2025 is coming to an end, and the festive season has started. Over this time, South Africans will produce 30% more waste than usual.
Gift wrapping (often single-use, plastic, and non-recyclable) is a significant contributor.
From furoshiki fabric wraps to thrifted maps, here are beautiful, low-waste wrapping ideas that are kinder to the planet.
Reuse first
Before you buy new wrapping – look at what you already have:
- Gift wrapping supplies from previous years
- Shoe boxes or packaging
- Yarn or ribbons from a craft project
- Colourful fabric pieces
The most sustainable wrapping supplies are the ones you already own.
Get thrifty
Second-hand stores are a goldmine for gift wrapping supplies. Look for:
- Old maps and magazines for wrapping paper
- Old sewing patterns for tissue paper
- Yarn or ribbons to secure wrapping
- Curtains, colourful fabrics, or scarves for fabric gift wraps
Wrap gifts in fabric
Furoshiki is the Japanese technique of wrapping gifts in fabric. These wraps are tied with knots and can be used again and again.
The fabric could be a chic silk scarf, a thrifted curtain cut to size, a tea towel, or a bandana. Second-hand stores will often have a box of cheap scarves.
Avoid single-use plastics
Plastics often sneak into gift-wrapping. Avoid:
- Shiny, glittery, metallic or laminated wrapping paper
- Plastic tape
- Glitter
- Cellophane
- Synthetic fabric ribbons
Prioritise recycling
If you do buy new, choose recycled and recyclable wrapping paper.
Avoid glittery, glossy, laminated, or metallic wrapping paper that can’t be recycled.
Avoid non-recyclable plastic tape; instead, use paper-based washi tape, ribbons, or glue.
Recycle thoughtfully
Dispose of your gift wrapping with care:
- Separate what can be reused for future gifting
- Remove bows, ribbons, and tape before recycling
Build your stash
Start the habit of saving wrapping supplies throughout the year:
- Unwrap with care – try not to tear the paper so you can reuse it
- Keep ribbons and bows for decoration
- Hold onto beautiful packaging or boxes
Wrap with intention
Sustainable gift wrapping doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty.
It means being thoughtful about what you use, where it comes from, and where it ends up.
Sources
Tips for wrapping sustainably
How to tie a furoshiki
Credits
- Feature image by Anastasia Shuraeva via Pexels
- Read more of our Explainers here
