10 Creative Things To Do with Wrapping Paper You Never Thought Of!

Each holiday, birthday, or celebration leaves us with a colorful pile of used wrapping paper, most of which ends up in the trash. But what if those vibrant scraps could be transformed into something useful, beautiful, or even inspiring?

In this blog, we explore 10 things to do with wrapping paper you never ever think, offer tips on how to recycle gift wrap, and share a stylish solution using eco-friendly gift boxes that look just as good without the waste.

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Why You Should Rethink Wrapping Paper

Not all wrapping paper is recyclable. Many popular types, especially those with glossy finishes, glitter, foil, or plastic coatings, cannot be processed by standard recycling facilities and often end up in landfills. This contributes significantly to environmental pollution and waste accumulation. The environmental cost of single-use decorative paper is high, from the resources used in production to the waste generated after just one use.

However, you can help reduce this impact with small but powerful habits. Choosing to reuse or repurpose wrapping paper extends its life and keeps it out of the trash. For example, leftover paper can be transformed into gift tags, bookmarks, or decorative accents, giving it new purpose beyond wrapping gifts.

Alternatively, ditching traditional wrapping paper entirely in favor of sustainable alternatives such as fabric wraps, reusable gift boxes, or eco-friendly kraft paper is a meaningful step toward mindful, eco-conscious living. These options reduce waste, lower your carbon footprint, and often add a unique, personalized touch to your gifts.

By rethinking wrapping paper choices and habits, you contribute to a more sustainable future while still celebrating special occasions beautifully. Embracing eco-friendly wrapping practices aligns with growing global efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment, making your gift-giving both thoughtful and responsible.

10 Creative Things To Do with Wrapping Paper You Never Thought Of

1. Turn It Into Origami Decor

Origami is a timeless paper-folding art that transforms flat sheets into intricate, three-dimensional shapes. Wrapping paper, with its vibrant colors and patterns, is perfect for this craft. Start with simple designs like cranes, stars, or flowers, which can be made even by beginners. Once folded, these origami pieces can be used in multiple ways:

• Garlands: String several origami shapes together to create festive garlands for holidays, birthdays, or seasonal décor. Hang them across windows, walls, or mantelpieces for a whimsical touch.
• Ornaments: Attach a loop of thread or ribbon to individual pieces and hang them on Christmas trees or around the house as year-round décor.
• Gift Embellishments: Use small origami shapes as unique gift toppers instead of traditional bows, adding a handcrafted flair to your presents.

Origami with wrapping paper is not only a creative reuse but also a calming activity that encourages mindfulness and patience. Plus, the patterns on wrapping paper often add a special charm that plain origami paper can’t match.

2. Make Your Own Book Covers

One of the most practical and visually appealing ways to reuse wrapping paper is by turning it into custom book covers. This project is especially great for students, writers, or anyone who loves personalizing their stationery. Here’s how to do it:

• Measure and Cut: Lay your book flat and measure the dimensions, adding extra for overlap and folding. Cut the wrapping paper accordingly.
• Wrap and Secure: Place the book in the center of the paper, fold the edges around the cover, and secure with glue or double-sided tape. For a cleaner finish, fold the corners neatly like gift wrapping.
• Personalize: Add labels, stickers, or hand-drawn designs to the cover to make it truly unique. You can also laminate the paper for durability.

This method not only protects your books from damage but also brightens up your study space with colorful, patterned covers. It’s a perfect way to breathe new life into old notebooks or textbooks.

3. DIY Wall Art and Collage Frames

Wrapping paper can be a budget-friendly and creative alternative to traditional wall art. If you have sheets with beautiful patterns or bold colors, consider turning them into framed pieces to decorate your home or office:

• Simple Framing: Cut out sections of wrapping paper that feature your favorite designs. Place them in inexpensive frames and hang them as standalone art pieces. This is an easy way to add a splash of color and pattern to any room.
• Collage Creations: Use scraps of wrapping paper to create collages on canvas or heavy cardstock. Mix and match different patterns, textures, and colors to form abstract art, geometric designs, or themed compositions.
• Mood Boards: For artists or planners, wrapping paper scraps can be used to create mood boards that inspire creativity and help visualize ideas.

These projects are perfect for those who want to personalize their space without spending a lot on artwork, and they make excellent gifts too.

4. Line Drawers and Shelves

A practical and decorative way to reuse wrapping paper is by lining drawers, shelves, or cabinets. This simple upgrade can brighten up often-overlooked spaces and make organization more enjoyable:

• Choose Your Paper: Select wrapping paper with patterns or colors that complement your room décor. Floral prints, geometric patterns, or seasonal designs can all work beautifully.
• Cut to Fit: Measure the dimensions of your drawers or shelves and cut the wrapping paper to size.
• Secure the Paper: Use double-sided tape or a light adhesive to keep the paper in place. For added durability, cover the paper with a clear adhesive film or laminate sheet.
• Refresh Easily: When the paper gets worn or you want a new look, simply replace it with fresh wrapping paper.

Lining drawers and shelves with wrapping paper is a quick, inexpensive way to add personality and style to your home while repurposing materials that might otherwise be discarded.

5. Create Handmade Envelopes or Gift Tags

Instead of buying generic gift tags or envelopes, make your own using wrapping paper scraps. This adds a personal and creative touch to your gifts and helps reduce waste:

• Handmade Envelopes: Use templates or free printable patterns to cut and fold wrapping paper into envelopes. Secure the edges with glue or double-sided tape. These envelopes can be used for letters, invitations, or gift cards and look much more special than plain store-bought ones.
• Custom Gift Tags: Cut wrapping paper into small rectangles, circles, or fun shapes. Punch a hole at the top and thread a ribbon or twine through it. Personalize the tags by writing messages, adding stamps, or decorating with stickers.
• Layered Tags: For extra dimension, layer different wrapping paper scraps or combine with cardstock. This makes your tags sturdier and visually interesting.

These handmade details show extra thoughtfulness and creativity, making your gifts stand out. Plus, it’s a fun craft project that can involve kids or friends during holiday seasons.

6. Wrap Planters or Flower Pots

Indoor plants bring life and freshness to any space, and wrapping their pots with colorful wrapping paper is an easy way to enhance their visual appeal. This simple project allows you to coordinate your plant décor with your room’s style or seasonal themes, adding a pop of color and personality.

• How to Wrap: Measure the circumference and height of your planter. Cut a piece of wrapping paper slightly larger than these dimensions to allow for overlap and folding.
• Secure the Paper: Wrap the paper around the pot and secure it with double-sided tape or glue. For a rustic or natural look, tie twine or jute string around the pot, finishing with a bow or knot.
• Seasonal Switch: Change the wrapping paper with the seasons or holidays to keep your décor fresh and festive. For example, use floral prints in spring, warm tones in autumn, or glittery paper for the holidays.
• Protect the Paper: If you’re worried about moisture damage, cover the paper with a clear adhesive film or use waterproof wrapping paper varieties.

This project is budget-friendly, customizable, and a great way to upcycle wrapping paper while making your plants stand out.

7. Craft Party Decorations

Wrapping paper is a fantastic material for creating vibrant, festive party decorations. Its wide variety of colors and patterns makes it perfect for customizing celebrations without spending a fortune.

• Bunting and Garlands: Cut wrapping paper into triangles, circles, or other shapes, then string them together with twine or ribbon to create colorful buntings or garlands. Hang them across walls, doorways, or tables for instant party cheer.
• Rosettes and Fans: Fold strips of wrapping paper accordion-style and secure the ends to form rosettes or fans. These can be attached to walls, used as table centerpieces, or even worn as fun accessories.
• Party Hats: Make simple cone-shaped party hats by rolling wrapping paper into cones and securing with tape. Add elastic strings to keep them in place. Personalize hats with stickers, glitter, or pom-poms for extra fun.
• Table Runners and Placemats: Use large sheets of wrapping paper as disposable table runners or placemats. Choose patterns that match your party theme for a cohesive look.

Using wrapping paper for party décor is not only economical but also eco-friendly when you reuse leftover paper from gifts or previous celebrations.

8. Cover Tin Cans or Jars for Desk Organizers

Empty tin cans, coffee tins, or mason jars can be transformed into stylish and functional desk organizers with a little wrapping paper. This upcycling idea helps reduce clutter while adding a personalized touch to your workspace.

• Prepare the Containers: Clean and dry your cans or jars thoroughly. Remove any labels or residue to create a smooth surface.
• Wrap with Paper: Cut wrapping paper to the height and circumference of your container. Wrap it around and secure with glue or double-sided tape. For a polished look, fold the edges neatly at the top and bottom.
• Seal for Durability: To protect the paper from wear and tear, apply a layer of clear adhesive spray or decoupage glue over the surface.
• Organize: Use your newly decorated containers to store pens, paintbrushes, makeup brushes, kitchen utensils, or craft supplies.

This project is perfect for adding color and character to your desk or craft area while repurposing materials you might otherwise discard.

9. Use as Scrapbooking Backgrounds

For scrapbookers and paper crafters, wrapping paper offers a treasure trove of patterns, textures, and colors that can be used to enhance pages and projects.

• Backgrounds: Cut wrapping paper to fit your scrapbook pages as vibrant or textured backgrounds. This instantly adds visual interest and can set the mood or theme of your layout.
• Accents and Borders: Use smaller pieces or strips as borders, frames, or decorative accents around photos and memorabilia. Layering different papers can create depth and dimension.
• Themed Pages: Coordinate wrapping paper patterns with your scrapbook’s theme floral prints for garden memories, festive patterns for holiday albums, or geometric designs for modern layouts.
• Mixed Media: Combine wrapping paper with other materials like washi tape, stamps, and stickers for a rich, layered effect.

Using wrapping paper in scrapbooking is a creative way to repurpose scraps and add unique flair to your keepsakes.

10. Make Beads for Jewelry or Garlands

Crafting paper beads from wrapping paper is a fun and rewarding project suitable for all ages. These colorful beads can be used to create unique jewelry pieces or decorative garlands.

• Cut Strips: Cut the wrapping paper into long, narrow triangles or strips, tapering to a point at one end. The wider end will form the bead’s base.
• Roll Tightly: Starting at the wide end, roll the paper strip tightly around a toothpick or thin skewer. Secure the end with a small dab of glue.
• Seal and Finish: Once dry, coat the beads with clear varnish, decoupage glue, or nail polish to protect and give them a glossy finish.
• String Together: Use the beads to make necklaces, bracelets, or garlands. Combine with other beads or charms for variety.

This craft is an excellent way to involve children in creative activities and results in beautiful, handmade accessories or décor that showcase your eco-conscious style.

How to Recycle Gift Wrap (The Smart Way)

Recycling gift wrap might seem straightforward, but not all wrapping paper is created equal when it comes to recyclability. Many types of wrapping paper contain materials that complicate or prevent recycling, so knowing how to identify recyclable paper and prepare it properly is essential for eco-friendly gift-giving. Here’s a more detailed guide to help you recycle gift wrap the smart way:

1. Perform the Scrunch Test

The scrunch test is a simple and effective way to check if your wrapping paper is recyclable. Take a sheet of wrapping paper and crumple it tightly into a ball.

• If it stays scrunched and doesn’t spring back, it’s likely made from traditional paper fibers and can be recycled.
• If it bounces back or feels plasticky, it probably contains plastic, foil, or coatings that make it non-recyclable. These materials don’t break down in paper recycling processes and should be avoided.

This test helps you quickly sort your wrapping paper and prevent contamination of recycling bins, which can cause entire batches to be rejected.

2. Avoid Glitter, Foil, and Plastic-Coated Wrapping Paper

Many festive wrapping papers contain glitter, metallic foil, or plastic coatings to add shine and texture. Unfortunately, these materials are problematic for recycling facilities because:

• Glitter and foil are made from tiny pieces of plastic or metal that can’t be separated from paper fibers.
• Plastic coatings prevent the paper from breaking down properly during recycling.

If you have wrapping paper with these features, it’s best to avoid putting it in the recycling bin. Instead, consider repurposing it for crafts or gift tags, or dispose of it responsibly.

3. Remove Non-Paper Elements Before Recycling

Tape, ribbons, bows, and adhesive labels are common on wrapped gifts but are not recyclable with paper. Before recycling your wrapping paper:

• Carefully peel off all tape and adhesive bits.
• Remove ribbons, bows, and any other decorations.
• If the paper is heavily taped or glued, it might be better to reuse it or dispose of it in the trash to avoid contamination.

Taking the time to remove these elements ensures that the recycling facility receives clean paper, improving the quality and efficiency of the recycling process.

4. Choose Plain Kraft Paper for Easy Recycling

Plain kraft paper is one of the most eco-friendly wrapping options available. It is:

• Uncoated and biodegradable, making it easy to recycle.
• Durable and versatile, suitable for any occasion.
• Often made from recycled materials, adding to its sustainability credentials.

Using kraft paper reduces the environmental impact of gift wrapping and simplifies recycling for both you and your waste management services.

5. Consider Alternative Wrapping Options

To reduce waste and recycling challenges, explore alternatives to traditional wrapping paper, such as:

• Reusable fabric wraps (like Furoshiki cloths) that can be used repeatedly.
• Decorative gift boxes or bags made from recyclable or compostable materials.
• Newspaper or magazine pages for a vintage, eco-friendly look.

These options minimize waste and often add a unique, personal touch to your gift presentation.

6. What to Do with Non-Recyclable Wrapping Paper

If your wrapping paper fails the scrunch test or contains glitter, foil, or plastic, don’t despair. Instead of throwing it straight into the trash, consider:

• Repurposing it for craft projects such as making gift tags, bookmarks, or paper beads.
• Using it as packing material when shipping fragile items.
• Composting it only if it’s free from plastic, glitter, or heavy inks (check local composting guidelines).

These creative reuses help extend the life of your wrapping paper and reduce landfill waste.

7. Educate and Encourage Others

Sharing your knowledge about wrapping paper recycling with friends and family can have a positive ripple effect. Encourage others to:

• Choose recyclable wrapping paper.
• Perform the scrunch test before recycling.
• Remove non-paper elements before disposal.
• Explore sustainable wrapping alternatives.

Collective awareness and action can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of gift wrapping during holidays and celebrations.

How to Store Used Wrapping Paper Neatly

Reusing wrapping paper is a wonderful way to reduce waste, save money, and add a personal touch to your gift-giving. However, the key to making reuse practical and enjoyable lies in how you store your used wrapping paper. Proper storage keeps your sheets wrinkle-free, protected from damage, and easy to find when you need them. Here are some extended tips and creative ideas to help you keep your wrapping paper stash organized and ready for action:

Roll, Don’t Fold

Folding wrapping paper causes creases and wrinkles that are difficult to smooth out and can make your gifts look less polished. Instead, roll your wrapping paper gently around a sturdy cardboard tube or mailing tube. This method preserves the smoothness of the paper and prevents damage. If you don’t have a tube, you can roll the paper around a clean, empty paper towel or wrapping paper core.

For smaller scraps, roll them tightly into compact cylinders or fold them loosely into squares to keep them manageable. Rolling also helps you save space by allowing you to store multiple rolls vertically or horizontally without them getting crushed.

Secure Rolls with Binder Clips or Rubber Bands

Once rolled, it’s important to keep your wrapping paper from unrolling. Use binder clips or rubber bands to hold the rolls tightly in place. Binder clips have the added benefit of being easy to label simply attach a small tag or write directly on the clip to identify the paper’s theme, color, or occasion.

Rubber bands are inexpensive and flexible but be careful not to wrap them too tightly, as they can leave marks or damage delicate paper over time. Alternatively, you can use reusable fabric ties or ribbons for a gentler hold.

Label by Theme, Color, or Occasion

Sorting your wrapping paper by categories such as holidays, birthdays, weddings, or color schemes makes it much easier to find the perfect paper quickly. Label each roll or bundle clearly with tags, stickers, or a label maker. For example, you might have a section for Christmas-themed paper, another for floral prints, and a separate pile for neutral or minimalist designs.

This organization method saves time and encourages you to reuse paper more often, reducing the temptation to buy new rolls unnecessarily.

Use Protective Storage Solutions

To keep your wrapping paper clean and protected, consider investing in storage solutions designed to prevent dust, moisture, and damage:

• Poster Tubes: These rigid tubes are perfect for storing long rolls of wrapping paper. They keep the paper straight and protected from crushing or bending. Some poster tubes come with adjustable lengths and caps for easy access.
• Hanging Organizers: Wall-mounted or closet-hanging organizers with pockets or compartments allow you to store multiple rolls vertically. This keeps your collection visible and accessible while saving floor or shelf space.
• Storage Bins or Boxes: Clear plastic bins or decorative boxes can hold rolled or folded wrapping paper. Using clear containers helps you see what’s inside without opening them, while decorative boxes can double as part of your room décor.
• Tall Vases or Decorative Baskets: For a more casual and visually appealing option, place rolled wrapping paper upright in a tall vase or basket. This keeps them contained and adds a decorative touch to your gift-wrapping area.

Store Wrapping Paper Away from Sunlight and Moisture

Wrapping paper is sensitive to environmental conditions. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colors to fade, while humidity or moisture can weaken the paper or cause it to warp. Store your wrapping paper in a cool, dry place such as a closet, cupboard, or dedicated craft room to maintain its quality.

Avoid stacking heavy items on top of your wrapping paper rolls or folded sheets, as this can cause permanent creases or damage.

Repurpose Scraps Creatively

Even small scraps of wrapping paper can be stored neatly and reused. Keep scraps in a shallow box, drawer organizer, or accordion file folder sorted by size or pattern. These scraps are perfect for making gift tags, cards, bookmarks, or craft projects.

You can also store scraps in clear zip-lock bags or reusable fabric pouches to keep them organized and prevent loss.

Create a Wrapping Station

If you frequently wrap gifts, consider setting up a dedicated wrapping station in your home. Use a tall container or magazine rack to hold your rolls of wrapping paper upright. Include compartments or small baskets for ribbons, scissors, tape, gift tags, and other supplies. Keeping everything in one place makes wrapping faster, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

Tips for Maintaining Wrapping Paper Quality

• Handle your wrapping paper gently when rolling and unrolling to avoid tears.
• If you notice wrinkles or slight creases, try lightly steaming the paper from a distance or placing it under a heavy book overnight to smooth it out.
• Avoid using excessive tape on your wrapping paper when opening gifts to preserve the paper for reuse.

Conclusion

A small piece of wrapping paper might seem meaningless, but how you use or discard it can echo far beyond your home. From crafting to decorating, from recycling to reimagining, there are so many ways to breathe new life into what once wrapped a gift.

So, the next time you're unwrapping something special, pause. Could this paper become your next DIY masterpiece?