Gift Wrap Alternatives (2026)

If gift wrap alternatives is on your radar, this short guide cuts through the noise. Here is what is worth knowing, and how to put it to work today.

Key Takeaways

• Are you one of those who hates to spend money on gift wrap and gift bags, just to see them get thrown out at the end?
•  Even if it wasn’t a huge waste of money in most cases, why not make the “wrapping” be a part of the gift, or another gift that can be...
•  Or use something that may have been thrown out anyway.

Are you one of those who hates to spend money on gift wrap and gift bags, just to see them get thrown out at the end?  Even if it wasn’t a huge waste of money in most cases, why not make the “wrapping” be a part of the gift, or another gift that can be used by the recipient.  Or use something that may have been thrown out anyway.  Here are some solutions to your eco-friendly dilemma.

(source: SquawkFox)

Roll it up in a reusable tote bag.  Or if the gift is big enough, just use the reusable tote bag as a gift bag.  Whether it be a reusable grocery bag or a reusable bag purchased at the dollar store, the recipient of this gift will not only have a excellent gift, but a bag they can use every day of the year.

(source: livingpractically)

Mason jars make for a cute way to give a gift.  There are so numerous cute ideas for gifts you can “wrap” in a jar.  Check out all of the ideas for gifts in jars from a previous post HERE.

(source: MarthaStewart)

Kraft paper makes for a sturdy gift wrap alternative for oddly shaped items.  Tie it up with string and decorate with ribbon or even holly or pine twigs for a very festive looking package.

(source: boxwoodclippings)

In this example someone had an old sweater that was going to be tossed because maybe it had a hole in it that couldn’t be repaired.  Cut the arm off and use it to wrap a small box.  Or use the larger part of the sweater for a bigger package.  So cute!

(source: izismile)

Newspapers have always been a excellent gift wrap alternatives.  More specifically the “sunday funnies”.  Or you can get very creative and follow this excellent tutorial on how to make a gift bag from newspaper.  Looks pretty simple to make and looks as good as the real thing!

(source: ramshackleglam)

Old maps make excellent gift wrap.  They are colorful and as beautiful as most gift wrap.  Add some ribbon and you have yourself a very beautifully wrapped gift.

(photo credit: toppytoppyknits)

Another option is to not wrap it at all.  Hide the gift somewhere in the house and leave notes for a scavenger hunt type game.  This makes opening presents even that much more fun and turns it into a tradition that can be done each year.  Be sure to do one for each child.  They will have a blast with this one!

(source: MarthaStewart)

Use the kids artwork for gift wrap.  As much as your kids love to draw and color pictures, your house should be filled with tons of gift wrap possibilities.  Plus the grandparents will love the extra “gift”.

(source: aspoonfulofsugardesigns)

Leftover fabric make wonderful gift wrap.  You can use it like wrapping paper, or make a little pouch (like above) for those oddly shaped gifts.  Tie it up with some string and add a little gift tag.  Very cute!

Make sure you check out our Saving Money Blog and also our How to Coupon Page for more tips, tricks and videos on saving money and using coupons.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line: a little research on gift wrap alternatives goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away.

Originally published at passionforsavings.com.