If you're looking for a way of showing that special somebody in your life how much they mean to you, a gift is the perfect way to go about things. Whether it's the holidays, a birthday, an anniversary, a wedding, or simply just because, gifts show people just how much they mean to you.

When we think about gifts, one of the best ways to make a gift really special is through gift packaging. Gift wrapping comes in a variety of materials, colors, styles, and designs, and it can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Some people opt for a very basic colour scheme, while others prefer to really take their time and make their gifts look extra special with accessories such as bows, ribbons, fancy labels, and so on.

As wonderful as gift wrapping can make your presents look, once it has been removed, it can be tough to dispose of, especially since a lot of gift packaging isn't recyclable, biodegradable, or eco-friendly. Instead of throwing excess wrapping in the trash, however, why not get creative?

Here are 4 creative ways to reuse and store gift package wraps.

All these hanging organizers feature strong boards to support the weight of your belongings safely and to keep the shelves from losing shape. They also have useful side pockets to hold your smaller items while giving you easy access to the contents. The elegant, minimalist style means they can be employed openly, and they will blend into your decor with ease. Ideal for storing sweaters, shirts, knitwear, pants, handbags, shoes, hats, socks, ties, etc. Also, they are all collapsible, meaning that they can be easily stored when not in use.

Make a Gift Wrapping Collage

One of the most creative ways of reusing old gift packaging as wrapping paper for new gifts is to use it to create a collage design.

Use different sections of various gift packaging when wrapping your gift, and you can create a unique, eye-catching design that the lucky recipient will absolutely adore.

You can cut sections out and stick them together neatly if you wish, or you can rip sections out haphazardly and stick them together in a more relaxed and messy manner. You can choose different colors, patterns, materials, and designs and combine them however you like.

Use Shredded Gift Packaging

Another very simple, yet very ingenious way of reusing old gift packaging is to shred it up and use it as packaging materials for various gifts.

If your gift is fragile or in an oversized box and you don't want it to move around too much during transit, go ahead and use shredded gift packaging from gifts and packages you've received over the years. You can simply rip and tear it by hand if you wish, or to save time and make life easier you can use an electric shredder.

Shredding old packaging paper and using it as packaging for gifts and packages is an excellent way to reuse and recycle the material, rather than just tossing it straight into the trash.

Decoupage Old Furniture

It's not just gifts that old packaging paper is useful for; it can also be a fantastic resource for people who enjoy upcycling old furniture.

If you have an old mirror or bedside cabinet that's just been sitting around, gathering dust, and is in need of some TLC, why not go ahead and decoupage it using old gift packaging paper or wrap instead?

Simply take cutouts and scraps of whichever old packaging you want to use, and then glue them onto the furniture you'd like to spruce up. You can also paint sections, add accessories like gold leaf or dried flowers, and then varnish and lacquer everything when sealed.

Decoupage is very trendy and fashionable in interior design and décor and is a great way to repurpose old gift packaging materials.

Make Bunting from Old Packaging

Another simple yet highly creative way of using up old packaging paper is to make bunting from it.

Bunting is often used on birthdays, during the holidays, at parties, and during celebrations, yet it can get expensive if you buy it new. If you have plenty of old gift packaging lying around your home, however, why not use it to create your very own bunting?

Simply take some old cardboard, cut it into triangles, and then glue your choice of wrapping paper around the triangles before attaching them to a string, ribbon, or rope, and hanging them in your chosen location.

Once again, you can mix and match different colors, styles, and designs, or you can choose a specific theme if you have enough packaging materials. You could go patriotic with red, white, and blue packaging, or maybe even opt for a global theme and make bunting representing different flags from around the world if you have enough packaging in various colors.