6 Gift Wrap Ideas That Don’t Use Wrapping Paper

If you’re out of wrapping paper, trying to cut down on waste, or just want your gifts to look a little different this year, you have more options than you think. A lot of everyday things you already own can step in and look even better than a roll of paper from the store.

Here are easy ways to wrap gifts without touching a single roll of traditional wrapping paper.

Fabric wraps with towels, scarves, or cloth napkins

Tea towels, scarves, cloth napkins, and even leftover fabric make great wraps. Set the gift in the middle, fold opposite corners over, and tie the remaining corners in a knot. Adjust the knot so it sits neatly on top like a bow.

Choose fabric in colors or patterns the person will actually use—neutral stripes, simple florals, or solids. It looks pretty under the tree, and the “wrap” becomes part of the gift, which feels both thoughtful and practical.

Brown paper bags and grocery sacks turned inside out

Plain grocery bags can look surprisingly nice when you cut them open and turn them inside out so the logo is hidden. Wrap the gift like normal, then add a ribbon, twine, or a strip of fabric as a band around the middle.

You get that kraft-paper look without buying anything new. Add a sprig of greenery or a simple sticker, and nobody’s thinking “grocery bag”—they’re just seeing a simple, pretty package.

Baskets and bins you’d give anyway

If you’re gifting kitchen items, cleaning products, or kids’ art supplies, skip the wrap and use a basket, bin, or caddy instead. Arrange everything inside, tuck in a bit of tissue or a tea towel, and that’s your presentation.

The container becomes part of the gift and gives them a built-in way to store whatever you’re giving. It looks put together without one scrap of paper, and they’ll use the bin long after Christmas.

Jars, tins, and food containers

Cookies, cocoa mixes, spices, and small gifts look good in jars or tins. Clean out glass jars from your pantry or reuse cookie tins and line them with parchment or tissue.

Tie a ribbon around the lid or add a simple label, and you’re done. Clear jars show off what’s inside, so the gift itself becomes the “wrapping,” which can look even prettier than printed paper.

Pillowcases and drawstring bags

For larger or softer gifts, pillowcases are an easy wrap. Slip the gift inside, gather the open end, and tie it with ribbon or string. You can use a pillowcase that matches the person’s style or even include a new one as part of the gift.

Drawstring bags work the same way for smaller items. They’re quick to “wrap,” easy to store for next year, and kids can open them without wrestling tape and scissors.

Reusable totes and shopping bags

A cute reusable shopping bag or tote can hold gifts and function as the wrapping. Place the items inside, add tissue if you’ve got it, and tie the handles together with a bit of ribbon.

The person gets two gifts in one: what’s inside and a bag they’ll use for groceries, library trips, or kids’ stuff. It cuts down on waste and still looks like you put thought into the presentation.