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10 Creative Uses for Leftover Wrapping Paper

Do you have piles upon piles of wrapping paper leftover at the end of the holiday season? Once the presents are opened, does that fancy wrapping paper just head to the recycling bin or into a trash bag to collect dust? Well the good news is it doesn’t have to! Did you know there are still ways to use that leftover wrapping paper even after it has been used? Take a peek below at 10 creative uses for leftover wrapping paper that you can try this holiday season.

1. Make fire starters.

Take a cardboard toilet paper roll and stuff it with the leftover wrapping and tissue paper. Then, wrap up the roll in the paper and secure with a piece of tape. The fire starters can be displayed next to your fireplace. Just light and toss in when needed.

2. See if a local pet shelter can use it.

Shredded paper is often needed as bedding for small animals such as rabbits, gerbils, and hamsters. Call your local pet shelter to see if they can use any of the paper for this need. If so, shred it up and drop it off! The animals are sure to love it.

3. Use it for package cushioning.

Do you ship items often? Leftover wrapping paper is great for keeping those packages safe. Just shred the paper and use it as stuffing/cushioning in the box. Or, wrap it around the items before placing it in the box.

4. Make your own festive art.

Find frames from your local dollar store and use it to frame segments of the paper. There are so many fun patterns of wrapping paper these days, and this is a fun and cheap way to make some instant wall art. It is also a great way to remember a particular holiday!

5. Use it for decoupage.

Wrapping paper can make a colorful finish when used in decoupage projects. Use it to decorate table tops, wall art, bottles, plates, and other items. Just tear, apply the glue product (I love using Modge Podge for this type of stuff), smooth the paper out, and add a top coat. So easy!

6. Donate it to a local art program.

School and community art programs are always looking for art supplies. See if a program in your area can use the leftover paper for collage projects. They also might be able to put your bows and ribbons to use as well.

7. Save it for scrapbooking.

Cut out samples of your favorite pieces and use them in your scrapbooks. It is a great way to remember the holiday and even see how styles change over the years. Don’t forget to date the scraps on the back so you can always remember which holiday they were from.

8. Make mini notes.

Save the paper to write mini inspirational notes on. Just cut the paper into small strips and write positive messages on them. They are perfect for stuffing in lunch boxes, pockets, glove compartments and more.

9. Let the kids go nuts with it.

You will be amazed at what kids can create out of your leftover wrapping paper. Give them the paper, leftover bows, ribbon, and even the cardboard tubing. They will love crafting their own sculptures and showing them off to you! You can even pose a challenge to them and make a contest out of it.

10. Use it as flower pot filler.

Save your leftover wrapping paper to use as flower pot filler in the spring. Bunch up the paper and place it in the bottom of your flower pot to help with drainage and allow you to use less soil. It is a great way to keep your plants healthy and save money.  I like to mix rocks in there also.  Works like a charm!  Have you seen our raised garden bed article yet?  If not, it’s a must read!

 

Did you ever think there could be so many uses for your leftover wrapping paper? Give these tips for using leftover wrapping paper a try and see what a difference they can make.