How to gift wrap (without gift wrap)

If you can tie a square knot, you can wrap gifts using furoshiki. (Credit: Weekend Knitter via Flickr)

No matter what you're giving -- "presence" or "presents" -- you can present either without ever buying another roll of wrapping paper!

Reuse fabric

It's easier than you think to wrap gifts using traditional Japanese techniques and fabrics known as furoshiki. Whether you're giving a bottle (or two) of organic wine or a tin of treats, you won't need scissors or tape.

If you can tie a knot, you can wrap using furoshiki -- they even become reusable gifts! Make your own or reuse or regift tea towels, linens, cloth napkins and scarves, or find these and other fabrics at the thrift store. Follow step-by-step folding tutorials online.

For example: Use a silk scarf from a thrift store to wrap a journal you're regifting and personalize it by writing a quote or Grandma's recipe inside.

If you get addicted to wrapping with fabric, source a large bolt of cloth and decorate it with fabric paint. The cloth art you create can be reused year after year.

Reuse paper

Get the kids in your house to make wrapping with paper found around the house (including paper grocery bags) or in your office copy room recycling bin. Then unleash the stamps, markers and paints.

Gifts in cardboard boxes are already wrapped -- kids can add personal touches directly on the boxes! And don't forget to decorate envelopes if you're giving gifts of time like tickets to a light festival or babysitting.

Resuse glass

Glass jars are the perfect vessel for homemade gifts -- from holiday mulling spices and preserves to homemade play dough and bath salts or melts.

Make your own gift tags from old holiday cards or make your own paper!

How do you add personal flare to wrapped gifts?

Sincerely,

Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green

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