Creative Ways to Wrap Holiday Gifts Using Thrifted or Recycled Finds

 If you’ve been following A Wandaful Thing, you know I have a soft spot for making old things new again—and that includes gift wrapping! This year, instead of buying rolls of paper that end up in the trash, why not get creative and wrap your presents with thrifted, recycled, or reusable materials?

Not only is it budget-friendly and eco-conscious, but each gift will feel personal and one-of-a-kind—just the way handmade giving should be.

♻️ Why Thrifted & Recycled Wrapping Works

Sustainable gift wrapping is more than a trend—it’s a creative mindset. Using thrifted and recycled materials helps:

• Reduce waste and give items a second life.

• Save money while making your gifts look extra thoughtful.

• Show off your creativity and vintage-loving personality.

🧺 5 Clever Alternatives to Traditional Wrapping Paper

1. Vintage Scarves or Handkerchiefs – Perfect for smaller gifts; they tie beautifully and double as part of the present.

2. Old Sheet Music or Maps – Adds nostalgic charm, especially for travel or music lovers.

3. Brown Paper + Twine Combo – Classic, rustic, and endlessly customizable with stamps or greenery.

4. Fabric Scraps or Tea Towels – Reusable, washable, and eco-chic!

5. Pages from Old Books or Magazines – Layer them for a collage look that feels artsy and unique.

🏺 Thrift Store Finds That Double as Gift Packaging

Next time you visit your favorite thrift shop, keep an eye out for:

• Vintage Tins – Great for cookies, cocoa kits, or jewelry.

• Wicker Baskets – Fill with themed goodies for easy gift baskets.

• Mugs, Mason Jars, and Glass Containers – Perfect for DIY cocoa, bath salts, or tea blends.

• Wooden Crates or Boxes – Add filler, ribbon, and voila—instant wow factor.

🎨 Add a Handmade Touch

Use leftover craft materials like ribbon scraps, pinecones, dried oranges, or even buttons to personalize your packaging. These details make your thrifted wrap look polished while keeping it planet-friendly.

🔗 Recommended Resources

• • “30+ Sustainable Gift Wrap Ideas (and I’ve tried almost all of them…)” — full of thrifted, reused and second-hand wrapping ideas with photos & how-tos. Honestly Modern

  • Ever tried Furoshiki? The Japanese word furoshiki (風呂敷) refers to a square piece of cloth used for wrapping, carrying or storing all sorts of items. It traces back to the Edo period (1600–1688).    Click here to find out how.

🖨️ Free Printable

Download my “Thrifted Gift Wrap Checklist” — a free printable to jot down materials, gift ideas, and wrapping inspiration before your next thrift trip!

👉 [Download the Thrifted_Gift_Wrap_Checklist

💬 Closing Thoughts

This season, let your creativity shine and wrap with heart instead of plastic. Every reused or repurposed touch tells a story—and that’s what makes giving so wandaful.

✨ Follow along for my next post, where we’ll talk about slowing down and finding calm in the middle of all the holiday hustle.

Warmly yours,
Wanda, xo ✂️🧶

you might also like:

Free Christmas List Printables

Christmas Recipes to Make Ahead

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