When it comes to presentation and gift wrapping, there are several options available for making up a beautiful gift, ranging from boxes and bags to paper and packets. Unfortunately, traditional gift wrapping tends to cost quite a bit, and likely won’t be used again (unless the recipient is frugal and decides to keep it for their next gifting project). If you’re looking to save on cash, while staying green and being unique in how you present your gift, making use of recycled or formerly used materials and items can be the perfect solution – and you can always touch them up with a few luxury touches to ensure the final result looks great. Here are a few ideas for how you can give something old a new lease on life while being creative!

Old Shirts Or Scarves

If you have old clothes such as shirts, dresses or even scarves that you won’t ever use again, cut them up and use the fabric as wrapping material. Alternately you can use traditional wrapping and complete the look with a few strips of material or an old tie as a ribbon.

Newspaper

If you’re gifting something to someone who’s environmentally conscious, a bit eccentric or bohemian, an old newspaper can be perfect for wrapping your gifts in. If you can make it relevant to something they’re personally interested in – for example, using a sports page for a sports fan or the cartoon section of the newspaper for a gamer or cartoon fan – even better!

Old Maps

Since we all rely on our phones and cars to guide us through unknown territories, old map books or printed maps can be repurposed as gift wrap. Ideal for the fan of travelling – you can even add some stickers from various countries or landmarks they’ve been to!

Brown Paper

While it’s more affordable than standard wrapping paper and can also be sourced from old paper bags or other packaging, brown paper makes for a perfect aesthetic if you’re looking to convey something a little more rustic. Combine it with some hessian ribbon and add a hint of colour with a green leaf or twigs or natural coloured ribbon to create a very natural, earthy gift.

We often don’t realise the potential of those old items and materials lying in our cupboards or heading for the dirt bin. Now that you have a bit of inspiration, keep some of your old items and other materials stored in a box so that you’ll always have something to use for your next gift – and visit Say It In Style for the last-minute finishes that will take is from great to excellent!