You've chosen the perfect handmade candle or bath gift set, and now it's sitting on your kitchen bench, waiting to be wrapped in something that doesn't undo all your thoughtful, sustainable choices. If you've been searching for eco friendly gift wrapping ideas, you're not alone. More Australians are rethinking the wrapping paper aisle, and for good reason.
Around 8,000 tonnes of wrapping paper end up in Australian landfills each Christmas alone. Most of it is lined with plastic, coated in foil, or dyed with non-recyclable inks, meaning it goes straight to waste after about 90 seconds of unwrapping. That's a hard number to ignore when you care about what goes into the products you buy and the packaging around them.
At Coorong Candle Co., we pour every candle and blend every bath product with eco-friendly, natural ingredients, so we pay attention to how gifts are presented, too. Below, we've pulled together 11 sustainable wrapping methods that look genuinely luxe without relying on single-use plastic or wasteful materials. Each idea is simple enough to do at home, whether you're wrapping a single travel tin or a full indulgence gift set.
1. Choose a ready-to-gift Coorong gift set
The simplest eco friendly gift wrapping idea is to skip wrapping entirely by choosing a gift that arrives presentation-ready. Coorong Candle Co. gift sets are packaged with care, so the unboxing becomes part of the experience, and you don't need a single sheet of plastic-coated paper to make it feel thoughtful.
What you need
You need a Coorong Candle Co. gift set and nothing else. The sets come pre-assembled with products like soy candles, reed diffusers, and bath bombs grouped together in curated combinations. There is no additional wrapping material required from your end, which means zero waste from your kitchen bench to the recipient's hands.
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Once your gift set arrives, add a handwritten card tucked underneath or beside the products. If you want to personalise it further, tie a short length of natural jute twine around the outer packaging, or press a small dried flower stem against the side before tying it off. Both options add a finishing touch without introducing plastic or synthetic materials.
A handwritten note does more work than any bow, and it adds nothing to landfill.
Best for
This option works best for last-minute purchases when you don't have time to source sustainable wrapping materials. It's also the strongest choice for gifts sent by post or courier, since you're not adding extra layers that could shift, scrunch, or tear in transit. Regional collection sets like the Barossa Valley or Kangaroo Island packs already carry their story through the presentation, so no extra decoration is needed to make them feel complete.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
Coorong Candle Co. gift sets are available directly through coorongcandleco.com.au, with Australia-wide shipping on orders over the threshold noted at checkout. Prices vary depending on set size and what's included, but the ready-to-gift presentation is built into the product, so you're not paying separately for packaging. For anyone who wants a genuinely waste-free option from the start, this is the most straightforward path available.
2. Wrap with furoshiki cloth
Furoshiki is a Japanese wrapping technique that uses a single square of fabric to enclose almost any shape neatly. It's one of the most practical eco friendly gift wrapping ideas because the cloth is not discarded after unwrapping. The recipient keeps it and uses it again, making it a gift within a gift.
What you need
You need a square piece of fabric in cotton, linen, or lightweight canvas. Aim for a 50cm to 70cm square for standard gifts like a candle or a small box. Suitable options include:
- Pre-cut furoshiki cloths in printed designs
- Cotton remnants cut from fabric you already own
- A clean, flat tea towel in a solid colour
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Place your gift face-down in the centre of the cloth with the pattern facing down. Bring two opposite corners up and tie them in a flat knot at the top, then tuck the remaining corners neatly underneath for a clean finish.
The knot becomes the decoration, so no ribbon, tape, or adhesive is needed at any point.
Best for
This method works especially well for box-shaped and cylindrical gifts like candle jars and travel tins. It also suits recipients who will value the reusable cloth as a practical part of the gift itself.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
Furoshiki cloths start from around $8 to $15 AUD at homewares stores and fabric retailers nationwide. Spotlight and local independent fabric shops also carry affordable cotton remnants if you prefer to cut your own square from scratch.
3. Use a scarf or bandana as wrap and gift
A scarf or bandana takes the furoshiki idea one step further by making the wrap itself a core part of the gift. This is one of the most personal eco friendly gift wrapping ideas you can use, because the recipient walks away with something wearable, not just a candle sitting in discarded paper.
What you need
You need a lightweight scarf or cotton bandana large enough to fully enclose your gift. A standard 50cm square bandana handles a travel tin or bath bomb pack comfortably. Larger scarves work well for full candle jars or multi-product sets where you need more coverage.
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Lay the scarf flat and place your gift in the centre, then gather the fabric upward and tie the corners into a loose knot or neat bow at the top. Tuck any loose ends underneath to keep the shape tidy and intentional.
Matching the scarf colour to the recipient's taste makes the wrapping feel considered rather than improvised.
Best for
This approach works best when you know the recipient's style and colour preferences. It's ideal for gifting candles or bath products to someone who will actually wear or use the scarf afterward, making the entire package genuinely waste-free from first look to final use.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
Cotton bandanas are available at markets, op shops, and homewares retailers across Australia from around $5 to $20 AUD. Op shops are the most sustainable and budget-friendly source, and you'll often find better patterns there than in chain stores.
4. Sew or reuse a drawstring fabric bag
A drawstring bag is one of the most reusable eco friendly gift wrapping ideas you can make or find at home. Unlike single-use paper, a fabric bag gets used repeatedly by the recipient, whether for storing small items, packing a lunch, or carrying things around in a handbag.
What you need
You need a drawstring bag in cotton or linen, either one you've sewn from fabric scraps or one you already own and no longer use regularly. A bag with a 15cm to 30cm opening handles most standard candle travel tins or bath bomb packs without forcing the gift inside awkwardly.
- Cotton fabric cut to size (roughly 30cm x 40cm per bag)
- A length of jute twine or cotton cord for the drawstring
- A sewing machine or needle and thread if making your own
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Place your gift inside the bag, pull the drawstring tight, and tie it in a neat bow at the top. For a finished look, tuck a small sprig of dried lavender or rosemary under the bow before handing it over.
The bag signals care and intention before the recipient even reaches inside.
Best for
This works best for cylindrical or compact gifts like travel tins, bath bombs, or single candles. It's also a strong choice for repeat gifters who can collect and reuse the same bags across birthdays, housewarmings, and holidays throughout the year.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
Ready-made cotton drawstring bags start from around $3 to $8 AUD each at homewares retailers and op shops nationwide. Fabric stores like Spotlight sell cotton remnants cheaply if you'd prefer to sew your own from scratch.
5. Wrap with kraft paper and a simple fold
Kraft paper is one of the most reliable eco friendly gift wrapping ideas you'll find, and it's widely available across Australia. It's fully recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable, which makes it a genuine low-waste swap from plastic-coated rolls.
What you need
You need a roll of brown kraft paper and a length of natural twine or raffia to secure the fold. That's it. The simplicity is the point, and most craft and stationery stores stock kraft rolls in widths that cover everything from a small travel tin to a full gift set.
- Brown kraft paper roll (60gsm or heavier holds its shape well)
- Natural jute twine, cotton string, or raffia for tying
- A sprig of dried eucalyptus, rosemary, or native flowers for finishing
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Cut your paper to twice the length of your gift so you have enough to fold the ends cleanly. Fold each end flat rather than scrunching it, creasing the corners firmly with your finger so they sit flat against the parcel. Tie your twine around the centre and knot it at the top.
A clean, flat fold does more for the presentation than any printed pattern or ribbon.
Best for
This method suits rectangular and square gifts like boxed candles or indulgence sets. It also works well for anyone who prefers a neutral, minimal aesthetic over something decorative.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
Rolls of kraft paper start from around $8 to $15 AUD at Officeworks, Spotlight, and most newsagents. A single roll covers multiple gifts, making it one of the most cost-effective sustainable wrapping options you can keep at home year-round.
6. Turn paper shopping bags into gift wrap
Paper shopping bags are one of the most overlooked eco friendly gift wrapping ideas sitting in your home right now. Most people fold them flat and stack them in a drawer for months without using them again. Repurposing them as gift wrap gives each bag a second life before recycling, which keeps more material out of landfill without requiring you to buy anything new.
What you need
You need a paper shopping bag large enough to contain your gift, plus a length of natural twine or cotton ribbon to tie it off. If the bag has printed branding on the outside, turn it inside out to reveal the plain kraft interior, which looks far cleaner and more intentional as a wrap.
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Place your gift inside the bag, fold the top edge down twice in neat, even folds, and crease each fold firmly so it lies flat. Punch two small holes through the folded flap, thread your twine through, and tie it in a knot or bow at the front.
A double fold at the top gives the bag a structured, considered finish that looks deliberate rather than improvised.
Best for
This method works best for boxy or irregularly shaped gifts that don't sit well in flat-wrapped paper. It's also ideal for gifting at short notice when you already have everything you need at home.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
This option costs nothing if you reuse bags you already have. Fresh kraft paper bags are available at most newsagents and craft stores from around $1 to $3 AUD each.
7. Wrap with newspapers, maps, or magazine pages
Printed paper you'd otherwise send to recycling makes for one of the most characterful eco friendly gift wrapping ideas on this list. Old newspapers, road maps, and magazine pages all carry visual texture and personality that plain paper doesn't, and they cost nothing beyond what you already have at home.
What you need
You need a few sheets of newspaper, a page from an old road atlas, or a double-page magazine spread with strong visuals. Avoid heavily coated glossy pages where possible, as they take longer to break down at end of life. You also need a length of natural twine or cotton ribbon to finish the parcel.
- Old broadsheet newspaper pages
- Pulled pages from a surplus road atlas or travel magazine
- Natural jute twine or recycled ribbon for tying
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Lay your chosen pages flat and wrap your gift the same way you would with kraft paper, folding the corners cleanly and creasing each edge firmly with your finger. Choose pages with bold typography or strong graphic layouts for the best visual result, then tie your twine tightly around the centre and finish with a simple knot.
The print on the paper becomes the decoration, so no additional embellishment is needed to make it look intentional.
Best for
This technique works best for casual, creative gifts or recipients who appreciate a personalised, low-waste approach. Flat and rectangular parcels hold their shape better than bulky or rounded objects when wrapped in loose-sheet paper.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
This option costs nothing if you use paper you already have at home. Op shops and local libraries often hold surplus maps and back-issue magazines available for free or a small donation.
8. Reuse shipping boxes and dress them up
Cardboard shipping boxes pile up fast, especially if you order online regularly. Turning them into gift containers is one of the most practical eco friendly gift wrapping ideas on this list because you're using something that already exists in your home, extending its life before it reaches the recycling bin.
What you need
You need a clean, sturdy shipping box that fits your gift without too much empty space rattling around inside. A box that held a previous online order works well, provided it's in reasonable shape with no major creases or damage. Gather the following before you start:
- Brown kraft paper or plain tissue paper to line the inside
- Natural jute twine or cotton ribbon to tie around the outside
- A dried flower stem, eucalyptus sprig, or small native branch for finishing
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Remove any old labels and turn the box inside out if the exterior carries heavy branding, so the plain cardboard faces outward. Line the inside with your tissue or kraft paper before placing the gift, then close the lid and wrap your twine tightly around the box lengthways and widthways, finishing with a knot at the top.
Tucking a small sprig of dried greenery under the knot lifts the whole presentation without adding any waste.
Best for
This works best for candles, diffusers, or multi-product sets that already have a box-like shape. It's also a strong choice for heavier gifts that need structural support during transport or handling.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
This option costs nothing if you reuse boxes you already have at home. Fresh plain cardboard gift boxes are available at Officeworks and most newsagents from around $2 to $6 AUD each.
9. Use glass jars and reusable tins
Glass jars and decorative tins are among the most practical eco friendly gift wrapping ideas you can use when the gift itself is small enough to sit inside one. The container becomes part of the gift, and the recipient keeps it for storage, pantry organisation, or display long after the original contents are gone.
What you need
You need a clean glass jar or decorative tin with a lid that closes securely. Mason jars, preserving jars, and vintage biscuit tins all work well. Fill any empty space inside with natural tissue paper, shredded kraft paper, or dried botanical material like lavender or eucalyptus leaves to cushion the gift and add visual texture.
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Place your gift inside the jar or tin, then pack the gaps with natural filler so nothing shifts during handling. Tie a length of jute twine around the lid or rim and finish with a simple knot. Tuck a small dried flower or herb sprig under the twine before handing it over.
A clean jar with a well-tied knot looks more considered than most commercial wrapping options available in stores.
Best for
This method suits small, compact gifts like bath bombs, single candles, or travel tins. It's also a strong option for recipients who cook or organise, since they'll put the jar or tin to use immediately.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
Mason jars and preserving jars are available at Kmart, Big W, and most supermarkets from around $3 to $10 AUD each. Decorative tins are often found at op shops for $1 to $4 AUD.
10. Use baskets and trays as the container
Wicker baskets and wooden trays are among the most visually generous eco friendly gift wrapping ideas on this list. They do the structural work of a box while adding warmth and texture that flat-wrapped paper simply cannot replicate, and the recipient keeps and uses the container long after the gift is gone.
What you need
You need a wicker basket, rattan tray, or wooden serving board large enough to hold your gift without it looking lost inside. Gather the following before assembling:
- Natural filler material such as shredded kraft paper, dried moss, or crumpled tissue paper to fill the base
- A length of jute twine or cotton ribbon to tie across the top
- A small sprig of dried native botanicals for finishing
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Line the base of your basket or tray with a generous layer of natural filler, then nestle your gift on top so it sits at a visible height rather than sinking below the rim. Arrange any additional items like a small candle alongside the main gift for balance, then drape a length of jute twine across the front of the basket and tie it into a simple knot.
A filled basket always looks more intentional than a half-empty one, so match the basket size to the gift before you start.
Best for
This option works best for multi-product gift sets like a candle paired with a reed diffuser or bath bombs grouped together. It suits housewarming and celebration gifts where the presentation needs to feel generous and considered.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
Wicker baskets and rattan trays are available at Kmart, Target, and most homewares stores across Australia from around $6 to $20 AUD. Op shops regularly stock both in good condition for $2 to $5 AUD.
11. Decorate with foraged greenery and dried citrus
Natural decoration is one of the most overlooked eco friendly gift wrapping ideas you can apply at home, and it works on top of almost any base wrap you've already chosen. A few sprigs of eucalyptus or a slice of dried orange cost next to nothing and transform a plain parcel into something that looks genuinely considered.
What you need
You need foraged greenery and dried botanicals gathered from your garden, local park, or nearby bushland. Focus on materials that dry well and hold their shape without wilting:
- Fresh eucalyptus, rosemary, or native wattle sprigs
- Dried orange or lemon slices (slice thinly and dry in a low oven at 80°C for two to three hours)
- Pinecones, seed pods, or dried lavender stems
- Natural jute twine to attach everything securely
Steps that keep it looking luxe
Tie your jute twine firmly around your wrapped parcel and tuck your greenery and dried citrus underneath the knot before pulling it tight. Layer a larger eucalyptus sprig first, then place a smaller dried citrus slice on top so both are visible from the front.
The layering of textures, rough twine against smooth dried fruit against soft greenery, does all the visual work without any synthetic material involved.
Best for
This finishing technique suits any wrapped gift regardless of the base material you've chosen. It works especially well on kraft paper or fabric wraps where the natural tones complement each other.
Cost and where to source it in Australia
Foraged greenery costs nothing if you gather it yourself. Dried citrus slices are inexpensive to make at home, and jute twine rolls are available at most hardware and craft stores from around $4 to $8 AUD.
A simple low-waste wrap plan
Every eco friendly gift wrapping idea on this list works on its own, but the most effective approach combines two or three together. Choose your base wrap first, whether that's kraft paper, a furoshiki cloth, or a reused shipping box, then layer in a natural finish like dried citrus or foraged greenery on top. That combination covers the structure and the decoration without introducing a single piece of plastic from start to finish.
If you want to remove the wrapping challenge entirely, start with a gift that arrives ready to give. Coorong Candle Co. indulgence gift sets come beautifully presented with soy candles, reed diffusers, and bath bombs grouped together in curated sets, so the presentation is already done for you. Add a handwritten card, tie a short length of jute twine around the outside, and your gift is complete before you've touched a single sheet of paper.