Low cost, environmentally friendly gift wrapping ideas going viral

Gift wrapping hacks to save money

The cost of holiday gift-wrapping continues to increase only for the paper and bags to end up in the trash. FOX 26 Consumer Reporter Heather Sullivan has ways people can save money on gift-wrapping and save the environment.

HOUSTON - Does it feel like the cost of wrapping presents can sometimes cost as much as the gift?

The wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, gift bags, add up fast. Then most of it just ends up in a landfill once the gifts are opened. Some folks are turning the tables and going viral on social media with gift wrapping ideas that are low cost and have lower impact on the environment.

"I bet I can wrap this present in under 30 seconds," said Amanda Niccum, known as The Curvy Porch Chick on TikTok.

Not good at wrapping gifts? No problem. She's one of several TikTokers demonstrating reusable, cinchable gift bags.

"You cinch this up. You cannot see the gift inside, no need for tissue paper. It even comes with twist tie tags you can reuse," said Niccum.

The posters say they're buying bundles of these bags at bargain prices from retailers such as QVC, Amazon, and Walmart.

"In 2024, we are stepping up our gift wrapping game with these Christmas tote bags," said TikToker Haileen Carvalho. She's touting reusable Christmas totes that she reports are sturdier and cheaper than paper gift bags.

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"These come out to be even cheaper than $1.25. They are square, they are wide, and have a flat bottom, which I love," said Carvalho.

"My family is going to be so happy when they see how cute my gifts are wrapped, and I did it on such a cheap budget," said Erika Vanderlaan on TikTok.

One deal that dollar stores are known for is for having gift wrapping essential at dirt cheap prices.

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"They have everything you could possibly need: gift tags, gift boxes, bags, and bows. I spent $20 or less and I got a ton of stuff," said Vanderlaan.

"Now is the time to save all the paper that comes in your packages. It makes for the cutest gift wrap and a more sustainable option," said Krystalynn Gier in a video on TikTok.

Some creators like Gier are creating sustainable styles, reusing brown packing paper.

"I like to cover it with a ribbon. You can also use twine, herbs, or personal touches of stamps or hand-drawn elements," Gier said, showing examples of gifts wrapped with each.

"Wrapping paper is a scam and Big Christmas doesn't want you to know this hack," said an environmentalist on TikTok who goes by @tiny_waste.

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She demonstrates her family tradition that saves money and helps to save the planet. "Instead of wasting your hard-earned cash on wrapping paper that will be thrown away immediately after use, wrap your presents in cloth that can be reused every year," she says, wrapping gifts in fabric with Christmas prints.

No cutting paper. Definitely cutting waste.

"Isn't this wrapping beautiful?," she asks with her wrapped gifts under the tree.

One more tip, when buying wrapping paper, is to choose solid colors or non-holiday specific wrapping paper that can be used for multiple occasions. You'll have less waste and have to buy paper less often.

Sullivan's Smart Sense News Consumer Houston Holidays