by Morgan Medeiros

Created on: November 08, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2008

You'd better watch out, you'd better not cry, you'd better not pollute the environment this Christmas with the glittery paper of years past!

Not only does wrapping gifts in paper from large rolls at the store get costly for your wallet, it's costly to the environment, too. These green alternatives to the traditional Christmas paper look just as great as they are for the environment. The recipient of your gift will be impressed by both your creativity and your thoughtfulness to green living even during the holiday season!

Consider doing gifts in "themes". For instance, a shower caddy or wicker basket furnished with a red, gold, or silver ribbon, and tied with pinecones or a sprig of holly is the perfect base for a gift of natural bath products. A "sweet dreams" theme could include slippers or pajamas made out of organic cotton, slipped inside a soft, natural pillowcase. Tie the end of the pillowcase with a ribbon, and attach wooden "Z's" to the string to complete your wish for the recipient's good night sleep.

If themed gifts aren't your forte, consider purchasing a bolt of organic fabric and making your own drawstring cloth bags. Or, in the weeks leading up to the holiday, collect the Christmas-themed comics from the newspaper to wrap your gifts in. Use bright red bows that hint of the nostalgia of yesteryear. The rustic background of the comics plus the pop of red given by the bow makes for a whimsical presentation that is sure to be especially popular with children. Saving the recipe section from the local paper also serves as great wrapping for cookbooks for the chef on your gift list. Pages of fashion magazines are perfect for the fashionista, and maps are great for the jet-setter!

Organic totes are another easy option as green wrapping alternatives. The gift is concealed inside the tote, and the tote can be reused as a handbag. Or, better yet, as a shopping bag in place of the environmentally damaging plastic bags offered at most grocery stores. Bright tins can hold gifts from the kitchen, as well as other purchases. The tins can be reused for storage after the recipient has opened their treat! If you do make gifts from the kitchen at Christmastime, consider printing the recipe out on a note card, and attaching it to the tin so that your recipient can replicate the delicious treat all year long!

Gift cards remain popular items for the more difficult friends and family to buy for. Instead of slipping the gift into a greeting card or store-bought gift card holder, wrap it in a scarf or pair of mittens tied with a festive ribbon.

Whatever gift you choose to give your recipient, think of the durability and resourcefulness of its wrapping. You, your recipient, and mother earth will be glad you did.

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