by Jane Coryell

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: September 11, 2011

Add a new name to this year's holiday gift list, Mother Earth.

If visions of gift wrapping paper piling up in landfills are dancing in your head, consider earth friendly alternatives for wrapping those special holiday gifts. Many unique ideas will dazzle your family and friends even before they see the gift you purchased just for them!

Think about what the gift is that you are wrapping and let your creativity kick in! Coordinating wraps can go well beyond traditional wrapping paper.

Books are a popular gift purchase and your choices are many for wrapping these up. Bring the book's title into the theme. Giving a book on sports? Put the book into a ball cap or wrap with a sports shirt. A child's book with a winter theme? Wrap it up in a knitted hat! Use a coordinating bag or a tote for other book selections.

If you are giving jewelry, select a silky scarf in a color that would compliment that pretty ring or necklace. You could also use a box that has been covered with an attractive piece of material and tied with a fabric ribbon.

For children's toys, you can purchase paper bags with handles in various sizes at your local craft store. Designs can be easily added using stamps and ink, stickers or acrylic paints. The child's name can be added to personalize the bag. For a festive and "no peek" look, you can add shredded colored paper to the inside of the gift bag.

If an infant is on your list, a baby blanket in holiday print or traditional blue or pink would be a good wrap as well as an added bonus gift!

Gifts for adults can be put into baskets, enclosed with nylon netting and tied with festive bows. If you are giving wine, wrap the bottle in a fine piece of fabric, secured with a matching ribbon.

If you have a teen on your list and are giving CDs or DVDs, cut the pockets off a pair of old jeans and slip in the case. You could use a belt or cord to hold it all together.

Tins are traditional when packing up cookies and candies for neighbors or co-workers. Line them with tissue paper and your gift is ready for giving!

Everyone on your list will be pleased with their beautifully wrapped gifts, especially the earth!

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