The holiday season is a time for celebration, joy, and giving. However, when it comes to waste, wrapping paper is high on the naughty list.
In the United Kingdom alone, around 227,000 miles of wrapping paper is discarded annually, which is roughly the distance from the Earth to the Moon. This equates to approximately 108 million rolls of wrapping paper – and that’s one country alone. Americans spend $2.6 billion on gift wrap each year, and think they’re doing the right thing by recycling it.
The truth is, traditional wrapping paper is often coated with plastic, glitter, or metallic finishes, making it difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. While most of those bargain rolls you pick up in a last minute festive flurry at the supermarket, are made from low-quality paper that can’t be recycled either.
Enter eco-friendly wrapping options: a stylish and sustainable solution that allows you to hand over beautifully presented gifts that keep the planet in mind. Made from materials including upcycled polyester to recycled , kraft, or biodegradable paper, they avoid additives like glitter or foil, use high-quality paper, eliminate plastic laminates, and incorporate natural dyes or soy-based inks. Helping you to give gifts with a greener touch this Christmas.
Fabric Gift Wrap 3-Pack by Fabelab, AED 240
Available from UAE-based Made By Nature, this reusable fabric wrap is inspired by the Japanese tradition of Furoshiki. The set of three wraps comes in earthy, spice-inspired tones, making it perfect for holiday gifting. Not only is it a beautiful and creative way to present a gift, but it can also be reused in endless ways—whether as a scarf, a small bag, or for future gift wrapping. By choosing Fabelab, you’re contributing to a zero-waste Christmas.
Sara Miller Woodland Tales Roll Wrap, AED 21
Add a touch of elegance with Sara Miller’s Woodland Tales Roll Wrap, available from Virgin Megastore. Decorated with woodland creatures and festive foliage, this luxurious wrapping paper is as sustainable as it is stunning. With an educational background that includes sustainable design, Sarah’s gift wrap collections are designed to be fully recyclable and plastic-free. So go ahead and wrap your gifts gorgeously knoing you can recycle or even re-use this paper in the future.
Christmas Pudding Wrapping Paper, Sophie Botsford, Rewrapped
Available through Re-wrapped, this versatile set includes ten sheets of high-quality wrapping paper, accompanied by ten matching swing tags. The charming Christmas pudding design is suitable for the whole family from grandkids to grandpa and it’s sustainable. Re-wrapped produces this wrapping paper from 100 per cent recycled, unbleached post-consumer waste paper and prints using environmentally friendly vegetable-based inks. This ensures all products are fully recyclable and 100 per cent compostable.
It’s Christmas Deer Knot Wrap by Lush
Known for its commitment to sustainability, Lush brings you the ‘It’s Christmas Deer’ knot wrap. Made from recycled materials, this bright wrap doubles as a reusable gift presentation and a hair accessory. Inspired by the Japanese art of Furoshiki, the reusable wrap features an adorable deer design, perfect for adding a fun holiday vibe to your presents. Made from 100 per cent recycled materials, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wrapping paper.
Peace on Earth Evergreens Wrapping Paper by Wrappily, AED 41
Wrappily takes recycling to the next level with their double-sided gift wrap made from recycled newspaper. Their Peace on Earth Evergreens design is perfect for the holidays, featuring festive greenery on one side and a cheerful pattern on the other. Wrappily’s wrapping papers are compostable and printed using soy-based inks, ensuring they leave minimal impact on the environment.
The Grinch That Stole Christmas – Waterleaf Paper Co, AED 55
Waterleaf Paper Co. offers a fun Grinch That Stole Christmas wrapping paper for those little ones that love the green faced festive character. This paper is crafted from 100 per cent recycled materials and is fully recyclable, making it a giggly and guilt-free option for holiday wrapping.
Christmas Wrapping Paper with Twine and Tag, Boxfetti, AED 30
Boxfetti’s eco-friendly wrapping paper set includes not just beautiful kraft wrapping paper but also twine and tags to add a personal touch. This all-in-one solution is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their gift presentation without compromising sustainability. The brown kraft paper can be easily recycled, while the accompanying twine adds a rustic, festive vibe.
Ruspepa Christmas Wrapping 3 X Paper Rolls, AED 63
Ruspepa offers an affordable and practical option with its set of six kraft paper rolls. These rolls feature festive red and green patterns printed on brown kraft paper, which is recyclable and biodegradable. Measuring a generous 76 cm x 305 cm per roll, this set ensures you’ll have plenty of eco-friendly paper for all your holiday gifting needs.
For the Crafty Sustainers
Newspaper Wrapping: Upcycle your old newspapers and use them as creative gift wrap.
Reusable Tote Bags: Place your gifts in a decorated reusable tote bag that can be used long after the holidays.
Natural Ribbon Alternatives: Use biodegradable twine, raffia, or fabric scraps to tie up your gifts in an eco-conscious way.
