How to Plan a Plastic Free Christmas with Eco Stationery and Gift Wrap

Christmas is a time of joy, creativity, and connection, but it can also be one of the most wasteful times of year. Between layers of plastic packaging, glitter covered cards, and single use decorations, much of what we use during the festive season ends up in landfill.

Planning a plastic free Christmas doesn’t mean giving up on beauty or tradition. It simply means making more thoughtful choices, ones that are kinder to the environment while still full of warmth and celebration. With a little preparation, you can create a festive season that feels special, sustainable, and full of meaning.

At Making Meadows, we believe that Christmas can be just as beautiful without the waste. Our paper, wraps, and cards are designed to be cherished and recycled, not thrown away. Here are our favourite ways to enjoy a plastic free Christmas using eco stationery and sustainable wraps.

Start with Sustainable Wrapping

Traditional wrapping paper is often coated with plastic or foil, which makes it impossible to recycle. Choosing recycled or uncoated paper is one of the simplest ways to cut down on festive waste.

Look for paper that has no finish and can be recycled after use. A roll or sheet of high quality, illustrated paper not only looks elegant but also feels personal. You can finish it with ribbon, twine, or a reusable fabric bow instead of plastic tape or metallic ribbon. Why not have a look at our Washi Tape Collection which is the perfect alternative to plastic tape. 

If you enjoy crafting, try adding your own touches. A sprig of rosemary or a dried orange slice looks beautiful tucked under a bow. Reused paper or even old maps and sheet music can be turned into charming wrapping with a little imagination.

Choose Cards That Can Be Recycled

Greeting cards are a simple way to spread love at Christmas, but many contain glitter, laminate, or plastic packaging. When choosing your cards, pick uncoated designs printed on recyclable paper.

Cards that are plastic free can be fully recycled, helping to reduce waste after the holidays. If you receive glittery or coated cards, consider cutting out the front illustrations to reuse as gift tags next year.

Sending handwritten cards is a tradition we treasure at Making Meadows. Taking a few quiet moments to write by hand brings connection and thoughtfulness back into the season.

Wrap Without Waste

Small changes in how you wrap gifts can have a big impact. Here are a few ideas:

1. Use paper washi tape instead of plastic sticky tape.

2. Choose reusable gift bags or boxes for items that are difficult to wrap.

3. Save ribbons, bows, and string from previous years to use again.

4. Create matching sets by pairing wrapping paper with coordinating tags and cards.

These details help your gifts feel cohesive and considered, while still being environmentally responsible.

Gift Thoughtfully and Sustainably

A truly plastic free Christmas is as much about the gifts themselves as it is about the wrapping. Choosing gifts that are useful, lasting, or handmade helps reduce waste and supports small businesses.

Stationery makes a wonderful gift for anyone who enjoys writing, journaling, or sending letters. A personalised writing paper set, notebook, or eco gift wrap bundle is practical, beautiful, and plastic-free. You can also build small themed gift boxes that include stationery, a pen, and a handwritten note to make the present feel even more personal.

Thoughtful gifts have a lasting impact and are far more memorable than anything mass-produced.

Decorate Naturally

You can extend your plastic free mindset into your decorations too. Try making simple garlands from dried fruit, foliage, or paper cutouts. Switch tinsel for string lights and wooden ornaments. Or opt for paper decorations that can be recycled once their life comes to an end.

Nature offers endless inspiration. Pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or sprigs of holly can bring warmth and scent into your home without the need for synthetic materials. Handmade paper stars or origami ornaments add a charming touch that can be reused year after year.

When the festive season ends, these natural decorations can be composted or stored away to use again next year.

The Beauty of a Simpler Christmas

Planning a plastic free Christmas is about slowing down and reconnecting with the heart of the season. It encourages creativity, thoughtfulness, and care. When we take the time to wrap gifts beautifully, write cards by hand, and decorate with natural materials, the process becomes as meaningful as the celebration itself.

At Making Meadows, we design every piece of stationery and wrap with the hope that it will be enjoyed, reused, and remembered. A simpler Christmas is not about having less; it is about appreciating more - the people we love, the moments we share, and the planet we all call home.

Shop Our Christmas Collection Now.

Making Meadows x