OUR TOP 3 ECO GIFT WRAP METHODS

This guide provides an overview of our most used eco-friendly gift wrap techniques. Using environmentally friendly materials for gift wrap is not just a trend, but the future of gifting as it reduces waste and saves money in the long run.

1. FUROSHIKI CLOTH - if you are interested in a very detailed tutorial
2. BENTO BAG
3. UPCYCLED PAPER 

BENEFITS of using eco-friendly wrapping:

• Reduces waste (re-usable materials or materials that are recyclable/biodegradable)
• Saves money (re-purposing materials you already have)  
• Reducing plastic consumption (huge pollution contributor)
• Gift recipient can re-use for their next gift!

Method details and examples included below!

(1) FUROSHIKI

FUROSHIKI (風呂敷) are a type of traditional Japanese square wrapping cloth with knots - used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. Today, Furoshiki can be used in many re-usable ways:

• gift wrap
• carry bag 
• scarf / bandana
• bento box / lunch cover
• plant pot cover

Furoshiki are also a much more eco-friendly alternative to traditional wrapping methods as there is zero waste (no paper, no tape) when you use wrapping cloth.

Time

Prep Time: 5 min if wrapping cloth needs to be ironed or steamed 

Wrap Time: 2-3 min

Materials 

• FUROSHIKI CLOTH - Any square piece of fabric will work.  We are using our LINEN FUROSHIKI which is a finished 25"x 25" square
• BOX (SQUARE OR RECTANGULAR) - We are using our Size SMALL 6"x6” Square PORCELAIN TRAY box to wrap
• GREENERY (OPTIONAL) - We are using a couple eucalyptus branches
• SCISSORS (OPTIONAL) - to trim greenery. We are using our TRIMMING SCISSORS

NOTE: Otsukai Tsutsumi folding method is one of the most basic and simple Furoshiki wrapping methods. It is easiest to wrap objects that are square shaped with this method.

There are numerous Furoshiki techniques, many vary pending the object you are wrapping – i.e. the “Bin Tsutsumi” method is best for wrapping a wine bottle or taller shaped object.  Below are examples of other Furoshiki wrapping styles: 

 (2) BENTO BAG

BENTO BUKURO (弁当袋) Japanese lunch bag.  Sewn cloth bag traditionally used in Japan to wrap and transport bento boxes, goods or gifts. 

History of Bento:

Time

Prep Time: 5 min if bag needs to be ironed or steamed 

Wrap Time: 1 min

Finishing Time: 2-5 min pending decorative add ons

Materials 

• BENTO BAG - Any reusable fabric bag can be used.  We are using our SILK BENTO BAG which is a finished 11"x 11" bag
• BOX (SQUARE OR RECTANGULAR) - We are using our 9"x6” Rectangular GARDEN SCISSORS box to wrap
• GREENERY (OPTIONAL) - We are using dried flowers we had on hand
• SCISSORS (OPTIONAL) - to trim greenery. We are using our TRIMMING SCISSORS

Ideally use a bag made with a natural material such as cotton, linen or silk. 

Furoshiki are also a much more eco-friendly alternative to traditional wrapping methods as there is zero waste (no paper, no tape) when you use wrapping cloth.

 (3) UPCYCLED PAPER

NEWSPAPER (新聞)We used an upcycled DAIYO (Japanese Rice Candle brand) newspaper we had on hand - it’s gorgeous and so happy to re-purpose this as wrapping.  You can also use any type of paper for wrapping that you have available – magazines, paper bags, kraft paper from packaging, etc. 

Time

Prep Time: 5 min if bag needs to be ironed or steamed 

Wrap Time: 1 min

Finishing Time: 2-5 min pending decorative add ons

Materials 

• PAPER - Any paper can be used.  We are using our DAIYO NEWSPAPER cut to size
• BOX (SQUARE OR RECTANGULAR) - We are using our 9"x 3” Rectangular PRUNING SHEARS box to wrap
• TIE MATERIAL (OPTIONAL) - We are using 1.2mm COTTON TWINE
• GREENERY (OPTIONAL) - We are using dried flowers we had on hand
• SCISSORS (OPTIONAL) - to trim greenery. We are using our TRIMMING SCISSORS

 BONUS FINISHING OPTIONS (applies to all methods):

Use natural matierals that can be reused or biodegradable.  We have used GREENERY with our Furoshiki.

We have used dried flowers with our Bento bag

And we have used Jute twine with our upcycled newspaper wrapping method.

All of these decorative finishings can be composted or disposed outside to naturally break down which again helps reduce waste in our landfills!

TIPS:  If you are going to add GREENERY to your any of your wrapping methods - make sure to use something that is either already dried, hearty, and/or will dry out nicely.  If you add wet, or flimsy plants/flowers they may wilt, shed, or stain your fabric. 

Step by step video guide is also available on our YouTube