Sustainably Wrapping Gifts – 5 Tips for Christmas
Christmas with children means wrapped presents under the tree and lots of packaging waste after unwrapping. When relatives come to visit, a whole trash bag quickly fills up with just wrapping paper. This is not only extremely annoying but also not very sustainable. Therefore: It’s best to avoid packaging material or switch to sustainable alternatives. We have five tips on how you can easily wrap gifts sustainably this year.
1. Upcycling: Wrap gifts with what you already have
Whether it’s old wrapping paper from last year or yesterday’s newspaper – with upcycling, creativity knows no bounds. The important thing is: Save paper or other materials from going into the trash when wrapping gifts sustainably. This way, they get a new use and you conserve resources. The trick: Every gift becomes a unique piece!
2. Wrap gifts sustainably: recycled paper as an alternative
If you don’t want to completely give up buying new wrapping paper, you should look for the Blue Angel label. Since 1978, this certification has been awarding environmentally friendly products through a strict, government-supervised process that compares them with other products in the same category. However, the Blue Angel is not a free pass, as resources are still consumed in producing these products.
3. Sustainable gift wrapping: use fabrics and fabric bags
A great alternative to classic wrapping paper are fabric bags or even whole fabrics that allow you to wrap gifts sustainably – and also very beautifully! Unlike wrapping paper, fabrics don’t tear when unwrapping and can be reused year after year. The trick: Fabric bags can either be bought pre-sewn or quickly made yourself. If you have friends or relatives who like sewing, you can also use fabric by the meter for wrapping and be surprised what garment emerges from the supposed wrapping!
4. Sustainable and clever: wrap the gift inside a gift!
If you want to completely avoid gift wrapping but still enjoy the surprise effect, you should choose a gift with at least two components. The idea: Combine matching gifts into one and wrap them inside each other. Want an example? The cookbook is quickly and easily wrapped with the matching apron. This also works with other things, like a child’s toy and the matching sweater. Creativity knows no bounds here either, and the sustainable gift wrapping will surely create a real wow effect for the recipient.
5. Zero waste gift wrapping – it’s possible without packaging
Whether recycled paper, fabric bags, or upcycling – as long as gifts are wrapped, waste or resource consumption occurs. If you don’t want that, the only alternative is an unwrapped gift. But why not? Not only for St. Nicholas Day is the small unwrapped gift a good idea, as long as it fits in the boot. On Christmas Eve, young and old alike are just as happy about their heartfelt wish, whether it lies wrapped or unwrapped under the tree. To increase the anticipation a bit, parents can, for example, only place the gifts under the tree shortly before unwrapping (which is especially suitable with babies and toddlers). Or you might be lucky that Santa Claus or the Christ Child hands over the gifts directly – then they are well wrapped in the gift sack, and the joy is huge even without packaging!
Sustainable howa gift tips for Christmas for babies and children
If you want to give sustainably, you should choose products made from renewable raw materials like wood instead of plastic toys. The howa range offers a variety of wooden products that are not only very beautiful but also extremely durable due to their sturdy craftsmanship.
A playmate under the Christmas tree: howa pull-along dog “Fidi”
Woof, woof! Who’s rolling over here? Pull-along toys are a classic for babies and toddlers because they accompany the little ones for many years, always age-appropriately. In the baby stage, Fidi encourages crawling, creeping, and exploring (when mom and dad slowly pull him across the floor); later, our pull-along dog accompanies walking toddlers every step of the way. Giving Fidi means choosing a toy with a long and versatile lifespan – a true classic that no child’s room should be without! Here’s the product
howa wooden excavator: an alternative to plastic excavators
Which toddler isn’t fascinated by construction sites and big vehicles like dump trucks, garbage trucks, or excavators? With our wooden excavator, we offer a real alternative to all plastic vehicles on the market. The solid excavator made of high-quality hardwood and profiled rubber tires is the star on every construction site. The cab of the excavator swivels 360 degrees, and the excavator arm moves in three ways. More about the product here
The classic: a wooden play kitchen!
Big oven, stove knobs with a “click” sound, rotating knobs on the faucet, oven with baking tray – that’s how today’s play kitchen should be. We offer a variety of play kitchens made from the natural material wood, which come in different colors and include various functions depending on taste. Besides play value and attention to detail, it is especially important to us that the kitchens are very durable. This way, not only one generation can enjoy them, but they can also be passed on within the family with a clear conscience. How about our stylish play kitchen "FoodieFun"? Here’s the product
Cutting fruit: wooden alternative without plastic
Children love preparing food in the kitchen. With the howa cutting set “Fruit and Vegetables,” parents can choose a wooden alternative that impresses with top quality and many loving details. The knife and cutting board are also completely made of wood. The ideal gift for the howa play kitchen or the market stand! Here’s the product
We wish you a wonderful pre-Christmas season 🎄
Image credits: Stock material pixabay 2019 | Product photos Howa Spielwaren
