Gift-wrapping ideas for chocolate presents

A selection box or tin is easy to wrap, but a little extra effort makes chocolate feel like a proper present. Here are some ideas of our own, and what UK councils say about recycling wrapping paper afterwards.

Ideas for wrapping chocolate

• Brown paper and twine. Plain kraft paper tied with string, finished with a sprig of rosemary or holly.
• Fabric wrap. Wrap a box furoshiki-style in a tea towel or scarf, so the wrapping becomes part of the gift.
• A mini hamper. Fill a jar or tin with several small bars and pouches.
• Add a little extra. Tie a selection box to a mug or a pair of socks.
• A “12 days” bundle. Wrap twelve small stocking fillers to open one a day.
• Hand-stamped paper. Print your own pattern on plain paper with a cut potato or a cork.
• Homemade tags. Cut gift tags from last year’s Christmas cards.

Can the wrapping paper be recycled?

Councils suggest the scrunch test: scrunch the paper into a ball. If it stays scrunched, it can usually be recycled. If it springs back, it probably contains plastic or foil.

• Glitter and metallic or foil papers are generally not accepted, even if they pass the scrunch test.
• Take off tape, bows, ribbons and decorations before recycling.
• Rules differ between councils, so check your own council’s website.

Choosing plain paper, fabric or reusable tins in the first place means less to sort out after Christmas.