Giving a gift is a process rooted in thought and meaning. Simply handing someone a present without giving care to its presentation can take away the element of surprise and intention. It risks feeling rushed or impersonal, and can make a gift feel more like an afterthought than a heartfelt gesture. But where wrapping waste is so high, it's worth taking the time to balance beauty with responsibility for the planet. We will explore simple, thoughtful ways to ensure you’re creating an eco-friendly gift experience through mindful wrapping choices.
The history
The tradition of gift-wrapping dates to ancient China. During the Tang and Song dynasties, gifts were often wrapped in ornate paper known as zhi, to convey respect, protection, and aesthetic meaning. Similarly in Japan, the practice of wrapping gifts in decorative cloth known as furoshiki emerged as both a practical and thoughtful gesture, reinforcing the importance of presentation as an extension of the gift itself.
Fast forward to the early 20th century, a modern twist on this ancient tradition took shape. In 1917, the Hallmark owners, operating in Kansas City at the time, ran out of the white tissue paper typically used for gift wrapping during the Christmas season. As a creative solution, they began selling sheets of colourful, patterned envelope liners. The substitute was a success with customers and so emerged decorative gift wrap as we know it.
The technique
Unless you have a trusty in-store gift wrapping service, you actually have to wrap the present too. This step cannot be rushed. Think of it like braiding hair: some people have the knack, but others need practice. If you rush it or wing it, even the prettiest paper and trimmings can end up looking messy. Fortunately, eco-friendly gift wrapping inspiration is just a scroll away in 2025. Pintrest, TikTok or YouTube are full of talented creators who make wrapping even the most awkwardly shaped gifts look like an art form.
The downside
According to recent CSIRO data, wrapping waste in Australia increases by 30% during the festive season, with more than 150,000 kilometres of wrapping paper used - enough to circle the Earth's equator almost four times. While a large portion of this paper can be recycled, the process itself requires energy, water, and chemicals, and even then, paper fibres degrade with each cycle, meaning it still has a limited lifespan.
A sneaky culprit in the gift-wrapping process is sticky tape. Most types aren’t recyclable, and if left on wrapping paper, they can contaminate the recycling process, meaning even the paper may end up in landfill.
Three eco-friendly gift wrapping solutions
1. One of the simplest and most sustainable choices is to keep the gift wrap or gift bag and give it another life. Keep it somewhere in a drawer, a basket by the front door, or a box with your festive supplies so that it’s ready for your next occasion.
2. Another thoughtful approach is to avoid buying new materials altogether. This can be easier than it sounds. The most charming look can come from using the simplest things found around the home, such as newspaper, kraft paper, biodegradable twine, or a single dried flower. Using humble materials not only reduces waste and hidden plastics but also adds a personal, rustic touch that feels intentional rather than excessive.
3. The one absolute necessity to purchase and keep in the cupboard is compostable sticky tape. That way, when you do need to use tape, you’re not compromising the recyclability of your homemade wrapping.
Check out our 20 favourite eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas on pintrest. https://pin.it/5sk0BcROe
Lasting impressions
It’s difficult to criticise a present wrapped beautifully with paper even a dog can’t tear through, but it’s important not to overlook the environmental weight that gift wrap waste can carry. It can help to seek out inspiration online for clever wrapping techniques and creative, reusable, or home-sourced solutions that can make your gift look stunning. The wrapping process itself can be just as thoughtful as the gift you’ve chosen, adding another layer of meaning to the gesture.