The Soul of Gift Wrapping: Creative Techniques

The Soul of Gift Wrapping is a book that combines inventive wrapping designs with inspiring personal essays by sustainable gift wrap artist Megumi Inouye, drawing on the gift-giving traditions of her Japanese heritage.

Keep small parts (like buttons) and glue – even natural versions) away from children and pets (toxic, and can expand in the stomach). Also read about plastic-free paper tape.

Avoid sending plantable gift wrap and cards to homes with pets, as most wildflowers are unsafe near animal friends. Read our post on keeping pets safe at Christmas. 

Using repurposed materials (like old maps and sheet music), her approach inspires readers to think intentionally about the presentation of every gift.

Learn how to make tape-free folding techniques, paper and fabric bows, clever message tags and unique approaches for odd-shaped items. And how to wrap a book without tape.

About the Author

Megumi Lorna Inouye was born in Los Angeles, but her culture of thoughtful gift-giving comes from her Japanese parents. She often uses recycled and found materials, giving a second life to things that otherwise might be overlooked or discarded.

She believes that living in the midst of a fast-paced consumer age, there is something to be said about rethinking our relationship with gift exchanges and wrapping.

Here are a couple of her creations (not from the book), both made from recycled paper: