WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN QUALITY WRAPPING PAPER Patterned vs. plain. If you’re considering plain wrapping paper, it’s a smart investment in versatility.

Combine a small bouquet with a gift package by drawing a vase onto plain wrapping paper and fasten flower stems with tape. Real flowers would look gorgeous, but faux flowers stand the test of time ...

“Plain wrapping paper [or regular wrapping paper printed with a design] is fine to recycle, but metallic or glitter-embellished wrapping paper should be thrown out or reused next year.

“Plain wrapping paper is totally recyclable,” said Reed. However, any wrapping paper with embellishments like glitter, velvet or metallic components is likely not recyclable.

Holiday items that can be recycled include plain wrapping paper and paper greeting cards with no glitter, foil, or metallic ink, cardboard boxes, wine, and champagne bottles.