Zero Waste Gift Wrapping Ideas

I am filled with guilt seeing the wheelie bin full of wrapping paper on boxing day. I think there are plenty of alternatives we can choose to do:

1. This will be the cheapest and laziest option: Don't feel the need to wrap anything! You could put it behind your back and whip it out! Surprise factor: High.
2. Wouldn't it be neat if you had your own gift bag (maybe even a flax kete bag) that you could re-use? Once the receiver opens it up, you can then take your bag back and use it forever more. Why not?!
3. Did you know that we put ribbons around gifts because traditionally it was used to bind your paper together because Sellotape did not exist..!! It's so simple, but still a bit of a shock. Why not work out a good strong fold and use no sellotape? Some wrapping papers have a chance of biodegrading, sticky tape will in 1000 years. Enjoy our ribbon DIY below.
4. Furoshiki (風呂敷) ! The option that is exciting me the most right now. It is a cloth that the Japanese traditionally fold to wrap and carry goods. 

If you are wanting a full zero waste option, the best thing you can do is to wrap your goods in something the receiver will actually want to use again. And if they’re not really that kind of person, take back your cloth once you’re done so it can be re-used. 

Below are two different styles of folding with different results, but there are plenty more options (including some with handles!). Our material is salvaged from a damaged recycled garment - so we are giving it another life! Other options could be a tea towel or a vintage silk scarf (we sell both if you need one).

If you have any other low-to-zero waste options, let us know below in the comments!