It was when I took the gift from my sister out of the delivery bag that I saw the tea towel wrapping. Clever girl was my immediate thought followed by a "I need another Christmas tea towel too," I placed the creative present under the tree and wondered what was inside. I just love the guessing part to unopened presents!

Why didn't I think of non-paper gift wrapping for Christmas gifts? My answer is that I have always bought rolls of paper that are in every supermarket, big variety stores, newsagents and thrifty stores. My parents like all good parents modelled this but then in those days 'save the trees' was not a recurring slogan floating into our living rooms.
There are very sound fun reasons for gift wrapping. Like, the surprise element, it gives the giver an extra sense of joy to see the receiver's delight at holding a present in pretty paper with ribbons and bows for a nano second before the unwrapping starts.
So while I am definitely not going to give up wrapping my gifts because I really love this part of the present process. I am seriously going to try to think of adding alternatives to wrapping little presents next year. Perhaps I can use pretty floral material, recycling paper decorated with ribbons and bows and the fantastic and practical tea towel idea.
Maybe I will gather some more ideas from clever arty friends and family.

Happy Monday
This is Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentia

Really nice! I admire those who have a such feeling (and talent) to make so lovely presents.
So do I and hope that I can develop the skill too.
That is a clever idea! I have been buying rolls of brown paper made of recycled materials and stamping it myself. But I love the towel idea! I have drawers full of linens that could use a new home.
What a clever idea Melinda to use the linen we already have. I may steal this one if you do not mind.
Now I'm wishing I still had more Christmas gifts to wrap!
Great idea angiemitchell, I haven't seen that done before.