If you’re tired of tossing out tons of used wrapping paper and bows every holiday season, why not try natural gift wrap this year? Gift wrapping doesn’t have to be wasteful or generic. Using natural and foraged materials, you can create beautiful, sustainable packages that reflect the season’s charm. Read on for some inspiring ways to craft eco-friendly gift wrap that’s as thoughtful as the gift inside.
Why Use Natural Gift Wrap?
Using foraged materials reduces waste, encourages creativity, and adds a personal touch to your gifts. These wraps are also compostable or reusable.
At Spencer Peterman, we pride ourselves on the fact that sustainability is at the core of our business. All of our boards and bowls are handcrafted from locally sourced logs that would otherwise be discarded. Nothing here goes to waste! We even use wood scraps to heat our New England workshop. So of course, we love extending our sustainability practices to all natural, compostable gift wrap from foraged materials.
Whether you’re gifting one one of our bowls or boards, or something else, these wrapping tips are the perfect complement to any sustainable, handmade gift!
Our Top Ten Natural Gift Wrap Tips
1. Swap Wrapping Paper for Sustainable Options
Traditional wrapping paper often ends up in the trash. Instead, use kraft paper, old maps, or fabric scraps like linen or cotton. These materials are either recyclable or reusable. Kraft paper’s neutral tone provides a perfect backdrop for adding natural accents.
2. Decorate with Pine Cones and Twigs
Small pine cones or foraged twigs make adorable foraged toppers for wrapped gifts. Tie them to your packages with twine or jute string for a rustic look. For an extra festive touch, lightly paint the pine cones with white or metallic paint to mimic snow or frost.
3. Add a Pop of Color with Dried Citrus Slices
Dried orange or lemon slices are visually appealing and add a lovely scent to your gifts. To make them, slice citrus fruits thinly, dry them in the oven, and attach them with twine or ribbon. Combine citrus slices with evergreen sprigs for a holiday feel.
4. Incorporate Evergreen and Herbs
Fresh sprigs of pine, cedar, eucalyptus, or rosemary add a natural fragrance to your gifts. Simply tuck them under the string or twine for an elegant, organic look. If you’re wrapping multiple gifts, create a cohesive theme by using the same greenery on all packages.
5. Embellish with Acorns, Berries, and Seeds
Foraged finds like acorns, holly berries, or seed pods bring texture and charm to your wrapping. Cluster them together and secure them with hot glue or tie them with twine. You can even spray paint acorns or berries for a shimmery effect.
6. Use Pressed Leaves and Flowers
Pressed leaves or flowers add a delicate and artistic touch to your wrapping. Collect leaves or blooms ahead of time, press them in a heavy book for a week, and then glue or tape them onto kraft paper or fabric for a personalized design.
7. Create Custom Stamps with Potatoes or Leaves
Use natural materials to print patterns on plain kraft paper. Cut shapes into a halved potato to make stamps, or dip leaves in non-toxic paint and press them onto the paper. This DIY touch makes the wrapping itself a keepsake.
8. Make Nature-Inspired Tags
Complete your wrapping with handmade gift tags. Use scraps of kraft paper, recycled cardboard, or even bark. Decorate the tags with tiny pine cones, sprigs of greenery, or pressed flowers, and write the recipient’s name in your favorite calligraphy style.
9. Tie it All Together with Natural String
Replace plastic ribbons with natural twine, jute, or raffia. These materials are biodegradable and add a rustic charm. Layer the twine with other elements like berries, twigs, or citrus slices for a multidimensional look.
10. Combine Natural and Foraged Materials for Stunning Layers
For a show-stopping gift, mix and match different natural elements. Start with a base of kraft paper or fabric, layer on twine or ribbon, and add a cluster of pine cones, citrus slices, and greenery.
This year, try DIY natural gift wrap for a sustainable and stunning way to share holiday cheer. The foraging and crafting element is a great way to get the whole family involved in the process. You could even host a festive foraging and wrapping get-together for a cozy winter afternoon with friends!
