One of the best parts about the holidays is watching loved ones unwrap the gifts you’ve carefully chosen for them. But what if they’re unwrapping something more than your gift?

Unfortunately, most common wrapping paper contains harmful chemicals known as VOCs, which can be released into the air around you while you are opening presents. VOCs can sometimes come in scary packages–like Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Acetone. Once these chemicals are released in your air, they can easily travel into your lungs and, eventually, blood stream.

Short-term side effects of VOCs include headaches as well as itchy eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Too much exposure to VOCs has also been linked to eczema flare-ups, acne breakouts, allergies, asthma attacks, and cancer.

Don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to wrap gifts that won’t affect your loved ones. Here are our favorite wrapping alternatives to help you get started:

1. Burlap and Twine

2. Old maps or music sheets

3. Fabric Scraps

Photo Credit: Angela Gaspar

4. Comics or newspaper

Photo Credit: Becca Armstrong

5. Old sweaters

Photo Credit: Maria Rausova

Keep Your Home Toxin-Free

Want to learn more about how the air in your home can affect you? Unwrap an Awair this holiday season! Awair tracks toxins and chemicals in your air and gives you personalized recommendations to help you stay safe and healthy.