Pulling some shiny wrapping paper off the shelf can be an impersonal touch to a carefully picked gift.  But there are more and more options to make the outside as individualized as inside.  Try silken banana paper, recycled paper, or hemp paper.  Magazines, paper bags, and newspapers can also be turned into great wrapping paper.  It could have pictures and messages on it just for your friend. 

And these options save trees that would otherwise be cut down just for paper that’s thrown out shortly after unwrapping.

-Jess