Environmentally-friendly gift wrap

I like beautifully wrapped packages as much as the next person, but it seems to me that wrapping-paper is an outmoded tradition in this age of protecting the environment and conserving resources.

I spent one evening this week turning 2 yards of holiday fabric into a dozen re-usable fabric gift bags to use this Christmas. Total cost for fabric and ribbon, about $6.00, or about 50 cents a bag. I figure if I make a bunch of bags this year, I'll be set for years.

The eartheasy site has good instructions for making fabric gift bags. I chose opaque fabric and didn't bother with the lining. You can buy fabric gift bags on the web, but they're a little pricey.

If you have old fabric or even old sheets around the house, you can even make fabric gift bags without purchasing new fabric.

Not only are these wrapping paper alternatives good for the environment, they're faster and easier than using wrapping paper. Perfect for when kids need to wrap presents. You just pop the item in the bag and tie the ribbon. No scissors, no tape.

Other ideas for gift wrapping without waste:

• re-use old cookie and candy tins
  
• give a gift wrapped in a re-usable cloth shopping bag (Ikea has some great ones)
  
• save and re-use the gift-bags and boxes you receive

Anyone else out there have ideas for gift wrap alternatives?