Waste Free Gift Wrap, Japanese Style

There are a number of different ways to reduce waste in gift wrapping, from as simple to reusing gift bags until they are well-worn to more elaborate methods.

Today, let's explore a traditional Japanese method of wrapping with fabric, called Furoshiki. Wikipedia states that this practice started back in the 1600s as an early equivalent of the gym bag: bathers at the public baths would wrap their clothes to distinguish them from other bather's belongings. It has since extended to wrapping bento boxes and then as gift wrap. The practice declined with the emergence of plastic bags, but is on the rise again with environmentalism.

The different wrapping techniques are varied in how elaborate they are and how much skill is needed. Being brand new to this practice, I needed some help and used this basic YouTube tutorial. There are hundreds of videos and how-to guides out there for different techniques.

You have a lot of options for fabric choice: from a square of festive holiday fabric that is specifically for wrapping, or a fabric item that is part of the gift itself, like a scarf. For my friend Allison, who is a fan of biking, I found this cute tea towel, that doubles as part of the gift.

Start with your fabric and whatever needs to be wrapped.

Center the book in the middle of the fabric, on a diagonal.

Roll two of the sides around the book, like you're rolling up a burrito.

Take the two remaining corners, pull them to the center, and tie a knot. Voilá! Cute little bundle with "bow". 

Result: no disposable wrapping materials needed for a festive birthday gift.