Subscribe to the paper instead of buying paper towels or gift wrap

A monthly Sunday print subscription to a newspaper of your choosing costs roughly the same as a pack of paper towels. In addition to all the inherent joys of a subscription (more on that later), the afterlife of a newspaper is extremely versatile. Newsprint swaps in capably for most tasks you'd use paper towels for, from mopping up spills (absorbent), cleaning mirrors (streak free), degreasing pans (it composts well), to lining the compost bin (see above). Unpleasant news is well suited to unpleasant tasks, too - go ahead and clean the toilet seat with the latest act of dictatorial inanity.

In addition, wrapping presents in newsprint is a win all-around. Unlike most wrapping paper (or paper towels, for that matter) newsprint recycles well, so if you use a paper-based tape alongside it is very easy to bin after the celebration. I always enjoy matching articles to the intended recipient's interests.