by Jeana McKinley

Created on: November 09, 2008   Last Updated: November 21, 2008

It's a joyful time of year, a season of holidays that people of all ages can enjoy. Lavishing in the holiday season of togetherness and great gifts can be hard on mother earth. A tremendous amount of glossy papers and durable plastics are used in the process of our gift giving. This year consider some of the numerous creative ideas to "go green" on gift wrapping choices.

There is plenty of economically friendly wrapping alternatives and gift wrapping projects can be tons of fun. When thinking of ideas, take into consideration the hobbies of others. Take children for example, If a child loves superheroes you can obtain less costly comics and decorate presents with their beloved action heroes. You can also make scrap booking ideas into a gift wrap. Use recycled paper bags and decorate them with family pictures and cut outs. You can even get children involved in grandparents and other family member's gifts. Leave children spaces so they can put their hand and foot prints on the wrapping scrapbook pages. This can make for a great parent-child time and none of the family members will want to throw their cute memorabilia in the trash.

There are other crafty outlets to utilize when making a great gift wrap. Sewing is so popular these days and can be used in these activities as well. You can make simple tote bags to hold the more "Gift Basket" style gifts. This creates an extra offering while wrapping a collection of items. If using an actual gift basket to display items, you can replace tissue or shredded papers with a decorative print fabric and wrapping a bow around the handle of the basket. Doing so can save paper and really make gift baskets pop out in the crowd of other presents. There is also extra easy ideas, like concealing those pesky cylindrical presents. Take fabric and wrap it around the present, leaving a little overlap to ensure the gift is completely covered. Then ribbons, fancy ropes or laces can be used to tie the ends and top off with an appealing finish.

Another great idea for all of the sewing enthusiasts this season is quilting and blanket making, time permitting. Making a quilt or blanket to cover gifts is a great way to show you put a lot of thought into people's gifts. You can personalize blanket projects with hobby and general interests. Even decorate them with ironed on pictures of the family for an extra sentimental feel. Again ribbons and lace wrapped around the blankets can give these heart felt gift wrappers a glamorous finish. Sewing isn't the only option for crafty concealing of gifts. You can knit beautiful covers for presents too. Whipping up tighter knitted blankets or covers, using friend's favorite colors is a spectacular gift wrap.

All of these ideas are imaginative and have stunning results. Show loved ones and the earth that you care about them. This year make more green choices for wrapping holiday gifts.

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