If you’re looking for clever ways to use up leftover wrapping paper, you’re going to love these wrapping paper crafts! So many good ideas.
Have you ever received a package or present wrapped in beautiful paper? Because I have. And guess what happens after you turn 40? You start folding up the beautiful papers and putting them in your stash to use for something.
And yes, I also save napkins, plastic forks, and ketchup packets too. I just can’t let good things go to waste!
With gift season on the way, you’re going to be dealing with a lot of wrapping paper. Instead of just crumpling up the paper and throwing it away, there are so many other things you can do with it.
Hence, I’ve put together this list of over 20 wrapping paper crafts!
You’ll see how I have personally, along with some other folks, reused our wrapping paper in craft projects. I used Mod Podge with mine, but you’ll also see a variety of craft supplies. I think you’re really going to like these ideas!
Before you scroll down to get the wrapping paper crafts, I do want to give you some tips that might help. Check these out:
Store on a Roll
If at all possible, store your wrapping paper on a roll (or roll it up) rather than folding. You can use a file folder for the smaller pieces. It’s easier to craft with paper that doesn’t have creases, because you will see them. Especially with Mod Podge.
Try Ironing
Sometimes wrapping paper gets wrinkled of course . . . so in that case, you can try to iron it. You would only do this with large pieces. Put a thin towel on top and use your iron on cotton. You can use steam if you want. Just don’t directly iron the paper.
You can also use the method outlined in our paper napkin decoupage article to attach thinner papers to Mod Podge. Make sure to check that out!
Mist the Paper
Mod Podging wrapping paper can be difficult if it’s thinner. In the first project below, the coat rack, I’ll show you how to mist the paper to make it damp so you can Mod Podge without wrinkles.
Wrapping paper can be used with paper cutters, die cutting machines, punches, and more. Get creative and don’t just be limited to what’s on this list!
Are you ready to dive into these ideas? They’re budget friendly and cute . . . and I want to let me know your favorite projects (or anything I haven’t thought of) in the comments! Enjoy.
Wrapping Paper Crafts
Looking for clever ways to use up wrapping paper? You're going to love these wrapping paper crafts! Get over 20 ideas.
Cute Coat Rack with Mod Podge & Wrapping Paper
I used a pretty piece of wrapping paper leftover from my birthday to decorate this DIY coat rack - with a little bit of Mod Podge too!
Wrapping Paper to Frame with Mod Podge
This Mod Podge wrapping paper to frame is the perfect gift idea on a budget - all you need are a few supplies and some creativity.
Decoupage with Wrapping Paper (So Easy!)
Learn how to do wrapping paper decoupage on a dollar store TV tray table! This is a simple way to decorate a table top with a pretty print.
Decorate a Mirror the Easiest Way Possible
This is the easiest method ever to decorate a mirror! Add a little DIY flair with Mod Podge and your favorite wrapping paper or napkins.
Decorate a Wooden Stool with Paper
GoodHave a wooden stool that needs a makeover? I made this decorative step stool with pretty paper and Mod Podge. It's really EASY to do!
Wrapping Paper Wall Art
This wrapping paper craft is great if you have lots of small scraps but not enough to make something with one pattern. Turn those scraps into wall art for unique decor!
How to Wrap a Flower Bouquet
Paper is great for bundling flowers! If you've got a little bit left on the roll, this is a great way to personalize flowers as a gift. Plus you can use this idea for any occasion.
How to Make a Gift Bag from Wrapping Paper
Never buy pre-made gift bags again! Learn how to make a gift bag from wrapping paper. It's easy and PERFECT for oddly shaped items!
Make a Cake Stand
Learn how to assemble a farmhouse style DIY cake stand using supplies from the hardware and thrift stores! You'll also add some pretty wrapping paper. This is so easy, and can be broken down for storage.
How to Make Envelopes from Wrapping Paper
Looking to make an envelope for a gift message or card? Wrapping paper is already pretty, so why not fold a few sheets into some cute envelopes! It's really easy.
Wrapping Paper Scrap Garland DIY
Unless you have an incredible talent for cutting perfectly sized pieces of wrapping paper, chances are you’re creating a lot of scraps while beautifying your holiday present haul. Rather than toss out all that extra paper, use it to make an adorable (and easy!) garland.
Wrapping Paper Book Covers
Need some book covers? There's no reason to pay for them if you have cute wrapping paper on hand! These are even made with pockets. I'm not sure that they could get any better.
DIY Gift Card Holder From Wrapping Paper
I don't know about you, but I love receiving gift cards for holidays. They always come in handy! But with a gift card, you want to do something at least a little bit special . . . make gift card holders out of wrapping paper so you can deliver them in style.
Paper Covered Boxes
This is one of my favorite wrapping paper crafts! Use Mod Podge and cardboard boxes to make these fancy storage containers. So pretty (and easy).
Wrapping Paper Placemats
If you're on a budget but still want to decorate the holiday table with something interesting, you can make placemats out of wrapping paper! Great for whatever is left on the roll that isn't quite big enough to cover a gift.
DIY Wrapping Paper Wreath
You're going to love this focal point wreath created with wrapping paper! The process to make it is similar to a book page wreath, but this version is created with layered tubes of gift wrap.
Wrapping Paper Party Confetti
This is the perfect thing to do with those little scraps of wrapping paper that are cute but just not large enough for an entire project. Or maybe your gift wrap is wrinkled . . . either way, turn it into confetti!
DIY Easy Upcycled Christmas Canisters
I will Mod Podge anything to metal containers! I've done it before with fabric and cookie tins, and this time Ashlee does the same thing with wrapping paper.
Medicine Cabinet Upgrade
The back of a medicine cabinet is super boring, typically. Add a little pizazz with some gift wrap! You can do this with any kind of shelf, including a bookshelf.
Line Furniture Drawers With Gift Wrap
What I love about these wrapping paper drawer liners is that you can adapt this to any drawer size, big or small! Or if you want to, you can even buy a whole roll and use it just for this purpose.
Mod Podge Serving Tray
Decorate a serving tray the easy way! Grab a piece of wrapping paper, some coordinating paint, and line the tray using the gift wrap and Mod Podge.
If you enjoyed these ideas for using up wrapping paper, I’d love for you to check out these other projects:
- Recycled Bottle Ideas: Clever Reuse Projects
- Homemade Christmas Decorations You’ll Love
- Dollar Tree Christmas Crafts for Gifts or Decor
- 30+ Gift Wrap Ideas for the Holidays and More
- Dollar Tree Crafts to Make on the Cheap
- Recycled Crafts That Don’t Look Like Trash
- DIY Gift Bags That Will Up Your Gifting Game