Furoshiki: Green friendly gift wrapping

Furoshiki is a traditional form of Japanese wrapping, dating back 400 years where plastic bags didn’t exist. Using one piece of square cloth, the Japanese used it for just about anything from wrapping books, food, bottles, to even carrying babies on their backs.

A bottle wrapped in silk furoshiki. Photo credit: furoshiki.com

Today, furoshiki can be used for any occasion, at home or for every day practical use. It can be reused time and again and makes for a great gift and can be an excellent alternative to plastic bags. Modern furoshiki are made of various materials from silk to nylon and in even bigger variety of patterns and designs. The wrapping is simply a series of knots that just about anybody can learn by buying a couple of books or following online instructions. According to Furoshiki.com, make sure to pick the appropriate material for the item you’re wrapping, some may require tighter knots to support the weight, and the size of your furoshiki should be proportionate to your item.

You can find ready made furoshiki in downtown Montreal at Collection du Japon on Ste-Catherine next to Futureshop.

More holiday ideas for you guys in case you got tired of the gift certificate detours