A shopper looking to use wrapping paper for their holiday gifting ended up unwrapping a surprise of their own.
What's happening?
On a recent post on Reddit's r/mildlyinfuriating, a shopper found that all ten sheets of their new gift wrapping set simply contained replicas of the outer packaging design.

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The post featured an image of their gift wrap set, showing the outer packaging design mimicked on all ten sheets of wrapping paper inside. Instead of unique festive patterns, the sheets mirrored the "mockup" design used for the product's packaging.
"This is hilarious. How long did you just stare blankly at this after opening, just baffled beyond comprehension?" asked one commenter. "I know I'd still be double checking, thinking 'Is this real life!?'"
Others speculated whether this was the result of a manufacturing oversight or a deliberate design choice.
Why is gift wrapping waste important?
Wrapping paper, while a festive staple during the holidays, can have a significant environmental impact. In the U.S. alone, approximately 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper are produced each year, and about half of that — 2.3 million pounds — ends up in landfills.
Unfortunately, many types of wrapping paper are not recyclable due to embellishments like glitter, foil, and lamination. These materials can make the recycling process difficult or impossible, leading to more waste.
This situation adds insult to injury by creating products that don't meet consumer expectations and may ultimately go unused, contributing further to landfill overflow. Mistakes like this exacerbate the waste crisis by encouraging disposability rather than sustainability.
Is the company doing anything about this?
While no official statement has been made by the unnamed manufacturer, incidents like this underscore the importance of proper quality checks in production.
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Some companies in the gift wrap industry are stepping up with sustainable options, including recyclable papers and reusable fabric wraps. This situation serves as a reminder for manufacturers to prioritize eco-friendly practices while maintaining high standards for product integrity.
What's being done about wrapping paper waste more broadly?
There are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional wrapping paper that can help reduce this impact. Recycled wrapping paper, for instance, is made from reused materials and can often be recycled again after use, cutting down on waste.
Brands like Wrappily create fun and festive designs using recycled paper and soy-based inks. Additionally, reusable wrapping options, such as fabric wraps or decorative boxes, can be used multiple times, making them a sustainable choice.
As consumers, choosing to opt for alternatives can reduce waste. Encouraging companies to adopt better quality assurance measures while transitioning to sustainable materials ensures fewer mishaps and greener practices — a gift to us all.
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