This summer happened to be a whirlwind of weddings--they came and went so quickly that we're not sure how we managed to keep up with the details. Sound familiar?
The one thing we were sure to do was keep it green. Jump below to read a few gift-giving tips.
For giving gifts, we tried to buy the most sustainable thing on the registry, and then went all eco-conscious with the wrapping.
The first thought is a gift bag: people tend to save these and re-use them. It's even better when you give a recycled one. We found 100% recycled bags at Cost Plus/Whole Earth in beautiful earthy tones.
If you can't get away from wrapping, try getting creative around the house and reusing paper bags to create the Sound of Music "Brown paper packages tied up with strings" look. Also, you can order organic and recycled paper online. We like Paporganics and Fish Lips Paper Designs
Of course, don't forget Etsy! The site is full of recycled, organic, handmade gift accessories that would add a beautiful touch to whatever you're giving. We especially like Invited Ink with their use of veggie ink, and Bombus, who's "Saving the planet through decoupage!"
And...what about skipping the gift wrap all together, and putting together a gift basket? For one engagement party, we bought a color-coordinated basket for the kitchen and stuffed it with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, coffee mugs, dish towels, and a trivet. No wrapping needed, and everything in the basket could be used and re-used.
Have any more wedding gift tips?
Photos, clockwise: Invited Ink Spring Notes notecard; Paporganics giftwrap; gift bags purchased at Cost Plus.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Believe it or not, having a registry is green. It helps the couple get stuff they actually want/need. (It didn't entirely help me because lots of people didn't register their purchases, so I got way too many towels in peridot. oh well...)
view whytephoenix's profile
Great post, I enjoyed the ideas and sources. thx!
view Lizzykewl's profile
Whenever we go to a wedding, a Christmas party, or anything that requires a wrapped gift, we use newspaper. It might sound tacky, but if you find a sheet that's covered in mostly text or find a page with pictures/words that particularly remind you of those people, it works. And if you use colored twine or a ribbon re-used from someone else's gift, it looks cool.
Plus, when we were unwrapping the gifts we got from our wedding, we were always thankful for those people who had wrapped their stuff simply. We became blind to what the wrapping was after awhile because there were so many gifts.
view Kate The Great's profile