Main image by Lay Baby Lay

Whether you've run out of wrapping paper, want to be kinder to the planet or fancy doing something different, here are 5 ideas that are a little outside the box. 


Image by Moss Eclectic

1. Scour the house for a newspaper or if you no longer buy these relics, visit your local newsagent; they're always happy to offload yesterday's press. Foreign newspapers and magazines also add personality and an interesting talking point. Add brown paper string and a sprig of something fresh and you'll be winning points for style and sustainability. 


Image by Emily Leary for @amummytoo
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2. Rip out the pages of your kids' colouring books or use their old paintings. Now that the school year's over, you'll have a stack that will surely need culling. 


Image by Make Calm Lovely

​3. Cut up your old paper shopping bags and decorate them with stamps, ribbon, string, buttons or interesting objects to add festive colour. 


Image by Ruth Black for Stocksy

4. Still holding on to maps or street directories? We know you hoarders are out there. It's time to get ripping and wrapping.

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Image by My Poppet

​5. Raid your drawers for colourful scarves, tea towels and napkins (preferably unstained). Old rolls or samples of wallpaper also make great alternatives.