by April Trice

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: December 10, 2008

Christmas is around the corner, the economy has tanked and it has suddenly become hip to take a green approach to just about everything, including gift-giving. Wrapping paper has become one of the most expensive gift accessories on the market and people are rebelling and turning towards a more creative and green way to present their gifts this holiday season.

Here are some ideas which are bound to impress AND keep Mother Nature in your good graces:

1) Old, vintage patterned bed sheets ~ Most thrift stores carry a large selection of bed sheets, usually sporting a loud and obnoxious flower pattern straight out of the 1970s. Not only are they cheap (no more than a couple of bucks)...they provide LOTS of material, giving you more bang for your buck. The technique is simple. Pretend it's paper. Lay out your gift, measure, cut and BAM! Your genius will no doubt be commended. One of the easiest ways to "wrap" the gift is to place the gift in the middle of a large square of fabric and bring up the edges to form a "beggar's purse". This can then be tied with burlap string, strips of torn material or....brace yourselves...dental floss. It's cheap, plentiful and is second only to duct tape in its capabilities.

2) Towels ~ Not only can they be used by the recipient, they also provide durability for travel.

3) Shoe Boxes ~ Most shoe stores will give you their empty boxes if you'll just call and ask. These can then be painted or covered with fabric or brown paper jazzed up with your own hand-drawn art.

4) Natural Flair ~ No gift is complete without a flourish of flair. Anything from nature can be used. Pine cones combined with a spray of pine and some holly berries for color make an elegant alternative to the Giant Ribbon.

5) Pillowcases ~ Again, cheap and can be found at any thrift store for less than a dollar. Plain white pillowcases can be decorated au naturale. Instead of ink, use beet juice. Simply place a beet in a blender or juicer and process until mostly liquefied. Use a sponge and gently absorb as much of the beet juice as possible, then place the sponge in a shallow dish. Just about any firm vegetable or fruit can be used as a "stamp". Green pepper slices produce a flower-like effect, while apples make a heart-like pattern.

These are just a few ideas to jump start your Green Holiday Season.

Now get out there, get your mind out of the box and get green.

Happy gifting!

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