12 Ways to Recycle Leftover Gift-Wrapping Paper

By Roxanna Coldiron
December 23, 2010
Don't let excess go to waste. Even the smallest bits of pretty paper be repurposed into something equally beautiful and practical. We like to cut, shred, and refold wrapping paper to seal cellophane bags of treats, wrap packages, and make festive garlands, party trays, and other décor.
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Get Ideas for More Leftover Supplies

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.

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Display a Party Banner

Get More Last-Minute Party Decorations

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

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Make Napkin Rings

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

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Spruce Up Your Office

Get More Recycled Crafts to Go Zero-Waste

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

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Protect Valuables

See What Else You Can Recycle From Craft Supplies

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.

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Make a Bookmark

Get More Handmade Gifts for Book Lovers

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.

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Protect Books

Check Out the Books We're Reading in 2019

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.

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Get Organized

Get 3 Steps to an Organized Junk Drawer

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

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Frame It

See More Brilliant Ways to Decorate a Blank Wall

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

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Say Thanks

Make a Card for Any Occasion

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

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By Roxanna Coldiron