With the holiday season upon us, it’s time to start wrapping gifts for friends and family. But instead of buying shiny, mass-produced wrapping paper that often ends up in the trash, why not go for a sustainable and creative option? Using newspaper to wrap gifts is a fun, eco-friendly, and budget-conscious way to package presents while making a unique and artistic statement. With a few thoughtful additions, you can transform ordinary newspapers into stunning, customized wrapping paper.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to elevate newspaper gift wrapping into a chic and sustainable holiday tradition. From minimalistic styles to creative embellishments, you’ll learn how to craft beautiful, eco-conscious wrapping that will wow your loved ones and the planet.
1. Why Use Newspaper for Gift Wrapping?
1.1 Eco-Friendly Benefits
Using newspaper as wrapping paper is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste during the holiday season. Many store-bought wrapping papers are coated with plastic or metallic finishes, making them unrecyclable. Newspaper, on the other hand, is not only recyclable but also upcycled in this case, giving it a second life before being disposed of.
- Saves Resources: You’re reusing a material that already exists rather than buying new, manufactured paper.
- Avoids Plastic Waste: Many store-bought wrapping papers include plastic glitter, foil, or coatings that can’t be recycled.
- Supports Minimalism: Embracing newspaper wrapping aligns with a more mindful, minimalist approach to the holiday season.
1.2 Affordable and Accessible
Newspapers are easy to come by and cost next to nothing. Even if you don’t subscribe to a paper, you can often collect free newspapers from coffee shops, recycling centers, or friends and neighbors.
1.3 Unique and Creative
When done right, newspaper wrapping doesn’t look “cheap” or haphazard—it looks artistic and intentional. With a little creativity, you can turn black-and-white pages into sophisticated, one-of-a-kind wrapping paper. Plus, newspaper designs (like comics, crossword puzzles, or foreign-language pages) can add a quirky, personalized touch to your gifts.
2. Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To wrap gifts with newspaper and give them a festive twist, you’ll need the following materials:
Basic Supplies
- Newspaper: Choose pages with interesting fonts, illustrations, or minimal text for a clean aesthetic.
- Scissors: For trimming the paper to size.
- Tape or Glue: Use eco-friendly tape or adhesive, or simply fold the paper neatly to avoid tape altogether.
- String, Ribbon, or Twine: Natural options like jute twine, raffia, or cotton string are great eco-friendly choices.
Decorative Add-Ons
- Dried Flowers and Leaves: Eucalyptus, rosemary, or pine sprigs add a festive and natural touch.
- Pinecones or Acorns: Small, lightweight pinecones can be tied to the bow.
- Handmade Tags: Recycle old cardboard or scrap paper into tags for a personalized touch.
- Stamps or Stencils: Add simple designs or holiday greetings using ink stamps or stencils.
- Fabric Scraps: Combine newspaper with small accents of burlap, linen, or other fabric for a layered look.
- Paint or Markers: Add color with acrylic paint, watercolor, or metallic markers.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Wrapping Gifts with Newspaper
Step 1: Select the Right Newspaper Pages
- Choose pages with interesting layouts—for example, full-page text, bold headlines, or images.
- For a minimalist look, stick with black-and-white text or neutral designs.
- For a playful or colorful gift, use comics, puzzle pages, or pages with bright photos.
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Newspaper
- Lay the gift box or item on top of the newspaper.
- Cut the paper to size, leaving enough to cover all sides with a small overlap for folding.
Step 3: Wrap the Gift
- Wrap the gift as you would with traditional wrapping paper:
- Place the gift in the center of the newspaper.
- Fold the edges over the box and secure with tape or by tucking the edges into themselves.
- For items with unusual shapes, use multiple layers of newspaper or consider creating a gift bag (see bonus tip below).
Step 4: Add Decorative Touches
- Use twine or ribbon to tie the gift, creating a bow on top.
- Attach natural elements like pine sprigs, dried flowers, or mini pinecones to the bow for a rustic look.
- Add a handmade gift tag or write directly on the newspaper with a metallic pen or marker.
4. Creative Ideas for Decorating Newspaper Wrapping
Once the base wrapping is complete, you can take your designs to the next level with these creative, boho-chic ideas:
4.1 Add Natural Elements
- Sprigs of Greenery: Tuck small pieces of eucalyptus, rosemary, or holly under the ribbon for a touch of nature.
- Dried Orange Slices: Add a citrusy, festive vibe by attaching dried orange slices with twine.
- Acorns and Pinecones: Glue small acorns or pinecones to the gift wrap for a rustic, wintry feel.
4.2 Use Stamps and Stencils
- Holiday Stamps: Use rubber stamps and ink pads to add festive images like snowflakes, stars, or Christmas trees to the newspaper.
- Stencil Patterns: Create geometric designs, snowflakes, or even handwritten messages with stencils and paint.
4.3 Incorporate Fabric or Burlap
- Fabric Accents: Wrap a strip of burlap or linen fabric around the center of the gift for a layered, textural effect.
- Fabric Bow: Replace ribbon with a bow made of recycled fabric or scrap cloth.
4.4 Hand-Painted Designs
- Use watercolor paint to create soft, festive designs on the newspaper, like holly leaves, stars, or even abstract shapes.
- Metallic Markers: Write festive greetings in gold or silver for a sleek, modern touch.
4.5 Personalize with Comics or Crosswords
- Use the comics section of the newspaper for kids’ gifts to add a fun, colorful touch.
- Wrap gifts for puzzle lovers in crossword or sudoku pages to make their wrapping paper part of the present.
5. Bonus Tip: Create a Newspaper Gift Bag
For oddly shaped items, make your own newspaper gift bag! Here’s how:
- Fold and Glue: Take two large pieces of newspaper and glue or tape them together along the sides and bottom to form a bag shape.
- Reinforce the Bottom: Add a piece of cardboard or thick paper at the bottom for extra durability.
- Punch Holes for Handles: Punch two holes at the top and thread ribbon, twine, or string through to create handles.
- Decorate: Add your decorative elements, like bows, stamps, or greenery, for a finished look.
6. Tips for a Polished Look
- Double Layers: If your newspaper is thin or translucent, double up on layers to prevent the text underneath from showing through.
- Crisp Folds: Use a ruler or straight edge to create sharp, clean folds for a more professional look.
- Tape Alternatives: Avoid using plastic tape by opting for biodegradable adhesive or by folding the paper neatly without tape.
- Match Colors: Coordinate your ribbons, twine, and embellishments with the colors in the newspaper (e.g., black-and-white pages with red accents).
7. Sustainable Wrapping Inspiration
Here are a few themed ideas for using newspaper wrapping based on different styles:
7.1 Minimalist Holiday
- Stick to black-and-white newspaper pages.
- Use natural jute twine and a sprig of pine or rosemary for decoration.
- Write simple, elegant holiday messages in metallic silver or gold pens.
7.2 Rustic Charm
- Combine newspaper with burlap ribbons.
- Add earthy elements like pinecones, dried berries, or cinnamon sticks.
- Opt for crossword puzzle pages or comics for a nostalgic, whimsical feel.
7.3 Vibrant and Fun
- Use the comics section for bright, playful wrapping.
- Decorate with colorful yarn, pom-poms, or tassels.
- Add a stamped message, like “Merry & Bright,” for a cheerful finish.
8. Conclusion: Wrap With Purpose
DIY Christmas wrapping paper using newspaper is a simple yet powerful way to make your holiday celebrations more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and creative. Not only will your gifts look stunning, but you’ll also feel good knowing you’re reducing waste and promoting sustainability. With just a few embellishments, you can turn discarded newspaper into works of art that reflect your thoughtfulness and care this holiday season.
FAQs
1. Is newspaper wrapping paper recyclable?
Yes, newspaper is recyclable. Just make sure you avoid adding non-recyclable elements like plastic tape, glitter, or foil embellishments.
2. How can I make newspaper wrapping smell festive?
Tie cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, or a small sachet of potpourri to the gift for a lovely holiday fragrance.
3. What sections of the newspaper work best for wrapping?
The black-and-white text pages, comics, and crossword puzzles are popular choices. Avoid glossy or heavily colored sections.
4. Can I use old magazines instead of newspapers?
Yes! Old magazines can add a colorful, glossy twist to your gift wrapping. Just pair them with simple, neutral accents.
5. How can I wrap fragile items with newspaper?
Use extra layers of newspaper or add a layer of tissue paper underneath to provide padding for fragile items.
6. Are there alternatives to tape for securing the wrapping?
Yes! Use folding techniques, biodegradable adhesives, or tie the paper with twine to secure it in place.
7. Can kids help with newspaper wrapping?
Absolutely! Newspaper wrapping is a great family activity. Kids can personalize the paper with drawings, stamps, or stickers.
8. How do I keep the wrapped gift from looking too plain?
Add embellishments like ribbons, greenery, or hand-painted designs to give the wrapping a festive and polished look.
9. Is newspaper wrapping suitable for all occasions?
Yes, newspaper wrapping works for any occasion, not just Christmas. You can customize the decorations to suit birthdays, anniversaries, or other celebrations.
10. What’s the best way to store newspaper for future use?
Keep newspapers flat in a dry place, like a folder or storage box, to prevent creasing or damage.