The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, gift-giving! But when it comes to wrapping those special presents, there’s no need to resort to flashy, wasteful wrapping paper. This Christmas, why not opt for something simple, elegant, and eco-friendly? Enter brown wrapping paper—(otherwise known as kraft paper) the perfect blank canvas for a variety of festive wrapping ideas that are as creative as they are sustainable.
Brown wrapping paper may seem plain at first glance, but with a little holiday magic, it can be transformed into a stunning, stylish, and personalised way to present your Christmas gifts. From rustic charm to sophisticated chic, this guide will show you how to make your brown wrapping paper the star of the season.
Let’s unwrap some festive creativity, shall we?
Why brown wrapping paper for Christmas?
Before we jump into the ideas, let’s talk about why brown wrapping paper should be your go-to for the holidays:
- Eco-friendly: Brown paper is often made from recycled materials, which means it’s a greener option—perfect for an eco-conscious Christmas.
- Affordable: Compared to high-end wrapping paper, brown paper is budget-friendly, leaving you more to spend on the gifts themselves!
- Versatile: Its neutral colour makes it a perfect canvas for holiday creativity. Whether you’re into classic red and green or more modern minimalist designs, brown paper can adapt.
- Durable: Sturdy enough to hold heavier or awkwardly shaped gifts without tearing.
5 festive ways to wrap with brown wrapping paper
1. Rustic Christmas Charm
One of the easiest ways to give your brown wrapping paper a holiday feel is by embracing a rustic, natural aesthetic. Pair the paper with twine, then add some seasonal elements like a sprig of pine, a cinnamon stick, or even a dried orange slice for a classic Christmas vibe.
How To: Wrap your gift in brown paper, tie it with jute or cotton twine, and tuck a few sprigs of greenery, such as pine or rosemary, under the bow. You can even add a small pinecone or a candy cane for that extra festive touch.
Perfect For: Nature lovers, rustic-themed Christmases, or anyone who appreciates a handmade touch.
2. Stamped Designs
Turn your brown wrapping paper into a winter wonderland with stamped designs. Snowflakes, stars, reindeer, and Christmas trees can add a festive twist while keeping things simple and stylish.
- How To: Choose a stamp (or make one from a potato if you’re feeling crafty) and use white, gold, or silver ink to add snowflakes, stars, or other Christmas-themed designs to your paper. Once dry, wrap your gift and tie it up with a ribbon or twine.
Perfect For: Anyone who loves classic Christmas motifs with a handmade feel.
3. Red Ribbons and Bows
Give your brown wrapping paper the full festive treatment by pairing it with bold red ribbons. The contrast between the simple paper and the bright, luxurious satin ribbon will instantly elevate your gift into something that looks effortlessly elegant.
- How To: After wrapping your gift, tie a large red satin ribbon around it, either as a traditional bow or a modern wrap-around design. You can layer smaller green or gold ribbons on top for a truly festive look.
Perfect For: Holiday parties, Secret Santa gifts, or anyone who loves a classic Christmas colour palette.
4. Chalkboard Christmas
For a creative and modern take, give your brown wrapping paper a chalkboard effect. With white or metallic markers, you can hand-draw Christmas trees, stars, and other festive doodles directly onto the paper. It’s a personal touch that makes each gift feel special.
- How To: Wrap your gift as usual, then draw directly onto the paper using white or silver markers. You can write festive messages like “Merry Christmas” or “Ho Ho Ho,” or draw classic Christmas symbols like snowmen, reindeer, or baubles.
Perfect For: Personalised gifts or when you want to make wrapping a bit of an art project.
5. Christmas candy wrap
Add a playful twist to your brown paper wrapping by incorporating candy canes, festive sweets, or small ornaments into the design. The contrast between the simple paper and the vibrant, colourful candy will delight the lucky recipient.
- How To: After wrapping your gift, use ribbon or twine to tie a candy cane or chocolate Santa onto the package. You can also sprinkle some festive confetti inside the wrapping paper for an added surprise when they open it!
Perfect For: Kids, sweet lovers, and anyone who appreciates a playful, festive surprise.
Bonus tips for wrapping with brown paper this Christmas
- Personalised name tags: Cut out small tags from extra brown paper and write the recipient’s name in a festive font. Attach with twine or ribbon for a charming touch.
- Layer it: Layer brown paper with smaller pieces of holiday-themed wrapping paper for a creative, layered look that stands out.
- Gift toppers: Use small holiday ornaments as gift toppers. Not only do they look great, but they also serve as an extra little gift!
Conclusion
This Christmas, embrace the beauty of brown wrapping paper and let your creativity flow. From rustic charm to colourful pops of holiday cheer, brown paper provides a versatile and eco-friendly way to make your gifts feel extra special. Whether you’re going for minimalist elegance or all-out festive fun, there’s no limit to how you can transform this humble paper into stunning Christmas wrapping.
At Carrier Bag Shop, we’ve got all the brown wrapping paper you need to make your Christmas gifts look fabulous – while staying friendly to the planet. So grab your twine, your ribbon, and maybe a few pinecones, and get wrapping!