Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to expert interviews and design industry sources.

The holiday season often brings a mountain of gifts to wrap, and the cost of traditional wrapping paper can add up quickly. But according to several design and wrapping experts, you don't need to buy a single roll of festive paper. By repurposing materials already in your home—from leftover wallpaper to old newspapers—you can create beautiful, personalized packaging that saves money and reduces waste.

Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper; Amber Kemp-Gerstel, Scotch™ brand gift wrapping expert; and Rebecca Bobroff, founder of Rebecca Bobroff Design, all shared their favorite unconventional wrapping techniques. Their advice offers a practical path for anyone looking to cut back on holiday spending while adding a unique touch to their gifts.

Leftover Wallpaper as a Wrapping Statement

If you've recently completed a home renovation involving wallpaper, check for leftover rolls or remnants. Rees suggests that using these scraps is a unique way to make a gift stand out while ensuring every bit of material is put to use. Both traditional and peel-and-stick wallpaper can be used, though the approach differs slightly. Traditional wallpaper behaves much like standard wrapping paper, but for peel-and-stick varieties, Rees advises leaving the backing on to avoid damaging the gift. Textured wallpaper, in particular, adds depth and a tactile quality to the presentation.

This method not only repurposes materials that might otherwise be discarded but also gives each present a distinctive, high-end look that store-bought wrapping paper often lacks.

Newspaper and Craft Paper: Simple but Customizable

Another readily available option is newspaper or plain craft paper. Instead of tossing the day's paper into the recycling bin, save it for wrapping. While some may worry that this approach looks too plain, Kemp-Gerstel recommends embellishing with hand-cut snowflakes, paper ephemera, honeycomb balls, or hand-drawn doodles. These decorative elements, secured with Scotch® gift-wrap tape, can transform a simple sheet of paper into a custom, festive package. The design possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor each gift to the recipient.

Gift Baskets: Practical and Festive for Odd Shapes

For items that are difficult to wrap neatly, gift baskets offer a practical and attractive solution. Kemp-Gerstel suggests wrapping wicker or fabric baskets in cellophane, which you might already have from previous holidays or can find affordably at a thrift store. She even shared a personal example: a dinosaur-shaped basket she purchased for her son, which she plans to fill with dino-themed gifts. After the presents are unwrapped, the basket itself becomes a keepsake for storing toys or trinkets, adding an extra layer of value.

Furoshiki: The Fabric Wrap That Keeps Giving

For a more traditional yet modern approach, Rebecca Bobroff points to the Japanese technique of furoshiki, which involves wrapping gifts in fabric or cloth. She recommends using a festive tea towel or a graphic silk scarf, securing it with decorative ribbon, twine, or simply tying the fabric ends into a knot. This method is not only elegant but also environmentally friendly, as the recipient can reuse the towel or scarf in their home or wardrobe. Bobroff notes that this makes the wrapping itself a gift that keeps on giving.

As an additional tip, gently used wrapping paper from gifts you receive can be carefully removed and reused for presents you plan to give. By adopting any of these alternatives, you can reduce waste, save money, and add a personal touch to your holiday giving.