Wrapping Paper

Christmas wrapping paper looks special while the presents are under the tree, but once they are unwrapped, the paper is often just pitched. There are a few practical and creative ways you can recycle wrapping paper so it doesn't head to the dump. After the presents are opened on Christmas day, wrapping paper piles dot the floor in your home. You load up garbage bags and send them off, but you don't have to – you can recycle your paper.

Some creative ways to re-use wrapping paper include stuffing purses and hats not in use, to keep their shape. Or you can cover school books to keep them from getting damaged. You can use wrapping paper over your cork bulletin board, for a bright and new way to leave the family messages. You can even cut the paper into squares and make origami animals. The kids will really enjoy that project.

You can also use wrapping paper to put around a flower bouquet, or cut a piece of wrapping paper that will fit the front of a binder, to make it festive. You can cut your used wrapping paper into little pieces and leave them near the phone. Use the blank side of your wrapping paper to jot messages down. In addition, used wrapping paper makes a great cabinet or drawer liner. Measure the drawers and cut the wrapping paper to fit.

If your used Christmas wrapping paper isn't all wrinkled up, you can do a direct recycling by wrapping a Christmas present that has yet to be delivered. You can even get rid of wrinkles in wrapping paper by ironing the wrong side with an iron on very low heat.

Christmas paper makes all your presents special, so they'll make a good impression on the people who receive them. You can jazz up plain papers by adding pictures or stickers to make the wrapping on the gift stand out. You can make paper that's so pretty; the recipient won't want to tear it to open it! Use a pattern like stars, sparkles, stripes, plaids or snowflakes to make your packages even more decorative for your friends and family. Metallic wrapping papers can have tinsel added to them, for a festive touch. Use different colors, to make even small gifts look more special. You can also use wrapping paper and a bow to jazz up a basket for flowers or gifts.

If your kids are creative, they can make their own wrapping paper. Use plain white, or another solid color, and use stamps or paint to make the wrapping paper unique and special. Your little ones can even dip their hands into the paint and make hand-prints on the paper. Grandparents especially will love gifts that come wrapped with personal wrapping paper like this.

You can cut sponges into shapes of the Christmas season, like trees or candy canes. Use paint on your children's fingertips, to make dots that will look like ornaments on the trees, and to put stripes on the candy canes. Use your imagination and have fun making custom Christmas wrapping paper.]