I love wrapping presents with beautiful paper and bows. Sometimes I buy special wrapping paper for specific gifts (like the matching pajamas we all open up on Christmas Eve) or wrap everything in paper that matches the theme of our tree. But when the presents have all been unwrapped, the paper just goes into the trash can. It’s a little sad. Not to mention the bits of leftover paper on the rolls. If there is a lot of paper left over on a roll, I’ll save it for next year. But if it’s just a bit of paper, it isn’t really worth storing in my closet for the next eleven months. What’s a mom to do? Get crafty! I’ve been looking for fun things to do with leftover wrapping paper this year, and I have a few great ideas to share with you.
Fun Things To Do With Leftover Wrapping Paper
1. Paper Bows: Save the bits of leftover wrapping paper on the roll that isn’t enough to wrap a full gift, and use it to make bows for your other gifts!
2. Origami: This is a fun project for your kids to do during their Christmas break. There are a lot of great kid-friendly origami books and tutorials out there, so find a few that are age appropriate for your kids (and a few harder ones for the grown-ups, too), and let them learn a new skill.
3. Mini Trees: Roll pieces of wrapping paper into cones and make mini paper trees. These can be cute table decorations for a last minute centerpiece or use the trees for place cards.
4. Book Covers: If your kids need to cover their school books for the new semester, leftover wrapping paper is a great way to do it. For this, I would stick to paper that isn’t super obviously Christmasy.
5. Confetti: Cut up or shred all of your leftover wrapping paper to make confetti for your New Year’s Eve celebration. You can make homemade confetti poppers or you can just bring out a box full of confetti and let everyone toss a few handfuls as the ball drops.
6. Christmas Cards: I’ll admit, this one does involve saving the paper, but if the paper has been used, it can be folded away neatly in a small box. Wrapping paper can be a great material for making homemade Christmas cards or invitations to your Christmas party next year.
And what about the leftover wrapping paper tubes? I know exactly what to do with those! Everyone in the family chooses a tube, and you go out in the backyard for an epic sword fight. Whoever’s wrapping paper tube lasts the longest is the winner!
If your family does anything fun with leftover wrapping paper, I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to share your ideas in the comments or tag @Sleeplessmom on Instagram in any of your fun wrapping paper craft projects.
Jessica — Mom of Sophie & Jake
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