By the end of this list you’ll have twenty easy ways to wrap a gift using things you probably already have lying around. No fancy paper required, lol!
I scrolled through hundreds of pins for this one and kept only the ideas that actually look good in real life. Half of the wrapping trends out there look pretty on a screen and messy on an actual table, am I right?
So these twenty earned a spot because they’re doable, they’re cheap. They use things like twigs, twine. Paper you’d otherwise toss.
Natural wrapping is having a moment right now and honestly it deserves it. It looks intentional without trying too hard.
It skips all that shiny plastic paper nobody needs.
Some of these take five minutes. Others ask for a little patience, but nothing here requires special tools or a trip to a fancy craft store.
Grab some paper, raid the backyard. Let’s get into it!
NATURAL GIFT WRAPPING
Brown Paper And Twine
Brown paper and twine is the one everybody starts with. For good reason.
It’s the these equivalent of a plain white tee; it works with literally anything you put on top of it.
Wrap the box in plain kraft paper, wind the twine around twice. Knot it off. Simple as that.
Read also: 20+ Minimal Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas That Impress More
Dried Flowers On Packages
Dried flowers tucked under the ribbon turn a plain box into something someone wants to keep. Baby’s breath is the easiest one to work with since it holds its shape for months.
Tape a few stems flat against the paper before you tie the ribbon over them. That way nothing shifts in transit.
This is the wrap I’d copy first if I only had time for one on this list.
Eucalyptus Sprig Accents
A single eucalyptus sprig does more work than a whole bouquet somehow. Tuck one under the bow and the whole package smells faintly minty for days.
Read also: 18+ Stunning Dried Flower Decor Ideas That Transform Any Room
It also dries beautifully if the recipient leaves it on the shelf, so it’s basically a bonus gift.
Burlap Fabric Wrapping Idea
Burlap has that slightly rough texture that makes everything look a little rustic and a little expensive at the same time. Odd combo, but it works.
Wrap it the way you would fabric, folding the corners in and cinching with cord. Fraying edges are a feature here, not a flaw.
Pressed Leaves Decoration Style
Pressed leaves make a package look like it came from a botanist’s desk. Flatten a few maple or oak leaves under heavy books for a week before you use them.
They crack easily once dried, so handle them gently when you glue them on. Worth the wait, honestly.
Cinnamon Stick Bundles
Cinnamon stick bundles smell like the holidays before anyone even opens the box. Tie three or four sticks together with jute and slide them under the ribbon.
It’s a small detail, but people always comment on it first. Not bad for something that costs about a dollar.
Pinecones As Gift Toppers
Pinecones as gift toppers sound almost too simple, but they add height and texture that flat ribbon just can’t. Hot glue one to a wooden pick and press it into the bow.
They hold up in the mail too, so this isn’t just a display-only idea.
Jute String Wrapped Gifts
Jute string is the workhorse of this entire list. It’s rough, it’s cheap.
It never looks fussy no matter how many times you wrap it around a box.
Layer two or three strands in different thicknesses for a bit more visual interest.
Not the flashiest option here, but it might be the most reliable one.
Recycled Newspaper Wrap Design
Old newspaper deserves way more credit as a wrapping material. The faded ink gives it a vintage look that new paper just can’t fake.
Comic strips work great for younger recipients. The classifieds section looks surprisingly sharp on a plain box.
Talk about recycling done right.
Wildflower Bouquet Gift Topper
A wildflower bouquet tied to the top of a gift turns wrapping into an actual bouquet delivery. Two gifts for the price of one, basically.
Wrap the stems in a damp paper towel before you attach them so they survive the trip. This is the wrap that gets photographed before it even gets opened.
Fabric Scrap Furoshiki Wrap
Furoshiki wrapping uses fabric instead of paper. Once you learn the folds you’ll never want to buy wrapping paper again.
A leftover scarf or a square of cotton works perfectly.
It takes a little practice to get the knot right, but nobody will know it’s your first try.
Sprig Of Rosemary Tie
A sprig of rosemary tucked under the twine adds an herby scent that feels fresh instead of sweet. It reads a little more grown-up than flowers, if you ask me.
This one pairs especially well with plain linen wrapping, so keep that combo in mind.
Wooden Bead Garland Trim
Wooden bead garland adds texture without adding a single ounce of glitter. String the beads on jute cord so they knock together softly when the gift gets picked up.
It doubles as an ornament afterward, which is a nice little bonus nobody expects.
Autumn Leaves And Twine
Autumn leaves and twine reads as the natural evolution of the brown paper look, just with a seasonal twist. Grab a few crunchy leaves from the yard on your way inside.
They won’t last forever, but for one gift exchange they’re perfect. Fair warning, they do shed a little.
Berry Branch Gift Accent
A berry branch tucked into the bow brings a pop of red without needing a single ribbon of that color. Winterberry or holly both work great here.
It’s the kind of detail that photographs beautifully but takes about ten seconds to add.
Handwritten Kraft Paper Tags
Handwritten kraft paper tags beat store-bought gift tags every time, no contest. A torn strip of kraft paper, a hole punch. A pen are the entire supply list.
Add a little doodle if you’re artistic. If you’re not, block letters look just as charming, lol!
Moss Covered Gift Box
A moss covered gift box looks similar to something out of a woodland cottage. It’s oddly satisfying to make.
Hot glue sheet moss directly onto the box before you add ribbon.
It hides any dents or dings in an old box too, which is a nice trick to know.
Citrus Slice Wrapping Accent
Dried citrus slices bring in color that nothing else on this list quite matches. Orange rounds especially look so pretty against plain brown paper.
Read also: 19+ Scandinavian Winter Decor Ideas That Transform Your Home
Dry them low and slow in the oven overnight so they don’t turn brittle or moldy later.
Feather Embellished Gift Wrap
Feathers feel unexpected on a wrapped gift, which is exactly why they work. A single one tucked into the twine adds movement that flat paper can’t give you on its own.
Read also: 20+ Nordic Birthday Morning Ideas That Transform Mornings
Craft store feathers are cleaned and safe to use, so skip anything found outside.
Linen Ribbon Bow Detail
Last but definitely not least, we have the linen ribbon bow. Linen has this soft, slightly wrinkled texture that looks put together without looking stiff.
Tie it in a loose bow instead of a tight one for the most natural shape. This is the finishing touch that ties every other idea on this list together.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Frida