12 Ways to Recycle Leftover Gift-Wrapping Paper

A gift is about so much more than just what's inside. There's the trimmings, of course—ribbon to be tied and toppers to be embellished—and the package itself. (Will you choose a box, a bag, or something else entirely?) Last but not least, there's the gift wrapping paper.

It's easy to find yourself with an excess of it after packaging presents for a birthday party, a baby shower, or the holidays. And while you could always save it for the next occasion by ironing it on low and rolling it back on the tube, storing wrapping paper—even rolled up neatly—can feel like a chore. Whether it's contained in an organizational hutch with the rest of your crafts supplies, a handy grab-and-go-anywhere bucket, or an under-the-bed roller, the paper often goes unused. Consider this the perfect time to get organized, have all of your gift-wrapping supplies in order, and use the excess to inspire a new project.

Leftover gift-wrapping paper can be cut, folded, and rolled out in any number of crafty ways: use remnants to make party decorations, stationery and cards, personalized home décor, and organizational solutions. Nothing ever need go to waste when you think creatively. Cut the scraps into a stately banner, mail them out in a set of custom stationery, or decorate tins and cans into colorful office supplies. Try a practical—and pretty—paper runner for the table. You can even wrap a collection of party favors in the same or similar wrapping paper for a cohesive presentation on the plates. It's almost like receiving a paper-packaged gift twice.

Cut wrap into triangles, stick them to seam binding, and display for your New Year's shindig.

Hosting a family meal? Cut strips and wrap around your reusable flatware for your next cookout or dinner party.

How about two recycling ideas in one for your zero-waste ambitions? Wrap recycled tin cans in paper to store pencils, pens, and scissors.

Here's a thought: Even the smallest scraps of wrapping paper can be reused. Feed them through a shredder to create packaging paper for shipping gifts to friends and family.

No need to buy bookmarks when you can just use leftover gift wrap to create one. Cut a rectangle from an old cereal box and glue on the wrap.

Similarly, why not use the same idea for covering books? Wrap your favorite tomes to look pretty on a shelf. And it's not just for looks—the wrapping protects the delicate covers of your favorite novels.

Need a catchall for paperwork, desk supplies, or other odds and ends? Make decorative box labels and color-code them by subject.

Too pretty to recycle? Hang it on the wall—or a whole set of them in a gallery wall—for a graphic touch.

Make a card from your leftover paper, and mail it to show your appreciation for someone.