Gift-Wrap: Think Outside the Wrapped Box

Looking to get a little greener this Christmas and save some green, as well?

As co-founder of YourDailyThread, Tracy Hepler provides great tips on green living in LA  -- and now she shares her insights with us on how to be greener when it comes to wrapping holiday gifts:

Explore eco-friendly options. "For some, beautiful gift wrap is just as important as the gift. There are lots of eco-friendly options (like the picture above sold at Green Field Paper), but why not consider using what you've already got?  Maybe it's old newspapers, magazines, shoe boxes, or even gift wrap you received the year before -- there are tons of ways to be creative about how you present your gifts."

Save what you have. "Try to save the gift wrap, bows, and ribbons you receive to use next year. Often, if you remove the wrapping carefully enough, you can get a second or even third use out of it."

Less is more. "You can also try thinking small: Sometimes a simple holiday ribbon is all you need to wrap a box or a set of books."

Get crafty. "See what paper and other scraps you've got lying around: old fabric, shopping bags, maybe even a canvas bag you don't really use. Add a little flair with rescued ribbons, or get creative and color or paint. This could be a lot of fun if you've got little ones and need a craft idea. (It's fine, too, if you want to just unleash your own inner child and play.)"