Every holiday season, those beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree inevitably results in a giant pile of very fancy garbage in five minutes flat.

In this week’s episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, Sarah Robertson-Barnes looks at something most of us keep meaning to do better with next year… gift wrapping. From the confusing rules around what’s actually recyclable to the Pinterest pressure of “perfect” presentation, this episode explores why wrapping creates so much waste — and what we can do instead.

Sarah walks through simple, low-waste wrapping ideas using things you already have at home, as well as what kids learn from watching us wrap, and how a few small shifts can make your holiday wrapping a little easier and a lot less expensive. 

Whether you love wrapping gifts or dread it every year, this episode offers practical, accessible ideas to help you reduce waste, save money, and make the season feel more intentional.

Takeaways

• Almost ALL wrapping paper is not recyclable, leading to significant waste.
• The easiest place to start is using what you already have.
• Reusable wrapping options can make gifts feel special without adding to holiday waste.
• Practical, everyday items can double as thoughtful and sustainable packaging.
• Simple, natural touches can elevate gifts while keeping materials out of the trash.
• Modelling mindful wrapping teaches kids about care, intention, and resourcefulness.

One Small Shift

Take five minutes to look around your home and see what you already have that could be used for wrapping this year — paper bags, fabric scraps, jars, twine, whatever’s on hand. Start there, and let the rest follow.

Resources

Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas 

How to Clean Pine Cones for Crafting

Salt Dough Ornaments

Dried Orange Slices

How to Wrap Gifts with Cloth (video)

Zero Waste Gift Wrapping Ideas (Pinterest)

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Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

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