Holiday Gift Wrap Revived for Books!

Editor's note: This post was originally published on December 22, 2014.

The holidays are upon us, which means we all have an abundance of wrapping paper, bows, and ribbon.

Don't immediately recycle it, friends. Hold onto it. Grab the arms of the uncle who won't let the wrapping paper fall to the floor before he balls it up and throws it in a big trash bag.

Swoop up the pretty paper, the ribbons, and the bows.   Fold it up, and slide it into a reusable bag.  Take. It. Home.

You can use these supplies, and your kids will love it!

How about keeping some of it to celebrate books and reading this winter?

1.  Make bookmarks. Simply cut the pretty paper into strips, layer, and add stickers. Or just add a ribbon to the end, and you're finished!
Covering the whole bookmark in clear contact paper will make it more sturdy.

2.  Create an "I read it!" log. Especially for books that your kids love and want to share, it's cool to see who's read a book and when!

3.  Use the paper as covers for tiny, homemade books. The smaller, the better! Simply fold some blank sheets of paper into 4" x 4" squares. Cut a 4.5" x 4.5" square from the wrapping paper. Staple at the seam, and voila!

4.  Wrap and read. Teach the kids how to wrap using the scraps of wrapping paper.  But wrap up your favorite children's books this winter, and read them! Everyone likes gifts—and these "pretend" gifts will add a little kick to your everyday reading.

5. Write little notes on the back of the fancy holiday paper. Then leave them inside your holiday books.  A simple "Smile!" or "Be happy!" or "We had a super holiday!" will certainly put a smile on your faces when you crack open those holiday books next year.

And really—some of the more evergreen paper can always be saved for Valentines! Two more months, and we'll be talking about how we can spread love near and far, so start saving the red, pink, and gold paper now!

Simple, sweet ways of recycling some pretty paper that usually lives a short life. And any way that we can incorporate books or reading is a win in my eyes!

How do you reuse wrapping paper or holiday gift wrap? Let us know!

Please share your thoughts on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page, or find Amy on Twitter, @teachmama, and let's continue the conversation!


Read all posts by Amy Mascott.