Obviously, one of the best ways to save on wrapping paper is to not use it at all.

You have to admit, even the sound of 'paperless Christmas' takes a load off, who likes cleaning up the Christmas paper mess?

It's getting about time to get the jump on gift giving, one thing to consider is how you are going to wrap your gifts this year.

Start early and have some fun!

Get the kids involved too, everyone loves art work and crafts from kids. 

Here are 5 ideas to avoid using paper gift wrap this Christmas… 

• Sew your own gift bags out of material you have at home. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can sew them by hand, even make them very unique and creative by stitching the sides with a heavier, complimentary colour using a fancy hand stitch. You can find them on the internet if you don't know any. Make it a lasting gift in itself by embroidering the recipients name on it.

• Use old, colourful magazines as wrapping paper. I did this one year. I didn't think that they looked all bad. You can gussy them up a bit with some ribbon and a homemade card.

• Buy gifts that don't require wrap. Donations, make a mix jars (paint the jars), gift certificates are a few. 

• Buy small gifts. If you wrap them you won't use as much paper.

• Have your kids do some paintings, or decorate some cans with paint, sparkles, macaroni, bobbles, craft sticks etc. Use these to put small items in. Use a piece of cloth and ribbon to top off a can. This can be a really fun project on it's own and be a bonus gift as well.

• BONUS TIP #6 – Reuse the wrap you saved from others last year!

By going paperless, not only are we saving money, we are saving landfill, natural resources and creating a better future for our children, and ourselves.

Don't forget to mix it up this Christmas and try something new – a paperless Christmas! 

I would love it if you'd like to let us know your ideas too. 

Want to save even more packaging, more money and have more fun Christmas gift giving this year?

Make your own Christmas gifts too.

I've created a guide called Make It Special that is packed full of simple, homemade skin care items that you can make (bath items, body butters etc).  People LOVE this stuff and you will too.

The guide is packed full so that you can have an all around great Christmas with your family, without breaking the bank.

Get it early so you'll have lots of time to play, and Make It Special.