by Judith Campanaro

Created on: February 26, 2010   Last Updated: February 27, 2010

Packaging your gift using recycled materials.

The gifts I've received in the past that stick most in my memory are the ones that I know the giver has put the most thought into.  When a gift is especially suited to my needs or preferences it becomes obvious that someone understands who I am.  That makes me feel special.  What also makes me feel appreciated and acknowledged is the way the gift is presented.   Presentation is a statement of caring and speaks loudly that someone took the time to say "you matter". Instead of just being an expected token of good manners the action of giving becomes a memory not soon and possibly not ever to be forgotten. 

One way to achieve memorable packaging is the use of recycled materials.  I will never forget a birthday present I received from someone I had just started dating.  He proudly presented one of his socks tied with a beautiful red bow.  He claimed it was bachelor's wrapping paper.  I don't know what was more delightful - the gift or the package.  I'm glad he had taken the time to wash the sock, and I'm not sure I would appreciate a continuation of that wrapping paper in the future but the ingenuity and thoughtfulness created an indelible memory attached with a smile on my heart.  I still laugh when I think of my surprise and pleasure at the gift. 

Recycled materials are everywhere if we just look.  I keep a box in the closet where I place pictures, labels, buttons - little things that I don't want to throw away but I don't know what to do with.  Whenever it's time to wrap a gift, out comes the box.  The process of collaging plain paper with meaningful images for the recipient of my present adds increased thoughtfulness to my actions.   Sometimes I'll even copy photos that I know my friend will enjoy and use those copies to collage the paper. 

When giving the gift of food items it's always fun to package them in containers than can be reused.  What's memorable about that kind of wrapping is the thought that goes into finding the container.  I love shopping thrift stores and garage sales for unusual baskets, boxes and dishes that don't cost much.  One my favorite gifts to bring to the office is a big basket of cinnamon rolls and the basket always seems to get recycled.

My grandson made wrapping paper with his hand prints.  To this day I don't remember the gift but I do remember the package.  Another friend presented me with some tea wrapped in a beautiful recycled scarf.  One of my students decorated a paper bag with drawings and cutouts.  She filled the bag with cookies and candies.  I still had the bag long after the cookies were gone.  Knowing I like to wear flowers in my hair my friend Sally used her glue gun and attached hair clips to silk flowers.  She placed the clips through the ribbon on top of my gift.  Every time I put one of those flowers in my hair I remember her thoughtfulness.

The decorations, packaging or even the gift doesn't matter as much as the thought that goes into the giving.  The presentation and the effort put into that presentation using recycled items not only makes for a greener planet but it also makes gift giving a statement that truly says "I care".

Learn more about this author, Judith Campanaro.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.