How To Reuse Leftover Packaging & Wrapping Paper This Christmas

With the festive season comes a marked increase in clutter (and we’re not talking about the decorations). As deliveries arrive and boxes are unpacked, you might be wondering what, exactly, you can do with so much cardboard and bubble wrap – and how you can repurpose all the wrapping once Christmas is over. Here are a few clever ways you can use leftover packaging and wrapping paper.

How To Use Up Leftover Wrapping Paper & Packaging

It’s a familiar sight as Christmas comes closer: tangles of sellotape, piles of gift tags, and mountains of cardboard that you don’t know how to get rid of – not to mention all the scraps of wrapping paper that you’re left with once the big day has come and gone. Aside from creating rather a lot of stress, this festive phenomenon also generates an enormous amount of waste: the UK uses nearly 340,000 tonnes of cardboard packaging and 108 million rolls of wrapping paper every year, and much of this is destined for landfill. So, how can we reuse all of this paper and packaging? Here are some handy tips.

What To Do With Cardboard & Packaging

Turn Paper Into Compost

Paper and packaging might not seem like much use in the house, but it’s a brilliant addition to your garden: simply rip it up and use it as compost or mulch.

‘Shred leftover paper from packaging (especially if it’s non-recyclable) and spread it in your garden or around your plants,’ advise the experts at Rainbow Rubbish Removals, a London-based waste management service. ‘This helps retain moisture and prevent weed growth; it will break down over time and enrich your soil. If you have a compost pile, you can also add the shredded paper to it – just avoid glossy or heavily-inked paper. 

Repurpose Old Boxes

Bulky boxes may be a pain, but you never know when they’ll come in handy – especially if you’re planning a New Year clearout. ‘Recycle large boxes by turning them into donation sorters,’ says the team. ‘Label each box with a specific category and keep them all in a convenient spot for easy access. This makes it easier to declutter and donate old items at the end of the holiday period.’

Use Bubble Wrap As Insulation

‘Bubble wrap can be put to good use in both your home and garden,’ the team continues. ‘You can line drafty windows and greenhouse walls with bubble wrap to create an insulating blanket, or use it as a cover for potted plants to protect them from frost.’

How To Reuse Wrapping Paper

Make Confetti

If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve decorations, why not turn old wrapping paper into confetti? ‘You can use it for upcoming New Year parties, as a filler for gift bags, or simply to decorate cards and craft projects,’ the experts explain. ‘It’s the perfect way to add a festive, personal touch to anything you make. It also doubles as eco-friendly packing material when shipping presents.’

Use Cards As Gift Labels

Before you toss all of your Christmas cards in the recycling bin, try repurposing them: look ahead to next Christmas and cut them up to make gift tags. ‘You can punch a hole in the paper, write a personal message on the back, and use it to add charm to presents,’says the team. ‘It’s an excellent way to recycle the beautiful artwork, photos, or designs from the cards while keeping the holiday spirit alive in future gifts.’

Make A Festive Phone Case

If you’ve got a clear phone case and some scissors, you can chop up your favourite wrapping paper and pop it in the back of your phone to give it a charming, festive touch. ‘You can then change the paper as often as you want without wasting money on a whole new case,’ the team adds.