We’re newly obsessed with the over 1,000 year old traditional Japanese art of wrapping style of furoshiki. Furoshiki are square pieces of fabric that were originally used as a way to wrap and carry items, but today they have many uses—including as luxe wrapping paper alternatives. We were so inspired by this concept of sustainable-meets-stylish that we used some of our most-loved patterns to create The Maximalist Furoshiki Kits.
“I think these furoshiki kits are perfect for somebody that’s cheeky and flirty and creative and curious,” said Lucy Penfield, founder and design principal of Lucy Interior Design. “For somebody who likes to make a real statement, somebody that likes a little flair, that’s a risk taker, that likes to doll up.”
Our furoshiki kits feature luxurious 100% silk habotai scarves—in our exclusive fabric patterns—that are paired with a coordinating glass-beaded tassel and a set of gift tags, ready for gifting and more.
“My love language is gift giving and I always try to find unique ways to present gifts to my friends and family,” said lifestyle creator and stylist Sara Raak. “I’m also a fan of repurposing and reusing items that I decorate with too, so utilizing the furoshiki fabric to wrap gifts for the holiday is perfect!”
And as master multi-taskers ourselves, we appreciate that furoshiki fabric is a great way to present gifts for so many people— and that the fabric itself has so many uses.
“Whoever I give this to will either keep it forever to use themselves or they would be able to pass it on to someone else as gift wrapping,” said Ginny Stalker, owner and designer of Au Petit Salon, a boutique online interior decorating service. “That is the beauty of furoshiki, it is the gift that keeps on giving.“
We wanted to use some of our most-popular patterns for the kits—Neela Blue, Bisnagar Stripe, Fancy Pants in the Bob colorway, and Bakuba Lodge—because gifts wrapped in luxurious silk have twice the gift-giving power. Yes, furoshiki wrapping cloth is reusable for next season’s gifts, but we love it as a chic everyday accessory.
“I am in love with the Neela Blue pattern,” said Raak. “It’s the perfect hue of colors for the holidays. This watercolor design is perfect for wrapping a gift and topping off with a sparkly tassel with a pop of pink.”
Our kits also come with How-To Cards for repurposing our furoshiki, because these silk scarves offer so many more possibilities beyond gift wrap. Whether the giftee is more interested in accessorizing their home or dressing up an outfit, a furoshiki fabric gives them the opportunity to get creative and tie on something fabulous.
“I wore the Bisnagar Stripe scarf from the kit and it tied my whole outfit together so beautifully” said Stalker. “It added such a glam touch. I also wrapped it around my scrunchie to give my top knot a glamorous twist. I really was excited to try it as a bag. I love the idea of being out and about with the scarf in my hair and all of a sudden needing a bag and there it is! So handy and chic. And the silk is so soft and luxurious!”
Furoshiki is especially great for odd shaped gifts (hello, wine bottles!), but they can be used to transport books or groceries, or honestly, just about anything that you can fit it around.
“Not only does it take it up a notch presentation wise, the recipient can then reuse the fabric in their home decor, their own gift wrap, or even use it as a scarf,” said Raak.
We love that they are as artistic as they are eco-friendly—say goodbye to your standard issue wrapping paper.
“Furoshiki has a true sustainable side,” said Penfield. “You’re not throwing something away. You’re giving your present a beautiful presentation. And then the receiver can do so much with it. You’ve really given them a double gift!”
It’s just bonkers to us that reports say that Americans spend upwards of $7 billion a year on traditional gift wrap and much of it ends up in landfills after the holidays—recyclable gift wrap included. Especially since you can easily use scarves to create gift wrapping that will be as treasured as the present inside.
“Just like I make it a point to furnish and decorate my home with vintage items that have been well loved, I also love to do the same with gift giving and the products I include in my gifts,” said Raak. “Repurposing and reusing items time and time again not only encourage our overall efforts in sustainability but also adds to the story of that piece.“
“I am so happy when I find ways to reduce my environmental footprint,” added Stalker. “This reusable wrapping is so easy and extremely beautiful too. It’s hard to even think of what would go inside as a gift because the delicious silk scarf is such an amazing gift itself.”
Get wrapping this holiday season with eco-friendly and globally inspired fabrics.
Nothing looks better on a travel bag than a SmithHonig Tassel!