How to Save on Christmas Wrapping Paper

Today, class, we are going to learn about the many ways to save money on wrapping paper by not using wrapping paper or, alternatively, a lot less wrapping paper. I don't imagine that wrapping paper is going to disappear from the scene altogether. After all, no matter how inventive we get, nothing quite beats the thrill of ripping paper off of a present and it remains fresh and new with each use because, as a rule, it is not reusable. Still, at Christmastime, we may resent spending inordinate amounts of money on something that will end up in the local landfill. So, let us see what alternatives are open to us.

Patterned boxes or tins don't need wrapping as well. Simply tape them closed and add ribbon or a bow and you're done. A 9" by 5 ¾" plain colored box can be made Christmassy by cutting two strips of leftover wrapping paper, one 2 ½" and one about 5" wide and attaching them width- and length-wise. Choose a paper that's a good match to the color of the box. Also, a pattern that's printed in rows is easier to cut into straight strips. If you opt for this paper-conserving method, be sure to secure the paper strips by taping them to each other so you don't damage the reusable storage box.

One of our readers, Liz from London, Ontario, suggests wrapping very large items, like the ones we buy for our kids, in unlined colored plastic tablecloths, using it the same way you would wrapping paper. Plain red or green tablecloths would be good choices for Christmas. Also look for the ones with Christmas patterns. We would suggest that one large tablecloth could also be used to wrap several smaller gifts. Liz has made numerous fabric gift bags in many colors and prints. She also writes: "...a person could find some cute Christmas placemats or towels, sew the three sides, pop the gift in and tie with ribbon or a tassel." So I did, using Christmas fingertip towels and Christmas green and red cloth napkins to hide surprises. The green linen napkins came in a package of 2 for $1.00. The red poinsettia napkins were packaged at 4 for $2.00

Include bandanas, along with the above suggestions, to make into reusable gift bags or use for gift-wrap. It's an economical and eco-friendly idea that you can use all year long.