FAQ

1. How do I use the gift wrap? If you can tie a knot, you can use this gift wrap! The key is to choose the right size for your gift. A general rule of thumb is that the wrap should be 3x the size of the object. Here is a diagram to show the many ways you can wrap objects with your furoshiki gift wrap:

Source: Japanese Ministry of the Environment. 

2. Do I keep the wrap, or do I give it to the gift recipient? In traditional Japanese culture, furoshiki wraps are returned to the giver after the gift has been unwrapped. The idea is that the wrap is not just wrapping paper but part of a shared experience. The cloth might be returned with a future gift, continuing the cycle of reusing the fabric. However, we encourage you to create a tradition that works for you! You may choose to gift the furoshiki gift wrap along with the present, making the wrap itself part of a lasting gift-- see how far the wrap can travel! Or perhaps you choose specific designs for each member of your family, and keep them within your family for years to come-- making them sentimental pieces that hold your family's special memories. 

3. Can I wash the wrap? We source upcycled cotton fabric 95% of the time, which is generally machine washable. We recommend doing a test wash before throwing it in the washer with a full laundry load just to be safe! And of course, cold water and air drying help prevent shrinkage.

4. What is deadstock fabric? Deadstock fabric is unused fabric leftover from a previous production run for a fashion brand or textile mill. It frequently sits in warehouses, going unused for years and serving no real purpose. While upcycling deadstock fabric is not a silver bullet to the fast-fashion and overproduction that are rampant in the textile industry, Communal Gifts uses deadstock fabric to cut down on the virgin materials used in the production process of our gift wrap. It is part of our efforts to consider not only the re-use aspect of our wraps, but also the impact of the materials used to design our products.