Furoshiki and fabric wrapping etiquette
Have you ever panic bought a last-minute gift before arriving at a birthday party, dinner party, Secret Santa day at work? Our bet is you’re not alone. Picture the mad dash to the nearest shop to grab a bottle, some chocolates and a gift bag to make it look like you’ve had this planned for weeks. If you’re anything like us, you’ll be handing over the bag thinking, “Why did I just spend money on a gift bag that will end up in the bin and can’t be recycled?”
While we can’t guarantee to help you get more organised in the gift buying department, the beauty of fabric wrapping is you can keep a gorgeous, reusable wrap in your bag for occasions just like this. So, even if it’s just a bottle of wine, it’ll be a conversation-starting bottle of wine.
But what’s the etiquette? Do you ask for the wrap back? We often hear, “but it’s too pretty to give away!” See our stack of vintage scarves as confirmation of this. Well, the good news is that, traditionally in Japan, furoshiki are returned to the gift giver, with thanks. We do also believe that the wrap can form part of the gift if you are willing to part ways.
Our ideas for introducing furoshiki to your family and friends
If you’re really keen to get your wraps back for future use, why not use your best calligraphy skills to write a little note on a recycled gift tag or piece of card that you can pop in the parcel with some instructions. We’ve seen tick boxes, like our handwritten version below, work really well. It’s a polite way to let the recipient know what you’d like them to do with the fabric wrap next.
While we can’t guarantee to help you get more organised in the gift buying department, the beauty of fabric wrapping is you can keep a gorgeous, reusable wrap in your bag for occasions just like this. So, even if it’s just a bottle of wine, it’ll be a conversation-starting bottle of wine.
But what’s the etiquette? Do you ask for the wrap back? We often hear, “but it’s too pretty to give away!” See our stack of vintage scarves as confirmation of this. Well, the good news is that, traditionally in Japan, furoshiki are returned to the gift giver, with thanks. We do also believe that the wrap can form part of the gift if you are willing to part ways.
Our ideas for introducing furoshiki to your family and friends
If you’re really keen to get your wraps back for future use, why not use your best calligraphy skills to write a little note on a recycled gift tag or piece of card that you can pop in the parcel with some instructions. We’ve seen tick boxes, like our handwritten version below, work really well. It’s a polite way to let the recipient know what you’d like them to do with the fabric wrap next.
Include some wrapping instructions with your gift. We’ve got a handy illustration on our How to Wrap page that you could print. It’ll help prevent wraps sitting in a drawer once you’ve gifted it. It’s a great way to instil some inspiration in your friends and family’s minds.
Our wraps tend to be conversation starters. Fabric wraps aren’t the norm yet (hey, trendsetter), so when you hand over your beautifully wrapped present, it’s a great chance to explain why you’ve used eco wrapping paper and what the traditional Japanese etiquette is. We tend to find that once people see our wraps, they’re converted. Boom, a new tradition is born!
Challenge the recipient to keep the wrap and see how many uses they can get out of it. Inspire them with ideas of head scarves, furoshiki bags, lunchbox wraps - the list is endless. Make sure you show us your creative skills by tagging us on Instagram.
Why not suggest that your recipient wraps your next birthday gift in it and returns it to you ;) It’s a sure-fire way of making sure you get a gift next year, hey?
What are your ideas on furoshiki etiquette and starting new, more eco-friendly giving traditions?
Our wraps tend to be conversation starters. Fabric wraps aren’t the norm yet (hey, trendsetter), so when you hand over your beautifully wrapped present, it’s a great chance to explain why you’ve used eco wrapping paper and what the traditional Japanese etiquette is. We tend to find that once people see our wraps, they’re converted. Boom, a new tradition is born!
Challenge the recipient to keep the wrap and see how many uses they can get out of it. Inspire them with ideas of head scarves, furoshiki bags, lunchbox wraps - the list is endless. Make sure you show us your creative skills by tagging us on Instagram.
Why not suggest that your recipient wraps your next birthday gift in it and returns it to you ;) It’s a sure-fire way of making sure you get a gift next year, hey?
What are your ideas on furoshiki etiquette and starting new, more eco-friendly giving traditions?
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