We’ve all been there—unwrapping a gorgeous gift and then… chucking all the packaging into the recycling (or worse, the bin). But what if we told you that gift packaging doesn’t have to be single-use?
We love making the most of what we already have—and that includes all those lovely ribbons, tissue paper and boxes. So here are three of our favourite ways to upcycle your gift packaging and turn it into something beautiful and useful.
1. Turn Ribbons into Drawer Fresheners
Those silky or rustic ribbons that come tied around gift bundles? Don’t toss them! Use them to tie up small bundles of dried lavender, rosemary or eucalyptus. Pop one in your sock drawer, wardrobe or linen cupboard for a natural, gentle scent boost.
Bonus: If you’ve received a wax melt in your gift, crumble a little into a muslin square and tie it with ribbon to make your own mini scent pouch.
2. Reuse Boxes as Mini Storage
Small boxes (especially the sturdy, kraft paper kind) are perfect for organising drawers, shelves or desks. Use them to corral jewellery, washi tape, tea bags or stationery. You can even cover them with fabric scraps or leftover gift wrap for a coordinated look.
Top Tip: Add a little handwritten label to the front using one of our recycled gift tags for an aesthetic, homemade feel.
3. Craft Gift Tags or Bookmarks from Cardboard
Got a beautiful card back or a thick gift box lid? Cut it into rectangles to make your own gift tags or bookmarks. Punch a hole, add twine, and decorate with stamps, doodles or pressed flowers. It’s crafty, cost-effective and totally charming.
A Few Extra Ideas:
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Use shredded tissue paper as filler in future gift boxes.
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Wrap empty jars in leftover paper and ribbon for pretty tealight holders.
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Save bows or tags to reuse on future gifts—zero shame in that game!
Final Thought:
Upcycling gift packaging is such a lovely way to extend the life of something beautiful—and it’s kind to the planet, too. Whether you’re reusing a ribbon or transforming a box into something useful, it’s all about finding joy in the little things.
So next time you’re unwrapping a Benny and Mollie parcel, remember: the gift wrap is a gift in itself.