Looking for an eco-friendly way to wrap a gift for that special someone this holiday season? Instead of reaching for some store-bought wrapping paper, go back home and grab your own newspaper! Newspaper can make a great, environmentally safe alternative to wrapping paper.
For centuries, people have practiced the art of gift giving; the Romans would exchange presents for festivals like Saturnalia, the winter solstice, and the Roman New Year. The tradition of giving presents became a symbol of the Christmas holiday from its association with the offerings of the Three Wise Men.
Gifts of old were typically wrapped in sturdy brown paper or tissue paper. It wasn’t until the 1890s that technology permitted the production of decorated, foldable paper. The first American gift-wrapping company, Hy-Sill Manufacturing, Inc., was founded in 1903 and started producing wrapping paper in 1913. In 1917, Hallmark used fancy French-produced envelope liners to wrap their gifts, kick starting mass production of gift wrap; they sold out of paper in their Kansas City, Missouri store that same holiday season.
Newspaper offers a way for individuals to personalize each gift and save the environment. Put your favorite comic on the front and let the laughs roll (you’ll be ho-ho-ho-ing all through Grandma’s fruitcake)! Say something personal with an ad from Jared’s Jewelry, or give your honey a big hint with a Target electronics add. Wrap up your holiday season with a gift to the environment!
Sources:
A History of Gift Wrap
GiftWrapCompany.com
Hallmark
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chatham chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.