Christmas All Wrapped Up: Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas
December 01, 2021, by Erin Kemppainen
Opening a present is one of the best parts of gift-giving—both for the giver and the receiver, so why not go the extra mile and wrap it up in something special for your loved one?
We took some time to learn the art of Furoshiki gift-wrapping, as well as looking at other environmentally friendly and sustainable ways you can wrap your Christmas gifts this year. Don't worry, they will still look fabulous sitting under the tree, we promise!
If you try any of these techniques at home with your little ones, please take a photo and share it with us on Facebook and Instagram, tagging @oskarswoodenark and using the hashtag #OWACHRISTMAS.
The Furoshiki Technique
Furoshiki is a traditional wrapping technique from Japan that promotes sustainability through reusing discarded materials and fabrics to give them a second life. We have used the technique to wrap Christmas gifts, but it can also be used for fashion, decor and transporting items.
A History Lesson
Originating in Japan around 710 BC, Furoshiki was initially known as "tsutsumi," denoting its use for wrapping valuable items in temples. During 1136 and 1573, military leader Ashikaga Yoshimitsu popularized its use in distinguishing bathers' kimonos at his bathhouse.
This practice gradually evolved into a custom for wrapping gifts, books, and merchandise. Recognizing its eco-friendly potential, the Japanese Environmental Minister promoted Furoshiki in 2006 to reduce plastic usage and raise environmental awareness.
Presently, it serves as a sustainable gift-wrapping option for people worldwide, in addition to its use for fashion, decor, and item transportation, including Japanese schoolchildren using it for their lunchboxes.
Tips and Tricks
• Use a square cloth with a reversible design
• Common wrap sizes to use are: 45 x 45cm and 70 x 70 cm
• Ensure the cloth is thick enough to support the weight of the gift
• Consider what technique would be best for the item you are wrapping
Wrapping Techniques
Some of the most common Furoshiki techniques are known as:
• Traditional Tie
• Side by Side Bow
• Corner Tie
Watch the video below, where Erin demonstrates the simplest Furoshiki wrapping technique:
Furoshiki with Sarah's Silks
Erin uses a regular sized playsilk in the video above. Anything smaller than a shoebox would ideally be suited to a 'mini' sized playsilk, and any big items would be best wrapped in a 'giant' silk.
Mini: 54 x 54 cm
Regular: 90 x 90 cm
Giant: 275 x 90 cm
The wonderful thing about wrapping your children's gifts with Sarah's Silks is that you are giving them a present wrapped in a present! They will find endless ways to play with their silk until the next celebration. Some play ideas include:
• Dress-ups
• Small World Play
• Cubby House
• Picnic Blanket
• Baby Carrier
• Flag
• Hair Scarf
Other Sustainable Gift Wrapping Ideas
If Furoshiki isn't your forte, or you lack the materials to do so, we can suggest many other sustainable gift-wrapping ideas for you to try that will still look beautiful.
Materials
If you don't have any Sarah's Silks but still want to try your hand at Furoshiki, rest assured you will have something else you can easily source (most likely around home) that you can use:
• Tea Towels
• Muslin Cloth
• Fabric Scraps
• Old Clothes
• Napkins
• Table Cloth
• Handkerchief
• Bandana
Cut your piece of material to the desired size, or get crafty by sewing some pieces together to create something extra special!
Recycle and Wrap!
Why not use old cardboard boxes or recycled craft paper to wrap your gifts? Some of the packaging that our toys come in is so beautiful, you don't need to do anything to it to make it a special way to present your gift. Invite your little artists to get creative with Kitpas Art Crayons or any other Art and Craft materials from OWA.
Add a Little Bit of Spice...
Give your gift an extra little bit of something by adding an embellishment!
• String, Twine or Ribbon
• Flowers, Leaves or Twigs
• Dried Citrus Slices
• Graupner Decorations
• Maileg Mouse
• Wooden Figure
For a unique finishing touch, our lovely ornamental clips from Graupner are perfect for clipping on notelets or gift tags!
That's a Wrap!
We hope this gave you some inspiration for when you wrap your Christmas presents this year, or for any other upcoming birthdays or celebrations! Don't forget to check out our Christmas Shop to explore our range of festive decor, toys and craft items!
Bundle and Save with Sarah's Silks
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