You’ve been given reusable gift wrap!
This cloth isn’t the end of the gift. It’s the start of the next one. Instead of going in the bin, it’s ready to wrap something for someone else.
For Zero-Waste Celebrations
Most wrapping paper is used for a few minutes and then thrown away, and much of it can’t be recycled because of the glitter, foil and tape. Cloth wraps can be used again and again for years. This idea is centuries old: the Japanese have wrapped gifts in cloth, called furoshiki, for over a thousand years.
Pass it on
The best thing you can do with this wrap is give it away again. Wrap a gift for a friend, a neighbour or your mum, and let the cloth keep travelling.
Looking after it
If it’s in good shape, just fold it up and put it away for next time. If it has a mark or stain, give it a gentle wash, a quick iron and then put it away.
How to wrap with it
Lay the cloth flat with a corner pointing towards you, and put your gift in the middle.
Fold the near corner over the gift, then the far corner.
Bring the two side corners up and tie them in a double knot on top.
Tuck in any loose bits and you’re done. No tape or scissors needed.
Boxes are easiest. For soft or odd-shaped gifts, you might want to pop them in a box first.
There are lots of other ways to wrap: our Australian friends have many ways to wrap a bottle of grog, or you get some inspiration from these videos:
Want some of your own?
These wraps are handmade in Auckland from leftover and bargain fabric. If you’d like a few for yourself, get in touch below. I’m not selling them, but I’m happy to help spread the idea. Koha appreciated to cover materials.