5 clever ways to wrap gifts without paper — and make a great impression

Gift wrapped in fabric
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Right now, you’ll probably have the task of wrapping all your gifts for the holidays. And if you've run out of paper, or you're looking for more sustainable ways of offering a present, you’re in luck. These clever, non-paper, gift wrap ideas will make a great impression!

Similar to knowing how to wrap a gift without tape, there are unique ways of packing a gift without using rolls of wrapping paper and sticky tape. In addition, these are great alternatives if you’re gifting multiple items of varying sizes.

So if you want to make your festive gift stand out from the rest, here are 5 creative ways to wrap gifts without paper.

1. Repurpose a shoe box

Giving a Christmas gift in a shoebox

Giving a Christmas gift in a shoebox (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you have unused shoeboxes cluttering up your home, why not repurpose as a gift box instead? You can fill it with a selection of festive treats, which will also save you from individually wrapping.

And if you don't want your shoebox to look plain and boring, you can cover it with colorful, adhesive paper on the outside and lid. Or simply tie with a large ribbon or bow.

2. Wicker baskets

Wicker basket full of Christmas gifts

Wicker basket full of Christmas gifts (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Another creative way of showcasing holiday gifts is to place them in an empty wicker basket. These are relatively inexpensive, and can be bought in a craft store or online. You can opt to line the bottom with craft straw or material/shredded tissue paper to make it look more stylish.

Fill the basket with the larger items first, towards the back. Then place the smaller items into the gaps to make it look less cluttered. You can also group similar items together to keep everything organized. If you want to go all out, you can top it off with a clear cellophane wrap to cover the top, or add a pull bow.

3. Wooden crates

White wooden crate full of Christmas gifts

White wooden crate full of Christmas gifts (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Similarly, you can recreate this ‘hamper style’ inside a wooden crate. Simply arrange your gifts inside the crate ensuring it doesn’t look like a cluttered mess.

Then you can decorate the outside of the crate by wrapping a festive ribbon around it, or even adding a couple of Christmas decorations inside the crate. What’s more, these can be reused as storage and adds a rustic flair to any home.

Admired By Nature  Wooden Crates Storage Container (set of 3)
Admired By Nature Wooden Crates Storage Container (set of 3): $21 at Amazon

These farmhouse style, decorative crates are ideal for packaging gifts this season. Made from solid wood, it has a distressed white rustic finish to give it that vintage charm. It also comes with cut-in handles to make it sturdy and easy to carry around.

4. Transparent tote bags

Transparent tote bag with gifts

Transparent tote bag with gifts (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you don’t want a standard gift bag, clear tote bags can look just as nice. If you want to get creative you can fill the bottom with shredded tissue paper or festive decorations.

Again, start with the largest items before adding the small items into the empty gaps and pouches. If you have glass jars, you can carefully stack them on top of the other to create more space.

5. Fabric wrapping (Furoshiki technique)

Wrapping a gift in fabric

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you really want to get creative, you can wrap your gift in fabric! Furoskiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that can be used time and time again. And if you have pieces of fabric lying around the home, this could be put to good use.

One easy method is to simply cut your fabric suitable for your gift size and place the gift in the center of the furoshiki. Fold one corner of the furoshiki over the item, doing the same with the opposite corner to create a triangle.

Next, take the two side corners of the triangle and tie them in a knot securely above the item. You can adjust the knot to make it more secure or not too tight. Another good idea is to use a baby blanket to wrap a baby gift! You can get as creative as you like and impress your loved ones this season.

More from Tom's Guide

Cynthia Lawrence
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!

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