Using Wrapping Paper Scraps
Cleaning out wrapping paper often leaves a pile of small scraps that feel too useful to toss. Those leftover ends and odd-shaped pieces accumulate quickly and can be frustrating to organize. Recently I decided to finally tackle the mess and find practical ways to use the bits instead of letting them take over a closet.
Create patchwork gift wrap from scraps. Rather than trying to wrap small presents with tiny pieces, consider making a quilt-style cover for a larger gift. Arrange the scraps like fabric squares and tape or glue them onto a base paper or tissue-wrapped package. This turns many small pieces into a single, decorative sheet that looks intentional and festive. It’s a great solution when you have a large present—like something from an out-of-state relative—that needs a bit more wrapping than those tiny scraps alone can provide.
Save large retail bags for practical reuse. When buying coats, bulky toys, or other big items, ask for an extra-large bag to take home. These sturdy bags make excellent trash can liners and can reduce the number of disposable trash bags you need to buy. They’re a simple, eco-friendly swap that uses resources you already have.
Tawra
Turn a cherished scrap into a focal accent. If you have a small piece of wrapping paper with a pattern or character you love, it’s easy to incorporate it into a larger wrapping scheme. Wrap the gift in plain tissue paper or a solid-colored paper, then carefully cut out the favorite section of the scrap and glue it to the surface as a decorative panel. This preserves the special piece while allowing you to wrap any sized present neatly.
Make themed gift sacks for kids. Small, beloved scraps can become fun, reusable gift sacks. For example, cut out motifs—like snowmen or Santa—from the scrap and glue them to plain brown paper bags to create simple “Santa” sacks. Fill them with treats or small toys for grandchildren or neighborhood kids. It’s a charming way to use treasured scraps without wasting them on tiny packages.
Choose special scraps selectively. Not every leftover piece needs to be repurposed. Save the most distinctive or meaningful scraps for decorative accents and projects, and recycle or discard the rest if necessary. A few well-chosen pieces can add personality to a gift without creating more clutter.
Jill
Photo By: voxtheory