10 Creative Ways to Use Christmas Gift Paper in Family-Friendly Home Decor

Tired of the same old holiday wrapping but don’t want to throw away those beautiful rolls of Xmas gift paper? What if we told you that these festive prints could do more than just wrap presents? From DIY wall art to charming table settings, your leftover Christmas gift paper can double as a budget-friendly home decor tool. Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or enjoying a quiet holiday with your little ones, these ideas will help you spruce up your space while keeping things kid-safe and merry.

Table of Contents

• Why Christmas Gift Paper Belongs in Your Holiday Decor
• 1. Make Festive Banners and Garlands
• 2. Create Reusable Wrapping for Future Gifts
• 3. Frame It Up: Wall Art from Gift Wrap
• 4. Dress Up Tableware with Coasters and Placemats
• 5. Craft Ornamental Accents
• 6. Custom Gift Tags & Labels
• 7. Line Shelves or Drawers Seasonally
• 8. Make Kids’ Holiday Crafts
• 9. Design a DIY Advent Calendar
• 10. Use as Backdrop for Photo Displays
• Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Xmas Gift Paper
• Conclusion: A Greener, Merrier Holiday Starts at Home

Why Christmas Gift Paper Belongs in Your Holiday Decor

We all buy stacks of Xmas gift paper during the holidays, only to toss it out after one use. But here’s the secret: many types of gift paper are printed on heavier cardstock or have glossy finishes that make them perfect for crafting and decorating. Plus, with so many patterns available — from traditional plaid to whimsical reindeer — you’re sure to find something that matches your home's holiday vibe.

1. Make Festive Banners and Garlands

Create a handmade look by cutting triangles or scalloped shapes from your favorite Xmas gift paper. String them together with twine or ribbon for an instant banner that adds holiday cheer to any room. Bonus points if you involve the kids!

• Tools needed: Scissors, hole punch, string/ribbon
• Best for: Living rooms, playrooms, mantles
• Tip: Laminate pieces for durability if you want to reuse them next year.

2. Create Reusable Wrapping for Future Gifts

Wrap gifts using fabric (like furoshiki) or boxes and tie with ribbons. Then use cutouts from gift paper as decorative tags or bows! This method reduces waste and keeps your holiday gifting eco-friendly.

Reusable Wrapping Method	How to Use Gift Paper	Eco Benefits
Fabric wraps	Use paper cutouts as name tags	Zero-waste gifting
Boxes	Cover box lids with patterned paper	Paper is reusable

3. Frame It Up: Wall Art from Gift Wrap

Add temporary holiday flair to your walls by framing small sections of gift paper. Use inexpensive frames from thrift stores or dollar shops for a budget-friendly update.

• Ideal for: Entryways, stair landings, or dining areas
• Pro tip: Combine multiple papers for a gallery wall effect.

4. Dress Up Tableware with Coasters and Placemats

Cut squares of sturdy gift paper and laminate them to create temporary holiday coasters. You can also line large placemats with paper inserts to instantly elevate your holiday table setting.

5. Craft Ornamental Accents

Make mini wreaths, paper snowflakes, or even tree ornaments using gift paper. Layer different textures and colors for dimension.

• Age range: Suitable for ages 6+
• Materials: Glue, scissors, wire loops (for hanging)

6. Custom Gift Tags & Labels

Instead of buying pre-made gift tags, cut small circles or stars from gift paper. Punch holes and attach with baker’s twine or colorful yarn.

Tag Shape	Style	Bonus Tip
Stars	Minimalist	Add metallic marker names
Circles	Rustic	Use jute twine ties

7. Line Shelves or Drawers Seasonally

Give your storage spaces a festive lift by lining shelves or drawers with Xmas gift paper. Perfect for toy bins, kitchen cabinets, or bathroom drawers during the holidays.

8. Make Kids’ Holiday Crafts

Let the kids go wild with safe, easy crafts like paper chains, crowns, or reindeer antlers made from gift wrap. It’s a great way to keep them busy and add adorable decorations around the house.

• Kid-friendly tools: Safety scissors, glue sticks
• Ages: Preschool to elementary school

9. Design a DIY Advent Calendar

Use different pieces of gift paper to create pockets or doors for a homemade advent calendar. Each day reveals a new surprise!

• Materials: Cardboard tubes, felt, clothespins
• Decoration tip: Add pom-poms or glitter glue for extra sparkle

10. Use as Backdrop for Photo Displays

Drape a piece of oversized Xmas gift paper across a wall or behind your fireplace mantle to serve as a photo backdrop. It’s a simple way to make holiday photoshoots feel curated and cozy.

• Perfect for: holiday cards, Zoom calls, Instagram stories
• Tip: Use removable tape to hang without damaging walls

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Xmas Gift Paper

Not all gift papers are created equal — especially when repurposing them for home decor. Here’s how to choose wisely:

Types of Xmas Gift Paper

• Metallic Foil: Adds glamour and shine. Great for modern or luxury-themed homes.
• Kraft-Based: Eco-friendly and rustic. Ideal for farmhouse or minimalist interiors.
• Glossy Finish: Reflects light well; perfect for photography backdrops or shiny ornaments.
• Patterned Prints: Think reindeer, snowflakes, candy canes. Versatile for both kids’ crafts and adult spaces.
• Recycled Papers: Environmentally conscious option that still looks festive.

Key Features to Look For

Feature	Description	Benefit
Thickness	Measured in GSM (grams per square meter)	Thicker = better for crafts and reusability
Print Quality	Vivid, high-resolution images	Looks sharp when framed or used decoratively
Color Fastness	Won't bleed or fade quickly	Preserve your decor longer
Eco Certifications	Look for FSC-certified or recyclable options	Good for green homes

Recommended Products

If you’re looking for top-tier gift papers that are both stylish and functional, check out these picks:

• The Luxe Collection – Gold Foil Edition: 200GSM weight, vibrant gold foil printing, ideal for framing or glam displays.
• EcoWrap Naturals – Recycled Kraft Roll: 100% recycled content, earth tones with minimalist holiday motifs. Great for rustic setups.
• Snow & Sparkle Metallic Set: Includes silver, gold, and rose gold foils. Perfect for making reusable gift tags or photo backdrops.
• MiniMerry Mini Rolls: Pre-cut smaller rolls great for small crafts, kids’ projects, or gift tags.
• Holiday Storytime Pack: Themed with Santa, elves, and gingerbread houses. Perfect for nurseries or children’s play areas.

Conclusion: A Greener, Merrier Holiday Starts at Home

This holiday season, let your creativity shine by thinking beyond the bow. With a roll of Xmas gift paper, you can decorate your home, craft meaningful memories with your family, and reduce waste — all while spreading some festive magic. Whether you’re making garlands, framing artwork, or creating a DIY advent calendar, these ideas prove that beauty doesn’t have to come from store-bought décor. So dig into that stash of wrapping paper, grab the kids, and start turning trash into treasure today!

Remember: The best holiday decor is the kind that brings smiles, sparks joy, and gets reused year after year. Happy decorating!