Sustainable gift giving

Here are some ideas I've tried over the years to reduce waste, upcycling and reusing where possible.

1. Add your personality to blank cards.

Inject a personal touch and a swathe of colour using inks or watercolour. A simple way of customising a card for special occasions.

Credit: Wrapt Collective

2. Reuse large tabloid newspapers as wrapping paper

Accent it with slivers of normal wrapping paper, or draw your own simple pattern on plain Kraft.

3. Simple plain kraft paper with handwritten embellishment

Where possible, reduce on inks, employ twine or jute for ribbons and enjoy a minimal aesthetic.

Credit: Tearfund card range

4. Simplicity in biodegradable raw materials

Go for unembellished paper, card off-cuts and calico fabric. Prints made by hand can save a little time.