Mugs and teacups are ideal as gifts. They embody the essence of relaxation, which can be enjoyed simply by sipping a cuppa, as well as being practical. But wrapping these awkwardly shaped and sometimes curvy wonders can often pose a challenge!
Here are five inexpensive, eco-friendly and personalised wrapping ideas for an unboxed or boxed mug or teacup, that will elevate them into the delightful and thoughtful gifts they are and steep the recipient in anticipation and joy!
1. Furoshiki: Sustainable Fabric Wrapping Elegance
Furoshiki is the epitome of sustainability, a true game-changer in the art of gift wrapping and suitable for boxed or unboxed items.
Forget about wasteful paper, sticky tape and environmentally-unfriendly ribbons, because this traditional Japanese technique relies on the power of cloth. It's like having a gift wrap and ribbon rolled into one, that the eco-conscious, minimalist, and creatively-inclined individuals are sure to appreciate.
Materials needed:
- Square fabric (at least 50cm / 20in), such as a pre-loved scarf or sacking
- (Optional) Flowers or herbs suitable for a tea infusion
Step-by-step:
- Place the fabric diagonally on a flat surface.
- Position the mug or teacup in the centre of the fabric.
- Bring two opposite corners together and tie them in a knot above the mug or teacup.
- Repeat with the other two corners, tying them in a secure knot.
- Adjust and tighten the fabric to create a neat, wrapped package.
- Embellish by tucking dried or fresh flowers under the knot, or suitable herbs, such as mint for infusing in a cup or mug of boiling water.
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With Furoshiki you can embrace a world where every gift is wrapped in reusable elegance - a heartfelt nod to our planet and a celebration of conscious gifting.
2. Newspaper: Creative Recycling
Ideal for news, newspapers and puzzle enthusiasts. Transform your ordinary daily newspaper into a unique, eco-friendly gift wrap for that soon-to-be cherished mug or teacup.
Materials needed:
- Newspaper sheets
- Scissors
- Decorative string, twine or ribbon
- Tag made from recycled card, a puzzle cut from the newspaper and a small pencil (optional)
Step-by-step:
- Cut out a large square from the newspaper.
- Place your mug or teacup in the centre of the square.
- Fold the opposite corners of the square to meet in the middle, forming a triangle.
- Fold the two remaining corners of the triangle towards the centre.
- Gather the four corners just above the rim of the mug or cup.
- Tie string, twine or ribbon around the gathered paper to secure it.
- Create a gift tag from the card, and paste a newspaper puzzle onto one side of the card for the recipient to enjoy with their cup or mug of tea. Attach a little pencil to the gift tag too.
3. Gift Bag Upcycling: Giving New Life
Reuse and repurpose your old gift bags to create a personalised, eco-friendly wrapping option.
Materials needed:
- Recycled gift bag
- Scissors
- String, twine or raffia
- Card for gift tag
- Optional tea element decoration, e.g. cinnamon sticks
Step-by-step:
- Remove any previous tags or decorations from the gift bag.
- Carefully cut the top part of the bag, removing the handles.
- Place your mug or teacup inside the bag.
- Fold the top edges of the bag inward to create a neat closure and seal.
- Personalise the gift bag by threading some string, twine or raffia through a hole at the top of the bag, and attach a homemade gift tag and a couple of cinnamon sticks with a cinnamon tea recipe card.
4. Recyclable Kraft Paper: Simple and Sustainable
Opt for a recyclable kraft paper with decoupage crafted from repurposed pages of a vintage book for a minimalist gift wrap. It's a thoughtful choice, especially for those who cherish the written word.
Materials needed:
- Recyclable kraft paper
- Scissors
- Eco-friendly tape
- Natural twine
- Torn bits of newspaper, magazine, books, or photographs (optional)
- Ink stamp and decorative labels (optional)
Step-by-step:
- Cut a piece of kraft paper large enough to wrap your mug or teacup fully.
- Place your gift in the centre of the paper.
- Secure the kraft paper with eco-friendly tape or twine for a rustic finish.
- Decorate the kraft paper with a decoupage, using torn pieces of old newspaper or magazines and nostalgic photographs.
5. Fabric Drawstring Pouch: A Gift within a Gift
Create a reusable fabric drawstring pouch that doubles as a gift wrap and an additional gift.
Materials needed:
- Recycled fabric (cotton, linen, or muslin works well)
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Ribbon, twine, or cord for the drawstring
- Safety pin
- Decorative elements like lace, fabric markers, embroidery thread, beads.
Step-by-step:
- Cut two identical rectangular pieces of fabric. The dimensions will depend on the size of your tea mug or teacup. As a general guideline, aim for a width approximately twice the diameter of the mug or teacup and a length about three times the height of the mug or teacup.
- Fold and sew a small hem along the top edge of the pouch to stop it fraying.
- Place the fabric pieces together, with the pattern or the desired side facing inward.
- Sew the sides leaving the top edge open. This will be the opening of the drawstring pouch.
- Carefully turn the pouch right so the pattern or desired side can face outward.
- Draw a pencil line 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches from the top. These lines will create the channel for the drawstring.
- Sew directly on the lines on both sides of the bag.
- With a seam unpicker, carefully unpick the stitches on the outer side seams in between the lines you have just sewn. These openings are for the drawstring.
- Thread one end of the drawstring through a safety pin and guide it through the channel opening.
- Once the drawstring is threaded through, remove the safety pin and tie the two ends together securely. Add decorative knots or beads to the ends for an extra flourish, or embellish the pouch with fabric markers, embroidery, or sewn-on decorative elements to personalise it further.
- Place the tea mug or teacup inside and pull the drawstring to a close.
