Eco Friendly Festive Christmas Gift Wrapping

We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up from eco friendly vintage wrappings to recycling pretty jars. Here’s our sustainable, zero waste gift wrapping alternatives to create some original and thoughtful gifts this season.

japanese furoshiki gift wrapping

Have a go at Japanese Furoshiki wrapping - traditional Japanese wrapping cloths were used to wrap and transport goods but as with many Japanese philosophies it had to have a beautiful aesthetic. Use a vintage scarf or some vintage or preloved fabric to wrap your present and give a gift within a gift. A beautiful eco friendly alternative to wrapping paper that will create a Christmas present to be treasured.

Time to sparkle

Tis the season to sparkle and vintage brooches are the perfect way to add a little extra to both Christmas outfits and gift wrap. Attach a vintage brooch to your finished gift when wrapped, either pinned or with recycled ribbon, and your love one receives a beautiful original piece.

Brooches can be easily converted to necklaces using brooch converters or jump rings, making them even more wearable.

edible gifts

Create the perfect homemade gift made in vintage vessels - vintage jars, mason jars and pretty recycled jam jars adorned with ribbon and upcycled with a sprig of foliage can house a multitude of homemade delicacies from chutney to christmas biscuits or gingerbread. Short of time, simply cheat it and dip mini pretzels into gently warmed chocolate and they make the perfect edible eco friendly gift.

paper wrapped presents

A return to the simple but beautiful, homemade decorations of Christmas past. Brown paper wrappings and string are still a wonderfully simple option that look nostalgic, especially with a sprig of foraged foliage or a decadent ribbon added. Embellish with candy canes, your own artwork or let the kids go wild with some potato printing.

Old vintage magazines, newspapers and sheet music also make brilliant low waste gift wrappings and you can tailor make to suit personalities and hobbies. Pair with paper tape and pop in the recycling when done or flatten and keep to reuse next year.

GIVE A LITTLE, GET A Lot

Giving never felt so good when your wrapping is zero waste and guilt free. Take it to the next level and go completely packaging free with one of our Gift Cards for a perfectly practical gift that won’t be left in the back of the cupboard. Our Gift Vouchers can be used towards any frames, accessories or glasses repairs.

All that’s left is to enjoy something mulled, pop on a Wonderful Life and give yourself over to the festivities.

Wishing you all peace and joy.

Jo

Pair your eyewear with vintage jewellery

If there’s one thing we love more than eyewear, it’s vintage jewellery and the two make perfect partners. Team your eyewear with authentic vintage and preloved jewellery - we’ve teamed up with jewellery experts William May Jewellers to get their take on the hottest retro jewellery styles to wear with your vintage frames.

Aviators, squares and hoops

For an authentic 70s luxe look (think BBC’s The Serpent), pair your oversized Aviators with classic gold hoops. Oversized thin hoops or smaller creole hoop earrings both work well with aviators and other 70s large wire and acetate frames.

gold creole and skinny hoops from William May

Oversized 80s frames with big bold jewellery

If you want to channel the Lady Gaga’s look from House of Gucci (and frankly who wouldn’t) go with oversized round or square glasses from the late 70s and 80s, team them up with chunky yellow gold jewels.

Big bold chains are having a moment, are oh so retro and are best-sellers at William May, from classic yellow gold, to chains set with sparkling crystals.

chunky gold chains from William May

And to complete the full on House of Gucci look, go for big yellow gold bracelets, dress rings and chunky gold earrings.

vintage gold selection from William May

I’m currently obsessing over gold jewellery and I’d be happy waking up to any of these in my stocking on Christmas morning.. or you could just treat yourself.

Jo