The Affordable (& Sustainable) Wrapping Paper Alternative You Can Get At The Thrift Store

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There's something heart-warming about watching people you care about open something you've chosen especially for them. This is one of the best parts of birthdays and holidays. The only downside to the selfless act of giving is the waste it sometimes creates. According to San Diego State University, around 2.6 billion pounds of wrapping paper are tossed each year. That makes bestowing all those touching boons a little less warm and fuzzy. Fortunately, if you're looking for eco-friendly wrapping paper options for a more sustainable holiday, you need look no further than your local thrift store. Second-hand fabric squares provide a seemingly endless supply of affordable and reusable decorative packaging opportunities.

The fun part of this economizing endeavor is finding unique ways to envelop the items you give that still make them look pretty and purposeful. You can fold and tie, sew the square into a pocket and slip the object inside, or grab some ribbon to help tuck everything in with a flourishing bow on top. Now, you'll just need to find some tips for storing your wrapping paper this holiday season, and you'll be all set with your eco-friendly supplies.

Before you start wrapping, you'll need to visit your local thrift store. Don't sweat it if you can't find fabric squares. Check for decorative scarves, bedding, tablecloths, or curtains. Cotton sheets are a surprisingly great option, as you can get several squares from a single sheet. If you don't feel like dealing with seams after cutting them, grab some no-sew support with products like Dritz liquid stitch. You'll be thankful to have spent time gathering these fabric squares when you're prepared with last-minute gift wrap materials you already have at home. No more running to the store for a baby shower, birthday party, or staff holiday function – you'll be ready to roll. 

There's no wrong or right way to use these. One of the most common and simple ways, known as the Furoshiki method, is to lay a square piece of fabric, pattern face down, in the shape of a diamond. Place a gift box in the center and fold the bottom corner up and over, tucking it underneath the box. Repeat this from the top corner down. Bring both side corners in and create a neat bow in the center by tying the ends together. Play with folding styles, add ribbons, or thrift hair bows to stick on top. You can even use the liquid stitch to make fabric pockets and slide the gift inside, sealing the open flap with a button or snap to reuse later. However you personalize your thrifted wrapping, you'll have a reusable resource for gift giving without waste or overspending.