Some of the clearest memories as a child were during the Holidays - eying the presents as they piled up slowly, carefully examining each one, imagining what might be inside (and in my case, guessing which were for me, my father liked to keep us on our toes).

It wasn't until I grew older that I started noticing the leftover paper when everyone had unwrapped their gifts. It seems more a waste every year, to produce this paper which will be used but once, then discarded.

The following five options should help reduce the size of your post Holiday trash bags.

#1 - Newspaper
Newspaper makes great wrapping paper. You can get a couple discarded newspapers anywhere and have enough material for all your gifts. Stick to the pages with little or no color, and add accents with markers, paint or a ribbon.

#2 - Recycled Wrapping Paper
If you do prefer proper gift wrap, make it the recycled wrapping paper from Greenfield Paper Company. Not only is it made from 100% recycled paper, but it is also printed with soy based inks.

#3 - Jute Wine Bag
The 'reusable' wine bags you get from Wal-Mart will last once or twice before falling apart. Jute wine bags from Freeset support women's co-operatives in India and will last ten times as long as their paper counterparts.

#4 - Comic Books
A great option for the little ones on your gift list. There are millions of old comic books available, and for a handful from your change jar you can take home a dozen or more from your local comic store.

#5 - Plantable Gift Tags
These gift tags can be planted after they've been used, and will sprout spruce trees in it's place!