FAQ

1. 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. 

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. What size should I get? A general rule of thumb is that the wrap should be 3x the size of the object. See the diagram below for sizing guidelines. Please also view our How It Works page for information on wrapping techniques.

5. Do I need a gift tag? Not always! Some people like to tie a gift tag around the bow or tuck a card into the wrap, especially for larger gatherings. Other times, a gift tag isn't necessary at all. Many families and friends associate each wrap with a specific person, making it easy to know whose gift is whose. However you choose to use your wrap, it's all part of creating your own gifting tradition.