Easy ideas for gift wrapping — creative and quick!

Wrap with fabric using Japanese Furoshiki techniques

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth which you can use to wrap nearly everything. This eco-friendly form of wrapping requires no gift wrap paper, tape, or excess packaging, but it still provides a pretty way to present a present. It’s fast, it’s unique, and best of all, it can provide a bonus present when the cloth you use is a gift in itself, such as when you use a nice scarf or wrap.

To start, get a cloth with a nice pattern that will be dark enough to disguise your gift and large enough to cover your item with enough fabric left over, since you’ll be tying the ends in a series of knots (select fabric that will be flexible enough for this). There are fabrics made specifically for this but you could have a makeshift Furoshiki using other fabric items (see our tips below). Place the cloth on a flat surface and put your item in the middle, then start folding over the pieces of fabric and tying the ends. There’s no “perfect” way to do this, as techniques vary. The following video provides two examples of some of the simplest and easiest techniques.

• Select a fabric that is thin and flexible enough to wrap around the item and make tying the knots easy. Some ideas include a scarf or a pashmina wrap.
• For small items, use a silk handkerchief, cloth napkin, or bandana. For larger items, try a crib sheet or a small square tablecloth.
• For an extra touch of elegance, once you have wrapped your present, insert a silk flower into one of the knots (shorten the stem for a perfect fit).
• Remember that this type of wrap will have no handle or tape to secure it, so you will need to hand-carry it. It may not be practical for large and fragile gifts.
• Search online for other Furoshiki videos and tutorials: there are several that will teach you how to wrap wine bottles, odd-shaped items, and more in this style.

Next: Make a gift bag out of a cereal box

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