Wrap the Joy: Sustainable Wrapping Gifts with Playsilks

Gifts of Imagination, Wrapped up in Delight!

What could be more beautiful than a gift wrapped in something that can be used over and over for imaginative play? By now, many of us are conscious about minimizing our use of disposable wrapping paper, opting instead for recycled options and fabric. Enter the beautiful art of furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping technique that turns fabric into a meaningful part of the gift and elevates these sustainable practices into true works of art.

A Beautiful Tradition

Furoshiki has been practiced in Japan since the 1600's, when cloth was highly valued. Initially used to wrap clothes and belongings for trips to the bathhouse, furoshiki evolved into a versatile method of gift wrapping. The traditional cloths were made from silk, cotton, and ramie, showcasing intricate designs and craftsmanship. Today, we can honor this tradition by using our favorite playsilks, which not only work perfectly as gift wrapping but then can be incorporated into play for years and years of creativity.

How to Wrap with Playsilks

Wrapping with playsilks is a lovely process that encourages the imagination and allows you to slow down and savor the process. And really there is a lot of wiggle room in wrapping these silky gifts as fabric is way more forgiving than paper. Here’s a simple guide to get you started in turning your gift wrapping into furoshiki masterpieces!

Choose Your Playsilk: Select a colorful playsilk that resonates with the occasion or is a favorite color of the person you are giving the gift to. For the holidays, we love using our new exclusive Holiday Play Silks from Sarah's Silks. 

Prepare the Cloth: Lay the playsilk flat on a surface, with one corner facing you. Place the gift in the center.

Wrap it Up: Fold the corner closest to you over the gift, tucking in any excess fabric. Repeat with the opposite corner.

Tie It Off: Take the two remaining corners and tie them together in a secure knot. For a decorative touch, consider adding a small flower or a sprig of greenery to the knot.

Present with Love: Your beautifully wrapped gift is now ready to be shared!

And that's it! This super easy yet elegant wrapping is a wonderful way to not only add dimension to your gift but it will do wonders for minimizing the endless waste that is created during the holidays. So, let’s unwrap joy together and make our holiday gifting as beautiful as it is sustainable!