It's the most wonderful time of the year!🎄
I don't know about you but I LOVE Christmas - the decorations, the lights, Mariah Carey on repeat... it's all so magical!
Something I don't love about the season is the amount of unnecessary waste it creates. A big component of that is wrapping paper - most gift wrap is made out of hard-to-recycle mixed materials and goes straight to landfill.
Fair trade prioritises people and planet - so we've put together six low waste ways to wrap your fair trade gifts this Christmas.
1. FUROSHIKI WRAPPING
A series of Japanese wrapping techniques using cloth - perfect for gifts of all shapes and sizes. Check out this guide for different folding ideas.
We offer a beautiful range of up-cycled sari cloths that you can use for this purpose - but you might already have something at home (and the most sustainable option is something you already own!).
Up-cycled Sari remnants repurposed into beautiful, earth friendly gift wrap. They can also double as a play silk - to be turned into capes, small world bases and more! Image credit: @curatedcontentnz
Here are some other ideas:
* Use tea towels, sheets or or second hand fabric. There are often beautiful vintage finds to be had in your local op-shop.
* Use a play silk if your children already own one (or give one and turn the wrapping into part of the gift!)
Botanically hand dyed on the Kapiti Coast, our 2. REUSABLE DRAWSTRING BAGS
Cotton bags are durable, versatile and at the end of their useful life they are biodegradable! Our range is manufactured in SEDEX certified factories (because cotton is widely farmed in the developing world, this certification helps ensure that our supply chain adheres to ethical social and employment conditions).
They can be used for fresh produce and dried goods at the supermarket as they are easily washable; you can also use them to store toys and puzzles in at home, or to take play on the go!
Our cotton drawstring bags are available in three sizes to suit a range of gifts.
3. GET CRAFTY!
Use our printing blocks and paint or ink to create one-of-a-kind wrapping paper and decorations! Make it a project for the kids, or a mindful way to take some time out for yourself in the silly season. You can even try creating your own designs on cloth or drawstring bags with fabric paint. Check out this guide for some tips and tricks.
Air dry clay decorations from @invitationstoplay.nz created using our pōhutukawa printing block and foraged pieces from the garden.
4. CHILDREN'S ART
Grab some watercolour paints, crayons or pens and let your little ones make some magic! OR if you're like me and also have a box of masterpieces from kindy that you don't know what to do with (but can't possibly throw away!) - ask them to choose a few favourites and turn them into gift wrap or greeting cards. Children will love seeing their art under the tree!
5. ADD A TOUCH OF NATURE
Some plain kraft paper can easily be made festive using the beauty that nature has to offer. Dried twigs, foliage and flowers add a lovely natural element to your wrapping - the bonus is they are free and compostable! Make it seasonal - add some pine branches or cones at Christmas time, or use a birth flower for a special birthday gift.
Dried oranges or cinnamon sticks will not only look beautiful they will make your home smell divine! They are also very easy to make:
- Preheat oven to 95°C
- Wash and dry oranges, then cut into very thin slices (as thin as possible)
- In a small bowl, mix spices and/or sugar and sprinkle evenly over orange slices if desired (optional - but we love using cinnamon, cloves and ginger!)
- Place the slices on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Place the baking sheet in the oven at 95°C for 4-6 hours (check them regularly - the amount of time it takes to the orange slices to dry in the oven will depend on your oven temperature, as well as the thickness of the slices)
- Turn off the heat but leave the door closed, let the oranges cool completely before storing them in airtight containers
- Attach with string to your gifts or create a festive garland!
6. FINISH WITH A DECORATION
Earth friendly wrapping doesn't have to be plain! Choose your type of wrapping paper (fabric or kraft paper both work well), tie a ribbon or some twine and add a fair trade (or even home made!) decoration for a festive vibe.
Our Fair Trade decorations are a beautiful addition to any type of wrapping.
Would love to know your tips and tricks for earth friendly gift wrap, and if you try any of these, tag us on social - we'd love to see!🎁