I just did an experiment! It took an average of 17 seconds for Miss Possum to unwrap some pretend presents I prepared for her. So, if it takes only that amount to rip off pieces of paper, then why are we, firstly, wasting our money and secondly, wasting paper? I know some of us like our wrapped presents looking spectacular (like me) but here’s a way to make your own wrapping paper, recycle your newspapers and still have them looking stunning!
Making recycled wrapping paper
It’s so easy! We used recycled cardboard to make a stamp first. All you need to do is draw or copy a shape onto some thick cardboard and then cut it out. Using another little piece of cardboard, bend it in half and then stick it onto the shape to make a handle. You can use old sponges for this activity too.
Newspaper Stamping
Just lay the newspaper on a flat surface, add some paint to the stamp and firmly press the stamp down on the newspaper. Do this all over the newspaper and then dry it on the clothes line.
Recycled wrapping paper decorating ideas
We like to use real ribbons on our recycle-wrapped gifts. These ribbons can be used again, whereas the disposable ribbons usually get thrown away with the wrapping paper. We also decorated the gift with our wildlife Christmas gift tags. They made a nice addition to the gift.
Here are some other examples of recycled newspaper gift decorations:
- A newspaper flower to go on top
- Newspaper Gift Bags
- Cardboard and glitter star
Giving the Gift
We’ve tried this activity before for birthday present wrapping paper and it was a real hit with the receiver. The child tore through her presents, ripping open her gifts at full speed, but when she came to our recycle-wrapped gift she had a good look at it first and then took her time to unwrap it.
This is such a nice activity for children. They get to make something special for family or friends, learn about recycling and have a fun activity to keep them occupied for the afternoon, plus you’re saving money and reducing waste to help the environment!
Practical, eco and fun for the kids. Ticks all the boxes for me! Will be sharing on fbk ♥
Thanks honey! Yep, I must say it looks nice under the tree too and it makes me feel good that I’m recycling!
Cute! Lovely idea.
Thanks Kylie! 🙂
Love it! Am sharing!
Thanks Steph. I hope you’re all settled in now.
LOVE this. Great idea and fun for children. Pinning it. Have a wonderful Christmas season.
Thanks so much for your support Susan. I’m really trying to be a lot more conscious of my environmental impact this year.
I absolutely love homemade wrapping paper with a pretty ribbon wrapped around it. For some reason it means so much more. Cute idea with the homemade stamps….adding this to my list of ideas for future activities. 🙂
I agree Janice! It does mean more! The only thing I’m concerned about is the newspaper being ripped by the twinkles. It is a little more easily ripped. I ended up wrapping the pressies twice and that solved the problems. It’s a bit like pass the parcel now!
I love when we can recycle anything and give something new life. I think your wrapping is heaps better than what you can ever buy at the shops. I’m going to be doing this. Thanks/
I love it too Kate. I just can’t believe I’ve wasted so much paper and money on wrapping paper that takes so little time to unwrap. It’s laughable. The tree is actually looking really nice with the recycled gift wrapped pressies under it. It also makes me feel good because I’m helping the environment.
Love it! It’s nice that it’s so different that even the kids who receive the presents in the wrapping take their time to look at it before ripping through the paper. I’ve been thinking of ways to recycle too so thanks for the fab idea, Pen! And I still have time to get my act together with the twinlets 🙂
Gracie, you’re my little apprentice. :p I’ve just found an easier way to do this. I wrap the pressies in newspaper first and then take them outside to use the painted stamps or the girls also just use their hands with red and green paint. They loved it, it was way easier and made the pressies even prettier!
Oh I love this! I’ve used newspaper in the past as Christmas wrapping paper – it looks really striking when tied with red ribbon. I love how you made your stamps – definitely going to try that.
Thanks Ness. The stamp worked really well, considering I didn’t have any old sponges to use. Also I found I got a better shape with the cardboard too.
I love my presents looking just perfect too 😀 My hubby likes to make fun of me. These do look very sweet though. We haven’t made wrapping paper (well not for Christmas), but these look quite nice and I think I can still jazz them with a ribbon. Nice, cheap idea Penny 😀
You’re welcome Kate. I’m yet to buy the ribbon. I wonder if it’s rude to ask for the ribbon back after everyone has unwrapped them. I can just use them over and over again then.
These look so sweet Penny…we have often used newspaper but i have to try out your stamping idea! Love that apron too!!! I really do think kids appreciate something that is a little unique!
he he he. I really am wildlife mad aren’t I! I love the apron too. I’ve never had any problems getting them to put their art smocks on. In fact the twinkles will wear them any time of day!
Love this! Featuring this as part of my roundup at the Weekly Kids’ Co-op. xoxo P
Thank so much Pauline, that would be wonderful. I’ve almost finished wrapping all our pressies and I must say it looks stunning under the tree. Miss Poss and the twinkles also used their hands to put pain on the Christmas paper too. It came out lovely!
I love it!
Also in Christmas I use all paper, including gift wrap and cardboard, and commingled products like glass containers and aluminum and steel cans to make some funny things. It is so interesting.
This is such a wonderful idea, Penny! I feel guilty that I have so much wrapping paper in my storage closet that I purchased before learning more about the impact about our day-to-day consumerism. I was recently chatting with other parents about alternatives to wrapping paper, and I’m excited to share this environmentally-friendly idea with them! Thank you for all of your helpful ideas!
Oh Betty, don’t feel guilty.It’s lovely to see that you’re thinking about it and when it comes time to choose between buying new wrapping paper and using recycled materials, then I hope you’ll chose the the eco-friendly option. xx
P.S you’re the sweetest!