Wrapping paper - what you can and can't recycle

In short, some wrapping paper can be recycled, and some can't.

Plain: If your wrapping paper is obviously just paper (for example, plain brown paper) then this can go into your recycling bin.

Glossy: If your wrapping paper looks a bit glossy, but you’re not sure if it has any sort of coating, the easiest way to find out is to do the ‘rip test’.

The 'Rip Test': If the paper tears easily, it's good to recycle. If it stretches and doesn't tear, it probably contains plastic, and it goes in the general waste bin.

Shiny and sparkly: If your wrapping paper has a little extra bling, like glitter or foil, it can't be recycled. These shiny additions can make your parcel look extra fabulous, but they make the paper non-recyclable.

Plastic-coated paper: Some wrapping paper has a thin layer of plastic to make it sturdier. Unfortunately, this type can't be recycled either (it would fail the rip test!). But because of that plastic layer, you could reuse it instead of sending it to a landfill.

Don’t scrunch!

When you recycle wrapping paper, don't scrunch it into a ball; it must be folded flat to be recycled. Who knew?? Not us!

Reuse gain and again!

Whether it's recyclable or not, it's a brilliant idea to save and reuse wrapping paper. Encourage your family to open presents carefully, so the paper can be neatly folded and stored for next year. It's not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly, giving paper a second life.

Get creative and find some alternatives to store-bought wrapping paper. Here are a few to get you started:

• Save plain paper shopping bags from stores.

• Collect interesting magazine pages, comics, newspapers, and old sheet music.

• Save plain white paper or tissue paper that you’d otherwise recycle.

• Gently used scarves are great for wrapping oddly shaped gifts.

• Use new tea towels as a wrapping and make them part of your gift.

• Use children’s artwork – or get them to draw something on a large piece of paper especially for the wrapping paper.

• Use any fabric off-cuts you may have lying around.

• If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you could make your own gift bags from fabric scraps which can be reused.

• Save any pretty biscuit tins or containers to hold gifts.