# Upcycled Gifting Brands are launching gift wraps that have other functional and creative uses. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Feb 11, 2020 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upcycled-gifting ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Upcycled Gifting trend? **Upcycled Gifting:** Brands are launching wrapping papers that extend beyond the gifting experience and into new, unexpected categories. These products can double as tools for new creative pursuits such as origami or something more functional and progressive, like virtual gift cards. ## The consumer insight behind the Upcycled Gifting trend As consciousness of the correlation between environmental harm and consumption grows, many are on the hunt for eco-friendly alternatives that go beyond the act of recycling. Individuals are putting more value in concepts like reusability, especially when the products boast additional functional and creative outcomes that might come as a novelty experience. These purchasing decisions allow consumers to feel confident that they're doing their part in countering single-use materials. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 3, 2018 to Feb 12, 2020 - Published: Feb 11, 2020 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Upcycled Gifting trend ### Eco-Friendly gifting/wrapping Sustainable, environmentally-friendly gift bags, wraps, and packaging gained popularity among eco-conscious shoppers. ### Multi-funtional gift wraps Gift wrapping paper with additional functional and creative uses caught the attention of consumers, such as origami or virtual gift cards. ### Seed-embedded wrapping papers Wrapping papers embedded with seeds for plants that can be planted after use have gained popularity among environmentally conscious consumers. ## What the Upcycled Gifting trend means for industry ### For E-commerce E-commerce companies can integrate smart packaging for eco-friendly shipping, as well as introducing virtual gift cards for online shoppers. ### For Cultivation industry With the increasing popularity of seed-embedded papers, companies in the cultivation industry can create a line of these papers and capitalize on the market's growing interest in plant-based living. ### For Technology Technology companies can offer creative solutions for virtual gift cards, such as personalized designs or augmented reality experiences. ## Workshop question How might your brand approach the topic of reusability? ## Trend signals for Upcycled Gifting Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 69%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 69% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Upcycled Gifting trend 4 featured examples from Nov 3, 2018 to Feb 12, 2020. - [Interactive Origami Wrapping Papers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-wrapping-paper): Ilovehandles' Gift Wrap is Fun, Engaging and Thoughtful (Category: Eco) Implication: Retailers can introduce interactive and sustainable gift wrapping products to create a unique customer experience. - [Recycled Fabric-Based Gift Wraps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fabricbased-gift-wrap): Wrag Wrap's New Product is Not Only Recycled but It Can Be Reused (Category: Eco) Implication: The textile industry can explore the use of recycled fabric-based wraps for sustainable packaging solutions. - [Flowering Gift Wrapping Papers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gift-wrapping-waste): Triumph Plant Creates a Playful Solution to Gift Wrapping Waste (Category: Eco) Implication: Incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices into packaging solutions. - [Responsible Retail Holiday Gifts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrift-card): thredUP Launched Thrift Cards as an Eco-friendly Gift Option (Category: Marketing) Implication: The retail industry can explore innovative ways to promote sustainable gifting options like 'Thrift Cards' to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly gift options. ## Recent trend clusters - [Format Flexing](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/workout-energy-formats) (Lifestyle) - [Package Play](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/promotional-food-packaging) (Marketing) - [Affinity Sailings](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-travel-experiences) (World) - [Care Continuity](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/hormonal-health-services) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Roomier Budget Electric Hatchbacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roomier-budget-electric-hatchbacks) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Phased European EV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phased-european-ev-models) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)