Wrapping paper shopping has this way of turning into a bigger headache than it should be — aisles of shiny, glittery rolls that all look the same, most of it not even recyclable once the tape comes off.
If you’ve ever stood there overwhelmed and thought there has to be a simpler way, brown paper christmas wrapping ideas are exactly the answer. Plain kraft paper costs next to nothing, it’s genuinely recyclable, and it turns out to be one of the most versatile bases for gift wrap that exists — every ribbon, stamp, or sprig of greenery you add to it looks intentional instead of cluttered. Here are fifteen ways to dress it up this year.
1. Add Fresh Greenery Sprigs to Kraft Paper
A small clipping of real greenery tucked under the ribbon is one of the simplest ways to dress up plain kraft paper, and it costs nothing if you already have a live tree or a garden with evergreen shrubs. The trick is timing — add the greenery only a day or two before the gift is given, since cut sprigs dry out fast and start dropping needles everywhere once they do. A single sprig with a bit of red berry mixed in looks more considered than a full bunch. This idea works especially well for gifts being handed over in person rather than shipped, since greenery doesn’t travel well in the mail.
2. Stamp the Paper With a Recipient’s Name
A simple letter stamp set turns plain brown paper into something that looks custom-made without any real skill required. Stamp the recipient’s name directly onto the paper before wrapping, or use a festive stamp design repeated across the surface for a pattern that mimics store-bought paper. Black ink reads the cleanest against kraft paper, though a metallic gold or silver ink pad adds a bit more shine for gifts under the tree. This is a great project to do with kids, since even a slightly crooked stamp still looks charmingly handmade rather than sloppy. Keep a paper towel nearby for ink smudges.
3. Add Loose White Paint Strokes to Kraft Paper
Basic white acrylic paint and a wide, dry brush are all it takes to add loose, artistic strokes across a sheet of kraft paper before you wrap. Don’t overthink the pattern — uneven, slightly imperfect brushstrokes actually read as more intentional than a neat, even coat. Let the paint dry completely before wrapping so nothing transfers onto the gift itself. This pairs beautifully with a red velvet ribbon, since the white breaks up the brown just enough to feel wintry rather than plain. It’s a quick weekend project if you’re wrapping a stack of gifts at once and want them to feel like a matching set.
4. Layer On a Wooden or Glitter Ornament
Instead of a bow, tie an actual ornament onto the ribbon so the topper doubles as part of the gift. Wood slice ornaments keep things rustic and understated, while a small glitter bulb adds a bit of sparkle for gifts that could use more visual weight. This idea works particularly well for family members, since they get to keep and reuse the ornament long after the wrapping paper is gone. Match the ornament style to the person — a hand-painted wood piece for a grandparent, something playful for a kid. It’s a small touch that makes the gift feel more thought-out than a store-bought bow ever could.
5. Use Kraft Paper Bags for Treats and Cookies
Not every gift needs a box and a fold — kraft paper bags are the easiest option for cookies, dipped pretzels, homemade snack mix, or anything oddly shaped that doesn’t fit neatly under paper. Fold the top over a couple of times, punch a hole through with a hole punch, and thread a bit of ribbon or twine through to close it. A small tag and a sprig of greenery tucked into the fold finishes the look in under a minute. This is genuinely the fastest idea on this whole list, which makes it perfect for last-minute neighbor or teacher gifts.
6. Tuck In Real Cinnamon Sticks for Warmth
A couple of cinnamon sticks tied into the ribbon knot add a rustic, natural texture to kraft paper wrapping, and they smell incredible once they’re sitting near a warm room or a fireplace. This is one of those brown paper christmas wrapping ideas that costs almost nothing, since a bundle of cinnamon sticks from the baking aisle covers several gifts. Pair them with a plain jute twine rather than a shiny ribbon so the whole look stays cohesive and farmhouse-leaning. Cinnamon sticks also hold up well if the gift is being shipped, unlike fresh greenery, which makes this a solid choice for gifts going in the mail.
7. Tie On Dried Orange Slices for a Rustic Touch
Dried orange slices tied onto the ribbon have become one of the most popular kraft paper wrapping trends in recent years, and it’s easy to see why — the deep orange color against brown paper looks warm and a little vintage. You can dry your own slices in a low oven over several hours, or buy them pre-dried if you’re short on time. Thread a piece of twine through the center of the slice before tying it on so it sits flat against the package. Make a batch at once, since the leftover slices double nicely as ornaments or bowl filler around the house.
8. Try Hand-Lettering or Calligraphy on the Paper
If you’ve got even a little bit of patience for hand-lettering, writing the recipient’s name or a short holiday phrase directly onto the kraft paper turns the wrapping itself into a personalized touch. A basic brush pen and a bit of practice on scrap paper first goes a long way toward a clean result. You don’t need to be an expert calligrapher — a simple, slightly imperfect script still reads as thoughtful and handmade. This idea works especially well when you’re skipping a gift tag entirely and want the paper to carry the whole personal message.
9. Layer Two Different Ribbon Widths Together
Stacking a thick patterned ribbon with a thin solid one, or the reverse, instantly makes plain kraft paper look more elevated without adding anything else. Tie the wider ribbon first, then loop the thinner one on top in a slightly different direction so both are visible in the final knot. This works well with almost any color combination, though a plaid or buffalo check paired with solid red keeps things classically Christmas. It’s a five-minute upgrade that makes a real visual difference, especially for gifts that will sit under the tree for a while before opening.
10. Add a Handmade Pompom or Tassel
A single yarn pompom or tassel tied onto the ribbon knot gives kraft paper wrapping a softer, more boho feel than a traditional bow. Making your own only takes a few minutes with a fork or a small pompom maker, and it means you can match the yarn color exactly to your gift wrap color scheme. Store-bought pompom packs work just as well if yarn crafting isn’t your thing. This idea is especially fun for gifts going to kids or teenagers, since the texture and color options feel a little more playful than a classic satin ribbon.
11. Top With a Mini Wreath and Burlap Ribbon
A tiny wreath, even a two-inch faux one, turns a plain kraft paper package into something that looks like it came from a boutique gift shop. Tie it on with burlap ribbon rather than satin to keep the rustic feel consistent, and add a few berry stems with a dab of hot glue if the wreath looks a little bare on its own. This idea pairs especially well with the cinnamon stick or dried orange ideas above, since all three lean into the same natural, farmhouse-style palette. Save the wreaths afterward — they’re small enough to reuse as ornaments the following year.
12. Use Paper Straws as Star Toppers
Cut and arrange a few paper straws into a simple star shape, then glue or tie them onto the top of the wrapped gift for a topper that looks far more polished than the five minutes it takes to make. Gold and silver striped straws add a bit of shine against the brown paper without needing any glitter or sequins at all. This is a great project for kids to help with, since the straws are easy to cut and arrange without sharp tools. A cluster of two or three stars at different sizes looks more interesting than a single perfectly centered one.
13. Try Potato-Stamped Prints for a Handmade Look
Carve a simple shape — a tree, a snowflake, even a penguin — into a cut potato, dip it in paint, and stamp a repeating pattern across a full sheet of kraft paper before wrapping. Sticking to one or two colors keeps the whole thing looking chic rather than chaotic, and monochrome designs in particular read as surprisingly sophisticated for something made with a vegetable. This is one of the best kraft paper wrapping ideas for a rainy afternoon with kids, since the mess is minimal and the result actually looks intentional. Let the paint dry fully before wrapping to avoid smudges.
14. Add Buttons and Twine for a Rustic Finish
A cluster of mismatched buttons threaded onto jute twine and tied around the package brings in texture and a bit of color without needing paint, stamps, or ribbon at all. Red and green vintage-style buttons look especially fitting for the season, and a button jar is the kind of thing most crafty households already have tucked away somewhere. This idea costs essentially nothing and takes only a couple of minutes per gift, which makes it a good option when you’re wrapping a large stack all at once. Vary the button sizes for a more natural, collected-over-time look.
15. Turn the Parcel Into a Father Christmas Face
Wrap the gift in kraft paper, then use a wide red or black ribbon as a “belt” across the middle to transform the whole package into a playful Santa-inspired parcel. Add a small cotton ball or pompom near the top as a nose, or a simple drawn face if you’re comfortable sketching directly on the paper. This idea is a guaranteed hit with kids and makes for a genuinely memorable gift under the tree rather than just another wrapped box. It takes a little more effort than the others on this list, but it’s worth saving for one special gift rather than doing it for every single one.
Final Thoughts
Whatever combination you land on, the beauty of brown paper christmas wrapping ideas is how forgiving the whole process is — there’s no wrong way to tie a ribbon or glue on a sprig of greenery, and even the imperfect attempts tend to look charming against plain kraft paper. Keep a small basket of ribbon scraps, dried orange slices, and twine on hand so wrapping doesn’t turn into a last-minute scramble every year. Once you try one or two of these, it’s easy to see why so many people have switched over to kraft paper for good. Happy wrapping, and enjoy the process as much as the giving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is brown kraft paper actually recyclable?
Yes, plain kraft paper without glitter, foil, or plastic coating is recyclable, which is part of why it’s become such a popular alternative to traditional wrapping paper.
Q: What can I use instead of a bow on kraft paper gifts?
Dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, a small ornament, a mini wreath, or a handmade pompom all work well as alternatives and add more texture than a standard bow.
Q: Where can I buy plain kraft paper for wrapping?
Kraft paper rolls are available at most craft stores, hardware stores, and online retailers, and it’s often cheaper per square foot than traditional wrapping paper.