Giving gifts during the holidays is a joyful tradition, but it can also create a lot of waste. One simple and creative way to reduce your environmental impact is by making upcycled gift tags. These are not only eco-friendly, but it also adds a personalized and homemade touch to your presents.
Here are some tips for turning everyday materials into beautiful holiday gift tags.
Gather Your Materials and Supplies
Start by looking around your home for items you already have. Old greeting cards, cereal boxes, brown paper bags, or last year’s holiday wrapping paper can all serve as the base for your tags.
You will need scissors, a hole punch, string or twine, and markers or pens for decorating.
Cut Out the Tag Shapes
Cut your chosen materials into small rectangles, circles, or classic tag shapes with angled corners.
You can trace an old tag or use a template to keep them consistent. The sturdier the paper or cardboard, the better it will hold up when tied to a gift.
Decorate with Creativity
Use bits of ribbon, leftover fabric, buttons, or twine to embellish your tags.
You can stamp or draw festive designs or write holiday messages and greetings.
If you’re using old cards, cut out designs from the front to repurpose as mini artworks on your tags.
Punch a Hole and Add String
Use a hole punch to make a small hole at the top of each tag, then thread through some twine, yarn, or a scrap of ribbon. This will make it easy to tie your tag to a gift or holiday bag. Natural twine or raffia gives a lovely, rustic touch that pairs beautifully with kraft paper wrapping.
Eco-Friendly Finishing Touches
When wrapping your gifts, pair your upcycled tags with recyclable or reusable materials such as brown paper, fabric wraps, or old newspaper pages. This keeps the entire gift presentation sustainable while still looking charming and festive. You can also attach things like small pine cones or sprig from a pine tree.
