Okay, the gifts have been bought and now it’s time to wrap…my favorite part of gift-giving. There just doesn’t seem to be enough planet-friendly, readily available off-the-shelf options today, but with a little ingenuity, you can wrap those gifts thoughtfully without adding to those ever-growing landfills. Here are a few suggestions.

(above) Made in the USA, BOBO Wrapping Scarf is a fabric-based option which allows you to wrap, carry and reuse in eco chic style. You’ll find a wonderful array of solids and unique designs as well as an entire book illuminating just how-to do it. It would be even nicer if the fabric itself were either sustainable or recycled.

(above) Shrapps also offers pretty fabric-based gift wrap that can be re-used. The pink and blue dot wraps are on sale now through Christmas Day. Or check out their various Collections where you’ll find different sizes and patterns & solids grouped together. Again, if only the fabric were more sustainably made…maybe next year.

(above and below) Phoenix-based, Ecosaurus – has beautiful, luxuriously thick, ecofriendly gift wrap made in the USA:  their gift papers are made from 100 percent recycled paper and they’re recyclable as well. So when you’re done either wrapping or unwrapping the present, you can salvage some scraps for re-use and toss the rest in the recycle bin.

The graphics are printed with vegetable-based inks. This hip gift wrap, as well as their lovely greeting and note cards are FSC-Certified and Green-e Certified. And take note — the recycled card boxes can be either repurposed for storage or gift-giving. Products ship within 1 – 3 business days. find savings of 40% now through December 31, 2010 @ ecosaurus.com or look for them in shops around the country.

And last but not least – you can always Do It Yourself – either make your own wrapping paper if time allows, or wrap that gift in some pretty material or a scarf that you already own. Another creative way to wrap is to tie in the wrap with the gift itself. (A basket, bowl or box can be part of the wrap – pretty ribbon or a reusable bow may be all that you need.)

Time to fill that wine glass and have a wrap party!

Related:  previously on altCon, (12.01.08)
Gift Wrap the Eco Way