In my earlier post about how to have a green Christmas, I mentioned that I was going to be using Wal-Mart’s reusable bags as my go-to holiday wrapping this year. Well, I’d like to revise that statement a bit and offer up additional wrapping alternatives that don’t involve traditional wrapping means.

I wrapped one of my daughter’s Christmas presents in what looks like regular old snowman-themed paper, but it’s actually a flannel sheet, part of a set of flannel sheets I’m giving her as a present (I don’t mind telling her that part of the present). Here, I’ve used the flat sheet to wrap the present. (In case you’re wondering about this, I was going to wash the sheets before I used them the first time anyway, so who cares if they get a little dirty sitting under the tree.) And the ribbon I’ve used? Left over from a present someone had received in the past and which I’d saved.

If you can’t get to Wal-Mart to get a reusable bag, why not create your own reusable bag as a gift bag. Get plain canvas bags from a craft store, and have your kids decorate them to their heart’s delight. Then place the presents inside. (This would be a great way to package your child’s gift to family members.) Similarly, you can use one of those brown paper grocery bags that you get at the supermarket (if you’re still taking bags from the supermarket), and have your child decorate that bag as his or her wrapping.

Can you use part of a present as part of your wrapping–like I did with the flannel sheet above? You can take a sweater, scarf or another article of clothing that you’re giving someone, and tuck other gifts inside. Use recycled ribbon like I did, from a former present, to finish off the gift. Or if you haven’t saved any ribbon, visit a local thrift shop to see if they have any “vintage” rolls of ribbon that you can reuse this Christmas.

If you really can’t do without traditionally wrapped gifts, at least consider using wrapping paper made from recycled paper. This Green Guide story on “green wrap” offers ideas on where you can find these kinds of holiday supplies.

I’m sure there are plenty of other ways to go wrapping-free this holiday season, and if you’ve got suggestions, I’d love to hear them. Better yet, if you’ve blogged about this topic and have posted a picture of greenly wrapped gifts, include a link. I’d love to see how your green and creative wrapping techniques come to life.