, pine cones, and sticks. (Avoid berries, since they can be poisonous to young kids and pets.)
If you create something truly fantastic, snap a photo and email to us at itsmylife@pbs.org!
