Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas

One of our favorite sustainable ways to wrap gifts is with cloth. Also known as the Japanese art of furoshiki, folding and tying fabric in lieu of paper is a unique and eco-friendly way to finish gifts. Reuse a scrap of fabric you have or thrift a patterned vintage scarf that fits your loved one's personality. Not only will the gift look amazing, the recipient will also have a new scarf to add to their collection or to use for future wrapping — for example, it could be a great way to treat your mom to a bonus gift with a fabulous accessory. And if you’re looking for gift wrapping ideas without a box, knowing this art form can come in handy!

There are so many types of furoshiki, with different techniques depending on the shape of the package. As an introduction, we've chosen a few simple methods to highlight. Remember, there’s really no right or wrong way when it comes to furoshiki, so have fun and be as creative as you would like. 

For Square or Rectangles: Yotsu Musubi

Let's start with the most basic technique, Yotsu Musubi. Perfect for rectangle or square gifts, this method is also great for beginners.

1. Place your gift in the center of the fabric or scarf

2. Lift two opposite corners and tie a knot 

3. Lift remaining opposite corners

4. Tie knot with those two corners on top of the first knot 

5. Gift to someone special

One of the most popular hostess gifts for holiday parties is wine. Bin Tsutsumi is a technique designed specifically for bottles, and can even be adjusted to hold two bottles at once. We think that this can also come in handy if you’re looking to wrap up beverage housewarming gifts!

1. Place the bottle at the top in the middle of the cloth 

2. Lift two opposite corners

3. Tie the corners into a knot at the top of the bottle 

4. Take the two remaining corners and wrap them in opposite directions around the center of the bottle 

5. Tie the corners into a knot & you’re ready to gift

For Long Objects: Entou Tsutsumi 

For cylindrical objects, Entou Tsutsumi is a really great technique. Similar to Yotsu Musubi, this method is super simple but looks very sophisticated once completed. 

1. Place object diagonally on the fabric

2. Roll object up nice and tight 

3. Take the two sides and pull tight towards the center

4. Twist the ends together and flip the object over

5. Take the two flaps and tie the final knot

Looking to learn more about furoshiki, be sure to check out these resources: Infographics, Tips & Tricks, Wrapping with Fabric by Etsuko Yamada

For those with a little extra time or looking to take their wrapping to the next level, we have you covered. Here are a few more sustainable ways to elevate your gift wrapping.

1. Use Charms or Brooches as Decoration

Curate a selection of unique ornaments, charms or brooches (passed down from generations or thrifted locally) and try attaching one to your present with ribbon or twine, where you might have otherwise added a bow. Not only does it incorporate visual interest and a pop of color, it's also an added sustainable gift that your loved one can wear or use as décor! This is a great way to top your gifts – no matter the season.

2. Add sprigs of herbs or greens from your garden 

For those into gardening, this is a great way to personalize gifts with natural pieces you may already have at home.

3. Accenting with Wrapping Paper Bands

Instead of wrapping your entire gift with specialty printed paper, try adding just a small accent band of paper — it’s just like DIY-ing your own recyclable wrapping paper. This is a perfect use for all that scrap paper you may have lying around from seasons past, and you cut down on the amount of paper you use on each gift. Start by wrapping your gift as you normally would with a recycled solid kraft or white butcher paper. Based on the wrapping paper pattern and the size of your gift, cut a band that is 3" - 10" wide, and long enough to wrap around the width of the present. 

Get cozy in your favorite pair of Printfresh PJs and get to wrapping! Tell us in the comments below your favorite ways to wrap gifts this holiday season.