When you want to give a gift with flair, forgo regular wrapping paper and try reusable gift wrap (aka large squares of soft, durable fabric that can be used over and over again)! Wrapping cloth is decorative, versatile, and environmentally conscious as it eliminates the need for wasteful gift bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons. Once you get the technique down, you can whip up a pretty present in seconds. Trust us, wrapping with fabric is just easier -- no scissors, taping, or curling ribbon required! Plus, c’mon, who doesn’t want to receive a gift within a gift? Once your recipient has oohed and aahed over your creation (and whatever’s inside), they can use their gift wrap ffor all sorts of things.
Check out some of our favorite ways to use it below!
The most obvious way to use it? Grab a gift of any shape and size (no box necessary), then wrap it up and tie the loose ends together. If age-appropriate, your kiddo will love getting involved. Similar to origami, wrapping cloth is a great exercise for their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and concentration.
Here are a few ways to wrap presents with your reusable gift wrap:
Roll with it...
Tie it up in a bow...
Make it warm and fuzzy...
For more inspiration and tips, we love this post by the one-and-only Marie Kondo, plus more in-depth tutorials here and here.
Babies are notoriously sticky, burpy, snotty, poopy, and spitty -- especially when you’re out and about and away from home. So, keep your trusty wrapping cloth in the diaper bag and you’ll begin to wonder how you ever lived without it! Lay it down as a changing pad for on-the-go diaper changes. Tie it around your baby’s neck (loosely) to guard their clothes against spit up. Drape it over your shoulder as a makeshift nursing cover. Lay it over the carseat to act as a shield from the intense sun or rain. You get the gist!
To add a little oomph to your (or your child’s) outfit, wear your reusable gift cloth! Depending on the size of your fabric, you can style it as a wrap, scarf, headband, belt loop, or side knot on your handbag. Add it to your kiddo’s dress-up wardrobe and let their imagination take off! Head over to this article for some additional ideas.
Stash your fabric in the car and you’ll always be ready for a spontaneous picnic or trip to the park. Use them as a makeshift blanket, napkin, placemat, or bib. They’re washable, so It’s totally OK to get them messy.
One of the coolest things you can do with your reusable gift wrap is fold it into a handbag, tote, or backpack. The no-sew options are endless! Keep it handy for the grocery store, packed lunches, or wherever your errands take you. If you want to give it a try, look no further than Pinterest for tons of step-by-step guides!
What’s your favorite way to use reusable gift wrap? Let’s brainstorm ideas in the comments below!