5 DIY Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap Ideas: Package Toppers

You will love this idea if you look for creative ways to wrap your Christmas gifts and save money. Y’all know I’m a fan of recycling scrap fabric, so I decided to make some sustainable, recycled gift-wrap package toppers using scrap fabrics. These eco-friendly wrapping ideas are budget-friendly and super easy to make. The reusable gift wrap toppers are also great for stylish tree ornaments.

These free projects can be done using scrap fabric, foraged tree stems, and recycled cardboard. See how to create all five of these unique package toppers.

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For today’s project, I’m focusing on using scrap fabrics instead of purchased bows and ribbons to decorate your Christmas packages. You’ll also notice that the packages are wrapped in kraft paper made from sustainable materials, which is biodegradable and can be recycled. Kraft paper doesn’t have to be boring; it comes in various colors, and with these easy package toppers, your gifts will look amazing.

How To Make Scrap Fabric & Twig Christmas Trees Package Toppers

The first project is creating a cute scrap fabric Christmas Tree to decorate your holiday packages.

You will need several strips of scrap fabric and a twig your desired length. I also used some rustic craft stars and simple, lightweight wire, which I already had. Adding the star and wire is optional; however, the package decoration can double as a tree ornament.

Begin using short pieces of scrap fabric and tie the wire and star to the top of the wooden twig. If desired, you may also add a drop of hot glue to the wire to secure it more firmly.

Continue to tie scrap fabric pieces to the stick and secure the wire as you go. Allow each piece’s length to increase as you go down the stick.

Push them upward as you tie each piece, covering the twig completely. Continue until only a small amount of the twig is uncovered. Trim excess fabric to form the shape of a Christmas Tree.

Add a piece of jute twine to tie the Christmas Tree package topper to the craft paper-wrapped gift. The recycled fabric tree can be reused on next year’s packages or used as an ornament for next year’s Christmas tree.

In addition, you can create this eco-friendly wrapping idea by alternating the fabric colors of your choice.

How To Use Recycled Cardboard To Make Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap

Next, I’m using recycled cardboard to make an eco-friendly DIY package topper. The fun thing about this option is the shapes are unlimited, and you can get creative when decorating your packages.

For this project, you need cardboard from any box or container, scrap fabrics, and a hot glue gun. You can use Elmer’s Craft Glue, but it requires more drying time and more time to assemble.

Begin by cutting the cardboard into the shape of a Christmas Tree in the desired size. Depending on your package needs, you can make several different sizes.

Next, add a small twig to the bottom of the tree-shaped cardboard with a drop of hot glue.

Then, add hot glue to the end of the scrap fabric and secure it to the cardboard. Begin to wrap the fabric scrap around the cardboard-shaped tree, twisting the material as you wrap.

Secure the end of the scrap fabric at the top of the tree with hot glue.

Prepare the optional star to attach to the top of the scrap fabric Christmas Tree and attach it with hot glue.

Finally, attach the backside of the tree to a piece of jute twine and tie it to your gift package.

Candy Cane Gift Wrapping DIY

You can add a candy cane-shaped recycled gift wrapping DIY by cutting the shape of a candy cane from recycled cardboard.

Wrap the candy cane cardboard like you did the Christmas Tree, securing the ends with hot glue and twisting the material as you wrap.

You can also add the star hanger to the top of the candy cane to use as a tree ornament. Attach the jute twine to the backside of the candy cane and tie it around your holiday gifts.

How To Make A Christmas Package Topper Wreath

Another fun DIY gift wrap package decoration is a small wreath.

You will need some floral wire or recycled wire if you have it. Make a small ring with the wire and twist the ends together. Then, tie short pieces of fabric to the ring.

Tie short pieces of fabric tightly around the ring until it is full. Trim excess material to shape the wreath. Then, wrap jute twine around two sides of the wreath to attach to the top of your package.

How To Wrap a Package in Scrap Fabric

Another great way to use up scrap fabric for eco-friendly gift wrapping is to use larger pieces to wrap the entire package.

Prepare the Fabric Scrap

Cut your fabric into pieces, covering the items you wish to gift wrap. Wash the fabric to fray the edges, dry, and press any wrinkles. Use fabric strips to tie the material around the package.

To wrap, place the package on the center of the wrong side of the fabric with straight edges facing the fabric corners.

Gather the corners of the fabric together and tuck short ends inside. Use the fabric strips to tie it together. Pull ends and fluff. Isn’t that a cute package?

Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas

Didn’t they turn out great? I love each one of the designs.

These 5 sustainable gift wrap ideas are easy-to-make and cost-effective ways to decorate your packages this holiday season. They are reusable gift wrap toppers you can save from year to year.

In addition, there are so many options for creating unique package toppers. By changing the fabric or shape of the design, you can achieve a brand-new look.

I hope you’ll try these eco-friendly ideas this holiday season.

Tree Ornaments

Don’t limit yourself to the package toppers; they look adorable as Christmas tree ornaments. You can create unlimited designs and use fabrics that match your current colors. See more sustainable Christmas Tree decorating ideas here.

These ornaments were last year’s recycled package toppers. They make great hostess gifts and can be attached to a bottle of wine or candy box. Let me know if you have made any of these. I’d love to see your creative ideas.

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