Wrapping up Christmas

Ten tips on how families can ReCreate something festive using leftover packaging this Christmas!

There’s no denying that Christmas is a special time of year. We all enjoy spending time with family and friends, recharging the batteries and unwinding in front of the fire with a box of chocolates attached to the hip. Of course, presents are a big part of the Christmas festivities, and so is the chaos that ensues following an episode of gift exchanging. It’s hard to keep your home from looking like a tornado hit it once the wrapping paper is ripped off and boxes containing toys are flung into the corner. This year why not try get a little creativity with that excess packaging? We’ve put together some ideas for you to reduce and reuse that ripped up mess, to make this Christmas a little less wasteful!

1. Wrapping Paper Bunting
Let’s start with a good one, this is a great idea as it’s not just specific to Christmas. The bunting can be made for birthdays, anniversaries, family occasions or even just to brighten up the kid’s bedroom or play room. There’s a great tutorial on how to go about it on centsationalstyle.com.

2. Construct your New Year’s Eve decorations using Christmas leftovers
A hole punch, some string and your leftover bows or wrapping paper can be reused to make beautiful party decorations for the big count down. Use the excess wrapping paper make decorative streamers for ringing in the new year!

3. Handmade Cards
If you’re left with some nice paper scraps why not consider gluing them down on the front of plain folded cards for some everyday greeting cards? If the paper is really “Christmassy”, consider using them for Christmas thank you’ s or next year’s festive season.

4. Shred your paper into Festive Confetti
Simple but effective, this adds a real colourful burst to your next party! Use a paper shredder to make festive confetti for your next party. The stuff will get everywhere but it will look festive, that’s for sure!

5. Gift Tags
Make gift or personalised note tags to swing from birthday or anniversary gifts throughout the year. Like the handmade cards, cut up some nice, colourful leftover paper and stick it or wrap around a small rectangle of brown card (from your leftover packaging!). Using a whole punch, put a hole in the top and string with some ribbon or twine. Write a short personal message or name and voilà!

6. Use the excess paper as padding for your ornaments or gifts
You can use the shredded paper in our last idea for this also, but there’s no need to go to such trouble. If the kids have gone to town on some presents, and the paper just can’t be saved, then why not crumple it up and use it as padding or as filler for a gift box or hamper! We’re sure the recipient will appreciate the thought put into it 😊

7. Lining old bookshelves or drawers
This is one of our favourites and can really brighten up some of the furniture in your home. Simply line the back of a bookshelf or a chest of drawers with excess paper, perhaps some of the less festive wrapping paper! Although, the festive stuff can be used for lining trays or plates when serving little treats or snacks!

8. Paper Weaving
Cut your paper into strips and weave with it! This is best suited for sturdier papers.

9. Christmas Wreath
If you’re like me and you love mince pies, keep the empty foil casings to make a wreath for your door. Cut out a circle of card from a box your gifts came in, about the size of a biscuit tin. Cut out another circle within this to make a ring shape. Lie flat and staple or glue the bottom of the foil cases around the ring to cover the surface. You can then place colourful baubles or sweet wrappers into each case, adding some sparkle. Hang with string on your front door and be the envy of your neighbours.

10. Festive Bird Feeders
And finally, don’t forget the birds in your garden during the winter months. Use empty drink cartons to hang their favourite food from your trees. You can dress them up as you or the kids see fit. Fold a pipe cleaner in half and thread the ends through the top of the bottle or carton, twisting within the carton so it hangs. Simply make a hole at the end of the feeder and attach a base for the birds and seeds to rest on, not only will it look festive but it’s also nice to invite our feathered friends in to feast.