Using stockings can significantly reduce waste and adds a special atmosphere to Christmas morning, especially if you invest in a few cute, personalized stockings.

7. Fabric gift wrapping

Even if it isn't a "traditional" choice, wrapping gifts in fabric can be a beautiful, tasteful, and eco-friendly way to hide a present. Whether you use a pretty piece of fabric lying around the house or a fashionable new scarf that you know they will love, you can be sure that this packaging won't be thrown away immediately like paper versions.

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese fabric-wrapping method that makes Christmas gifts look stunning, and here is how to create the "basic" wrap:

1. Place the gift in the center of a pre-cut square of your chosen fabric - make sure it can be knotted and is a bit larger than what you would usually use.

2. Take two opposite corners of the square and tie them into a knot in the middle, tucking the ends in if they are too long.

3. Then, take the other two opposite corners and knot them directly over the first knot.

4. Simple, right? You get a simple and sturdy bag.

You can get more extravagant with Furoshiki, but this is a great starting point.

8. Use alternative decorations

Instead of going crazy in the gift-wrapping aisle and coming out with an avalanche of shiny, plastic-coated gift bows or ribbon-like trimmings, look to nature for inspiration instead.

A sprig of natural holly or even a small piece from your Christmas tree would look just as gorgeous on gifts or gift tags as any other decoration. Simply tie them on with twine for a classic effect.

Can't resist the sparkle? Look for some biodegradable glitter to satisfy your craving as an alternative to normal glitter, which is essentially pure plastic waste.

9. Get crated

Do you have a crate or two lying around? Use them and repurpose them as Christmas gift boxes! Here is how:

Materials:

- Small wooden pallet crate

- Sandpaper

- Paint

- Brushes

- Decorations, e.g., glittery stars, ribbons, holly sprigs

- Glue

- Crepe paper

Methods:

1. Sand the crate down so it is nice and smooth for painting.

2. Paint it whatever color you like, and once dry, add glittery stars, ribbons, or holly sprigs.

3. Paint a festive message on the side.

4. Line the crate with festive crepe paper (or newspaper, if you want to be eco-friendly) to hide the gifts inside.

5. Alternatively, wrap each gift before placing them in the crate and lay them on some shredded paper/straw.

10. Gift bags and boxes

Almost everyone has a pile of random gift bags and boxes they've received over the years, right? Well, it turns out these can be quite sustainable solutions. By quickly removing the tag, the recipient can reuse the gift bag to give someone else's Christmas present next year. They can do the same, and the reduce-reuse-recycle cycle can continue until they lose their shine.

Did you throw yours away or do they look a bit worn? Below are some DIY gift bag and box ideas to help you out.

11. Make gift bags from old cereal boxes

Who knew empty cereal boxes could get a new lease on life?!

Cereal box gift bags

1. Cut off the top flaps and paint or cover the outside of the cereal box by gluing on old newspapers, book pages, or any other lining of your choice.

2. Make a row of holes near the opening to thread through an old string, cord, or ribbon.

3. Put your gift inside and tie the ribbons into a bow. Ta-dah!

If you really love the homemade DIY vibe, then check out this article on the topic "How to have a homemade Christmas".

12. Transform toilet paper rolls into gift boxes

Yes, you read that right. It is possible.

Do you know how many toilet paper rolls you use every year? Well, if you were to store all the leftover tubes, you would have a fabulous mountain of cardboard tubes to turn into little pillow-shaped gift boxes.

Here is how to do it:

Toilet paper roll gift boxes

1. Flatten the tube slightly with your palm. Don't squash it too much, as you still want it to be pillow-shaped.

2. Use a craft knife to score a narrow semi-circle/moon shape at both ends of the tube. Don't cut all the way through the card; you just want to make enough of an indentation that you can fold the moon shapes inwards to create the two ends of the box.

3. Place your gift inside, be it earrings, a necklace, or other sweet treasures, and decorate with twine, string, a hand-drawn bow, or some festive sprigs.

Final word

We hope this helped you discover many wonderful ways to make your Christmas gift wrapping more sustainable this year. If you would like to learn more Christmas tips, read our article!