Fun Ways To Reuse Wrapping Paper After Christmas
/After the fun of opening the presents on Christmas Day, the clean-up ensues. This generally involves picking up the wrapping paper and throwing it in a trash can. There are other ways to reuse the paper so that it is not such a waste of money or paper.
Small scraps
Envelope Liners
In the hustle of unwrapping gifts, some of the paper can end up in small pieces. These can be reused as greeting card envelope liners. Trace the size of the flap of the envelope, from the fold up to, but not including, the gummed edge.
Use this tracing to cut the wrapping paper to just the right size, then adhere it to the flap with glue. When the recipient opens this card, they will be greeted by a beautiful Christmas picture, instead of the plain, white paper.
Packaging
Small pieces can also be shredded to be used in packages instead of other packing material.
Origami
Perhaps the recipient of the wrapping paper has the desire to learn the art of paper-folding known as origami. Wrapping paper is perfect for this. Take the small pieces and cut them into squares. The crafty-person is then all prepared to begin this new and rewarding hobby.
Photo by Vinicius "amnx" Amano on Unsplash
Large scraps
Decorating Boxes and Books
Large pieces of wrapping paper can help decorate shoe boxes that are needed for storage. Take the paper and wrap the exterior of the box and there is a hand decorated storage container for any multitude of items.
Books can also benefit from reusing large pieces of wrapping paper. Wrap the cover of the book with the gift wrap and it will help to keep the book from harm. The plain side can face outward or, for a conversation starter, the decorated side of the paper can take center stage and face outwards.
As the holidays wind down, the decorations need to be stored until next year. Wrapping paper can be used to protect these sensitive and fragile items until they are needed again. Instead of grabbing paper towels, newspapers or towels, use the wrapping paper that was going to be thrown away.
Scrapbooking
For those who enjoy scrap booking but do not enjoy the cost of buying all the background paper, used wrapping paper can be used for this instead. Iron the wrapping paper on a low setting on the iron and it is ready to be used, either as a whole page or just a decorated portion.
Cut them in different shapes such as circles, squares, hearts and triangles, and glue them to the pages for a pop of color. Use them for backgrounds for pictures, cut out letter shapes to identify a theme such as “Summer Vacation” or “Spring Break”. You can also use this same idea to make a collage.
Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash
Paper Dolls
Children can entertain themselves for hours with the used wrapping paper. Iron the paper out on low and then demonstrate for the children how to cut out paper dolls. After showing them, let them go. The paper can also be used to create clothing, in the children's own designs, for these paper dolls.
Using imagination, wrapping paper can find many uses after the holidays, instead of filling garbage bags and landfills.
Future Gifts
All the little pieces of wrapping paper that are too small to use for another gift, yet too much to throw away can be collected and used for craft ideas. These unused wrapping paper scraps can be put to good use for future gifts, fun and creative ideas for kids, and to make decorations and items for a party.
Craft Project
It doesn’t matter what type of wrapping paper you have left over, whether it is Christmas, birthday, baby or anniversary themed, when it is thrown together in a basket or container, it can be combined to make an interesting craft project.
Make a Piñata
Using a large balloon, blow it up and tie the end. Make a mixture of three cups flour and two cups of water. Dip the scraps in the mixture and cover the balloon completely, leaving a round shaped area at the top for filling. Let the balloon dry and deflate. Fill the balloon with candy, gifts and other novelties. It will be a hit at a party, and since the scraps may contain different themes, it can be used for any occasion!
Confetti
Shred the scraps of unused wrapping paper and make confetti for New Years, birthday parties and other occasions. Write thank you cards, send party invitations or other correspondence and fill the envelope with confetti so that when the person receiving the mail opens it, they will get a confetti surprise shower!
Banner Making
Cut leftover wrapping paper into small pieces, or use a shredder. Make a banner by using glue to write your message, such as “Happy Birthday”, and sprinkle the shredded paper on top of the glue, the same as you would use glitter to write a special message.
Paper Chains
Cut the pieces of leftover wrapping paper into equal strips and let the kids glue or staple them together to make a paper chain. Use this for a Christmas tree garland, over the tops of curtains in a kid’s room, or to decorate a bulletin board.
Donate to a School
Donate the scraps to a daycare or elementary school, as they are always in need of craft supplies for art projects and other activities.
Uses around the House
Cut the paper in squares and use as note paper, gift tags or bulletin board and calendar reminders.
There are many ways to use leftover wrapping paper scraps in craft projects, learning activities and useful ways to help one to get organized. Instead of throwing this hodgepodge of possibilities in the trash, reuse, recycle and let your imagination flow with ideas to create one of a kind craft projects that are fun and inexpensive.
