Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese method of wrapping gifts and carrying packages. It has a fancy-sounding name, but is a simple and elegant method for wrapping your gifts that creates exactly zero waste!

Furoshiki book wrap. Photo by F. Hundertwasser via Creative Commons.

We've all used cloth bags for wrapping at some point, and they're great too! But furoshiki is just plain neat. Using one of the traditionally-sized furoshiki cloths, you can wrap a whole variety of different objects in simple and ingenious ways. 

As an example, check out some of the simple ties outlined here. 

Even better, grab a few square scarves from the thrift shop and use them repeatedly for wrapping. The earth will thank you, and these look gorgeous under the tree. Think of the possibilities!

Rainbow playsilk furoshiki. Photo by L. Sara Bysterveld.

Bright and fun furoshiki! Photo by L. Sara Bysterveld.

To get the hang of it to start, check out this video of basic ties.

And to learn everything from the history of the art to the specifications of the cloths, give this in-depth article a read.

Furoshiki: we're in love!!