Alternative to wrapping paper which can’t be recycled?

[LampShadeHeid]

Morning all.
I’m looking to get organised for Christmas this year. Thankfully, we’re not doing too many gifts for friends and family as it’s all just such a waste. The families have opted for a secret Santa this year and Most gifts will be in the form of gift vouchers.
I’ve done a family calendar for each couple which I would like to wrap up pretty but I’m struggling to find a nice wrapping paper which would pass the scrunch test (obviously not able to test in shops). I did find a love paper in Aldi which just looked like brown parcel paper, but it was then ruined by it being embellished in glitter.
I wondered if it would look naff if I just made my own out of brown paper and I saw a lovely idea with decorating it (in lieu of ribbon) with colourful embroidery thread.

What other ideas have people got for gift wrapping this year?

I just use brown paper and string. For Christmas and birthdays ... for the kids I write messages on in coloured pens, and draw stuff they like. Adults just get the message.
I'm not being ethical though ... Just cheap haha

B&M have a 6m X 75cm roll of recycled brown paper for £1.49.

I'm going to use that and decorate with red and white string and maybe stamp some stars or snowflakes on it.

I use brown paper. I've experimented with stamps and find the cheap foam stamps work better than the wooden block type ones. It can end up looking a bit naff imo unless your really arty (im not). I've also tried writing on it with coloured pens which is good for kids. I think just brown paper and sting probabaly looks the most professional. I like the brown paper u get from the pound shop . I brought some from hobby craft and i didnt like it. You can get recyclable paper on ebay but its stupidly exspensive.

We're using brown paper and I've made some Pom poms out of old wool which I'm thinking I'll attach to some string and tie round.

I also saw ikea have massive rolls of white paper which would be good for wrapping.

Brown/white/newspaper wrapping can look so pretty imo!

Love the idea of the Pom poms!

I'm considering making gift bags out of fabric offcuts this year - stay with me - it's just two hems and two straight lines to make a sack. Then tied with a piece of ribbon.
Can be used over and over again.

We use brown paper which goes on the compost heap. Tied with Christmassy ribbon which gets used year after year - I use a generous amount so we don't get lots of fiddly bits, and I make large bows if it's too long for any particular present.

I like the idea of reuseable bags though, will definitely consider that. I can imagine me saying to someone - "Keep the present but give the bag back for next year."

Paperchase have some recyclable wrapping paper, I particularly like the Christmas sharks.

www.paperchase.com/en_gb/christmas/wrap/3-for-2-christmas-wrapping-paper/3m-shark-christmas-roll-wrapping-paper.html

Tin foil!!!! You don't have to use tape either 😂😂

We have used brown paper and coloured ribbon this year and I've got some Santa ribbon to use on DSD's presents.

The shark paper is fantastic!

I'm just using brown paper and coloured ribbons. Each family member has a different colour ribbon l, then another colour for everyone else. Only labelling the 'others'

Most wrapping paper is recyclable though? Ive checked what our local people recycle and as long as it passes the scrunch test (you can scruch it up /it isn't foil) then you can recycle it!

Brown paper is usually more expensive than cheap wrapping paper too. I've paid £1 for 6m in a local shop.

Most wrapping paper is recyclable though?

It really depends on your local council. Where I used to live you could recycle it as long as it passed the scrunch test. Sadly where I live now the local council don't recycle wrapping paper.

B&M have a 6m X 75cm roll of recycled brown paper for £1.49

I'm going to use that and decorate with red and white string and maybe stamp some stars or snowflakes on it.

That's really good to know about B&M and such a good idea about the stamps. I'll have to bare (or is it bear??) That in mind for next year. Won't be able to get to Hobbycraft before Christmas this year to get any stamps.