Wrapping

Got a spare 2.7 billion? That is how much Americans spend on ribons, paper, and bows annually! And almost all of it winds up throw out, and not recycled. When you wrap a gift, you want your wrapping to do the gift on the inside justice, which a rumpled bow, on paper that will just wind up in the trash does not do. So this post is about ideas that are eco-friendly, and beautiful. Today's post will be solely on the wrap, and later there will be one on the toppers, and the fill.

Wrap

Paper just gets scrumpled up and tossed, ending up in a landfill or burned (which is very harmful because the dyes they use produce toxins).
Eco-Friendly "Papers". Non-tree based alternatives like soy or hemp based papers, and pre-recycled papers are good options.
Leaves and Reeds. If you want a pretty wrap that shows just how eco you are try wrapping with banana leaves, bamboo leaves, or reeds, with cinnamon or star anise accent, and held together with twine.

Chip Bags. When I first heard that someone was wrapping with chip bags I was rather...curious about how that would look. What you do is cut a chip bag at the seams, open it up, and wash is out, revealing a nice, shiny silver or white wrap.
Cloth. Cloth is a very fun idea, with many different ways too use it. One way, if you can sew, is to make a draw string cloth bag to hold the gift. If sewing isn't your thing, you can always use cloth just as you would paper, giving your gift a interesting look and feel.
"The Second Gift". Who doesn't love getting an extra gift? Reusable cloth bags and Scarfs are great for concealing a gift and add a little extra to the present. :)
Knit. If your a knitter, a cute way to wrap is to knit a piece big enough to wrap your gift in, and then use a needle to keep it sealed, instead of tape.

Mapped out. An old map is a unique and educational way to wrap a present. Maps really stand out next to other wraps, and you can add a cute tag like "you've found the way to my heart". ♥
Mugs. A mug is a great option, especially if you are gifting something like tea. Mugs can be found for cheap, and they are re-usable. A similar option is a jar.

Wrapping Rap
Let me know what you like to use! What you think of these ideas! I want to hear from you!