Next time you purchase a gift for that bridal shower, birthday party or the holidays, skip the gift-wrap aisle and go directly to the checkout lane. The following gift "wrappers" become part of the gift itself, and you save time and money by going "green."

Photo Boxes ~

Today's photo-storage boxes come in a variety of styles - from polka dots and stripes to paisley prints and more, they're a perfect place to hide smaller gifts for the folks on your list. After the gift is opened, the box can be used for storing photos or other goodies. For the adult on your list, consider colognes, bath products, jewelry, socks, books, a special item they collect, etc.

If your gift happens to be photo related, this idea works extra well: digital or other type camera, batteries, small photo frames, scrapbook supplies, etc. For teens, think small or flat: CD's, DVDs, socks, cologne, bath products, gifts cards, computer games and more. For younger children, consider small LEGO sets, Barbie dolls, action figures, hand-held games, crayons, colored pencils, puzzle books, sketch pads, Hotwheels, little Golden books, etc.

Towels ~

Stitch two pretty dish towels together on three sides. This makes a pouch that conceals kitchen-related items. Larger gifts could include a rectangular casserole dish with your favorite recipe; a muffin tin and spatula with envelopes of muffin mix; an attractive cookbook or kitchen calendar. You might prefer to include several smaller gifts instead of one large one: think specialty dry mixes (think soup, hot chocolate, etc.); a pretty trivet; oven mitts; a recipe box, kitchen timer, meat and/or candy thermometers, special utensils and more!

For children, consider cute or colorful hand-towels or a bath towel folded in half and stiched on two sides to form a pocket: A jungle-print towel can be filled with animal figurines, "The Lion King" book or movie, an animal puzzle, etc. Beach towels are big enough to hold sand pails, shovels, sunscreen, beach toys, life-preserver, swim floats and any other beach-related items. When the towels are separated, you've got another gift that's attractive and useful.

Accordion File Folders~

No longer drab cardboard boxes, these come in all colors and styles and make perfect gifts in themselves. Just be sure the recipient takes a close look inside! That's where you'll stash lots of flat goodies in the pockets, like photo enlargements of a favorite pet, person or place, drawing tablets for the artist, attractive stationery and sheets of pretty postage stamps, coupons and gift cards, and, last but not least, the best green gift of all - cash! A fter the file folder does its duty as a gift package, it makes a perfect spot for homework papers, storing 8 x 10 photos, tax receipts and more.

Overnight Bags~

An attractive makeup bag plays double duty if it's a green gift wrapper: fill it with your gal's favorite lotions, lipsticks, nail polish and perfume. For a special treat, include a gift card to the spa she's been talking about. For the guys, a shaving kit will come in handy for trips - and a gift wrap. Stuff it with his favorite after-shave, new razor and extra blades and a manicure set. Last but not least, include a gift card to his favorite hang-out.

When you give gifts in the "wraps" mentioned above, you've done your part in true recycling. Not only does that make you feel good inside, you're also giving gifts that serve a dual purpose. Talk about green giving and living!

Learn more about this author, Nan Keltie.
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