7 Best Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper & Gift Wrap Alternatives

Eco-friendly wrapping paper is made from recycled or sustainable materials, and is recyclable or compostable after use.

Every holiday season, 540,000 tonnes of wrapping paper waste ends up in landfills (Zero Waste Canada). Glossy and glittery papers, ribbons and bows are especially problematic because they contain plastics, so they can't even be recycled and won't biodegrade.

It's an extraordinary amount of waste for something most people only use once. Thankfully, now there is a better way.

I've tested a range of eco-friendly gift wrap ideas, including reusable fabric wraps, non-toxic wrapping paper that can be recycled or composted, and multi-purpose gift bags for any occasion.

Now you can give your gift without the guilt, safe in the knowledge that your wrapping paper won't harm the environment.

7 Amazing Sustainable Gift Wrap Ideas You'll Love

We love Wrappr's Japanese Furoshiki-inspired fabric gift wraps because they completely eliminate waste. The company collaborates with artists to create high-quality, beautifully designed, fully reusable fabric wraps that transform ordinary presents into works of art.

You'll save time with these wraps because they require no tape, scissors, or additional supplies. We've found the simple wrap-and-tie method takes less than half the time of traditional paper wrapping. The cloth works brilliantly for awkwardly shaped items that would normally challenge even the most skilled wrapper.

Wrappr offers various sizes (18" to 50") to accommodate any type of gift, from small jewelry boxes to large packages. The fabrics feel luxurious and substantial, which means recipients are more likely to reuse them.

The higher upfront cost ($15-$35 per wrap) is the main drawback, but you save money over time. We've passed the same wraps through our family for three years now, so the cost-per-use continues to decrease with each birthday or holiday.

I love how the plastic-free gift wraps become part of the gift itself. They're a beautiful, functional item the recipient can use again or pass along to someone else.

Wrappily's double-sided gift wrap is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wrapping paper that combines sustainability with beautiful designs. It's made from recycled newspaper and printed using soy-based inks, making it 100% recyclable and compostable.

Wrappily paper is sustainably milled, printed, and packaged in Washington State, with a fully localized supply chain that supports the local economy.

We love that the wrap comes as flat, folded sheets rather than a wrapping paper roll, so there are no cardboard tubes to dispose of.

Each package includes three double-sided sheets (21.5" x 34"), which is enough to wrap about six medium-sized gifts. The paper is double-sided with reversible patterns, so you get two design options with every sheet.

At around $10 per package, Wrappily costs slightly more than conventional paper, but the quality and environmental benefits justify the price. It just proves you don't always have to pay a premium for sustainability.

Kathmandu Valley Co. Lokta paper is a stunning, tree-free wrapping material steeped in tradition. 

The paper is handcrafted by artisans in Nepal from lokta bushes, a sustainable and rapidly renewable resource. You receive ten generously sized 20x30 inch sheets per pack, and there are currently 15 color and pattern options available to choose from when you shop on Amazon.

Lokta paper possesses a unique, beautiful texture from its handmade process. We found it remarkably durable and easily reusable. Any previous folds seem to soften when you create new ones, so you really can't tell whether or not it's been used before.

The manufacturer doesn't claim that this is biodegradable wrapping paper. However, since it is made from natural plant fibers and colored using organic vegetable dyes, I would consider it to be suitable for home composting (especially when torn into small pieces first).

You'll love HappyWrap for its eco-friendly simplicity and charming handmade style. I chose this organic cotton fabric wrap because it supports Etsy's small businesses and offers a beautiful yet sustainable alternative to traditional paper.

Wrapping with these soft organic cotton squares is easy. There's no tape, no scissors, and absolutely zero waste!

The fact that they're washable means they're even easier to reuse, because you can get them looking just like new even after years of use.

The minimalist designs feel fresh and natural, adding a stylish touch to every gift. While the patterns aren't quite as elaborate as some others, the quality organic cotton makes each wrap feel truly special.

The only downside to Etsy is that some items tend to go out of stock during busy periods, but HappyWrap is a 5* seller with over 1300 reviews, so in this case, I don't think availability will be an issue.

If these cloth wraps aren't quite right for you, you can shop Etsy's full range of environmentally friendly wrapping paper to look for other eco-friendly and sustainable options.

Beeswax Food Wraps are a neat solution for any food-related gift such as cookies, cakes, or candy.

They keep food fresh without any plastic or silicone, and once open, your recipient can wash and reuse them to wrap their own food for many years to come.

Bee's Wraps come in 3 different sizes and have multiple uses, such as bowl covers, sandwich wraps, or cheese wraps.

They're easy to clean and very durable. This is another great example of how the wrapping paper can actually become part of the gift.

Honeycomb Cushioning Kraft Paper is an excellent eco-friendly alternative to bubble wrap if you’re wrapping fragile gifts to be sent in the mail.

I think it looks pretty cool as standard wrapping as well, particularly for spirits or wine bottles.

Wrap the gift tight in this honeycomb paper, tie it with some eco-friendly ribbon or twine, and you have a unique way to wrap presents that doesn’t cost the earth.

One roll of this paper is 400ft long, so it'll last you for years. It's reusable if not torn, and both recyclable and home compostable into the bargain.

Honeycomb Cushioning Kraft Paper is an excellent eco-friendly alternative to bubble wrap if you’re wrapping fragile gifts to be sent in the mail.

I think it looks pretty cool as standard wrapping as well, particularly for spirits or wine bottles.

Wrap the gift tight in this honeycomb paper, tie it with some eco-friendly ribbon or twine, and you have a unique way to wrap presents that doesn’t cost the earth.

One roll of this paper is 400ft long, so it'll last you for years. It's reusable if not torn, and both recyclable and home compostable into the bargain.

What Are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper?

Eco-friendly wrapping paper offers a beautiful, sustainable alternative to conventional gift wrap that reduces waste and saves you money, while providing numerous other environmental and practical benefits. 

The major and most obvious benefits are as follows.

• Reduces waste by using materials that are recyclable, compostable, or reusable
• Saves money long-term, especially with reusable options that can be used for years

There are also further benefits that most people don't consider, such as the following.

• Eliminates exposure to harmful materials like plastics and toxic inks found in conventional wraps
• Contains safer components like soy-based inks, organic cotton, and natural fibers
• Supports sustainable production practices and smaller carbon footprints
• Creates unique, conversation-starting gift presentations that stand out
• Encourages others to adopt more sustainable habits through your example
• Adds value to your gift as the wrapping itself becomes part of the present
• Works better for irregularly shaped items that are hard to wrap with traditional holiday wrapping paper
• Provides a guilt-free gifting experience that aligns with eco-conscious values

These are benefits that anyone will appreciate, so now all you need to know is which types of gift wrap are eco-friendly.

What Are the Types of Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap?

There are a variety of sustainable gift wrap options, such as Furokishi wraps, reusable bags, and recyclable gift wrap.

I've recommended several of these options to suit different types of sustainable gifts, special occasions, and environmental priorities.

• Furoshiki wraps - Traditional Japanese fabric squares that can be tied in multiple ways and reused indefinitely
• Organic cotton wraps - Soft, natural fabric squares produced without harmful pesticides or chemicals
• Reusable fabric gift bags - Drawstring pouches that eliminate the need for tape and scissors
• Recycled paper - Gift wrap made from post-consumer waste that can be recycled again
• Compostable wrapping paper - Special papers designed to break down in compost
• Plain kraft paper - Minimalist brown paper that's easily recyclable and biodegradable
• Tea towels, scarves, or bandanas - Functional items that become part of the gift itself
• Seed paper - Special biodegradable paper embedded with seeds that can be planted after use

If and when you do switch to sustainable wrapping paper, remember to let the gift recipient know so they don't just toss your paper or wrap in the trash with everything else.

Recyclable paper is only any good if it gets recycled, and reusable bags are only good if they get reused!