Seasonal Fun and Activities

What is Black and White and Red and Green All Over

No, this is not a kid’s joke. This is just one of the many ways to “go green” with your holiday wrapping. Decorate newspaper with markers, paint, rubber stamps, or even stickers for recycled wrapping paper. Brown paper is another great recycled wrapping paper. Often used as packing material, it comes wrinkled but that can adds character to your gift wrap.

Reduce – Try packaging gifts in something that can be used again. Wrapped small loaves of quick bread in plastic wrap and then dress it up with a hand towel, tea towel or even a cloth napkin. Baskets that can be reused can often be picked up very inexpensively at thrift stores. Line basket with a cloth napkin and fill with goodies. By giving wrap that can be reused, you are reducing.

Reuse - Perhaps you are giving several small items, try using a tote bag or even a re-usable “grocery” bag for your gift bag. Speaking of gift bags, we all have that stash of the ones that are nice enough to reuse as a gift bag, but for those that are a little too worn to “re-gift”, try using them in other ways. If I have something to deliver to school or scouts, etc. I use those bags, they don’t let items roll around as much as plastic bags and the handles make them easy to carry.

Recycle - Don’t think of wrapping paper as the only way to use recyclable items to give gifts. Cylinder chip cans, coffee cans, and other plastic or cardboard lidded packaging can hold your homemade holiday goodies. The chip cans are great for cookies. Stamp on paper to wrap around the outside of the can or perhaps use drawings done by your kids for and extra special touch. Coffee cans are perfect for snack mixes and other goodies.

This holiday season think about the 3 – R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) when wrapping those gifts. Happy Wrapping!

Nancy Masannat is a Stafford County Mom, a Stampin’ Up Consultant, and the busy mom of two lovely children.
 

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