Christmas in Australia is a season of sunshine, seafood, and family celebrations. But it’s also one of the most wasteful times of the year, with millions of tonnes of wrapping paper and plastic packaging heading straight to landfill. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. With a few eco-friendly Christmas wrapping ideas, you can reduce waste, save money, and still make your gifts look beautiful under the tree and in Christmas photos. This guide will walk you through practical and creative options that are easy to try at home and fun for the whole family.
How Eco-Friendly Christmas Wrapping Makes a Difference
Traditional wrapping paper often contains glitter, foil, or plastic coatings that can’t be recycled. Add sticky tape, ribbons, and bows, and you end up with piles of waste after Christmas morning. Choosing sustainable options isn’t just about helping the planet—it’s also about creating meaningful traditions with your family.
Eco-friendly wrapping is:
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Kinder to the environment by reducing single-use plastics
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Often cheaper when you reuse materials from around the house
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A fun and creative way to involve kids in Christmas prep
When you switch to sustainable wrapping, you’re not just wrapping gifts—you’re wrapping memories in a way that lasts.
Eco-Friendly Christmas Wrapping Ideas to Try
There are plenty of creative and practical ways to wrap your gifts sustainably without compromising on style. Here are some of the best ideas to get you started.
Plastic Free Christmas Wrapping
If you want to go greener this year, start by cutting out plastic altogether.
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Swap sticky tape for paper tape or natural twine
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Choose kraft paper or recycled brown paper instead of glossy or glittery rolls
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Reuse old newspapers, magazines, or even kids’ drawings for a personal touch
These small swaps are simple but make a big difference in reducing plastic waste.
Reusable Gift Wrap Australia: Fabric and Gift Bags
Reusable wraps are one of the most practical eco friendly Christmas wrapping ideas. Instead of paper, think fabric.
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Wrap gifts in tea towels, pillowcases, or scarves that can be reused after Christmas
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Invest in fabric gift bags or personalised sacks you can bring out year after year
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Choose festive patterns that suit the Aussie summer vibe
This option is particularly great for families, as kids love the idea of a “Santa sack” that comes back each December.
Furoshiki Wrapping Australia
Furoshiki is the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in cloth, and it’s becoming more popular in Australia. It’s perfect for oddly shaped items and gives gifts a stylish, unique look.
To try furoshiki:
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Use a square piece of fabric (recycled or purchased)
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Wrap the item and tie simple knots to secure it
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Add a sprig of greenery for a festive finishing touch
It’s surprisingly easy once you learn the basics and makes gift presentation extra special.
Recyclable Wrapping Paper Australia
Not all wrapping paper is created equal. The scrunch test is a quick way to tell if paper can be recycled—if it stays scrunched, it’s recyclable.
Look for:
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Plain kraft paper
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Wrapping labelled as recyclable or compostable
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Paper tape instead of plastic tape
Avoid foils, plastics, and glitter coatings, which can’t be processed by recycling facilities.
Zero Waste Gift Wrap Ideas
For families who want to go one step further, zero waste wrapping is a fun challenge. Instead of buying anything new, use what you already have at home.
Ideas include:
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Jars or tins decorated with ribbon
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Kids’ artwork repurposed as wrapping
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Old maps, sheet music, or magazines for quirky patterns
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Woven baskets or reusable boxes
Zero waste wrapping shows kids that sustainability can be creative, not restrictive.
Fun Extras to Personalise Your Wrapping
Eco friendly doesn’t mean boring. You can add plenty of personality to your wrapping with natural or handmade decorations.
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Tie bunches of rosemary, eucalyptus, or dried citrus onto gifts
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Create DIY gift tags from old cardboard boxes or cereal packets
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Stamp or stencil patterns onto kraft paper with eco-friendly ink
These touches make your gifts look thoughtful while keeping them environmentally friendly.
Can Wrapping Paper Be Recycled in Australia?
A common question is whether wrapping paper can go into the recycling bin. The answer depends on the material.
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Recyclable: kraft paper, newsprint, plain brown paper
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Not recyclable: glittery, shiny, laminated, or plastic-coated paper
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Always remove sticky tape, bows, and ribbons before recycling
By following this rule of thumb, you can cut down on Christmas morning waste without the confusion.
Quick Checklist for a Sustainable Wrapping Station
Want to make eco friendly wrapping easier? Create a little station at home so everything’s ready when you need it.
Stock it with:
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Kraft paper or recycled rolls
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Fabric scraps or old scarves
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Paper tape and twine
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Small jars, tins, or reusable bags
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Natural decorations like sprigs, pinecones, or dried flowers
When everything is in one place, wrapping becomes stress-free and more enjoyable.
Making It a Family Tradition
Sustainable wrapping can be more than just an eco choice—it can be a family tradition. Get the kids involved in stamping paper, decorating tags, or tying ribbons. Make wrapping an activity you do together on Christmas Eve while the festive music plays.
And if you want to make it even more fun, dress everyone in matching festive outfits for the occasion. Our Christmas T-Shirts collection is perfect for turning “wrapping night” into a cheerful family memory.
Final Thoughts
Switching to eco friendly Christmas wrapping ideas doesn’t just help reduce waste—it also makes your celebrations more creative, meaningful, and fun. From plastic free swaps to reusable fabric and furoshiki techniques, there are plenty of ways for Aussie families to make the holidays greener. Try one or two new methods this year, get the kids involved, and see how small changes can make a big difference.