Christmas is probably the most wasteful time of year when it comes to paper. If you’re thinking about alternatives, why not check out Furoshiki?

It’s a Japanese technique using cloth to wrap objects, turning them into beautiful packages, and allows the recipient to then use the cloth as a scarf.

If origami isn’t your strong point, then think about Wrapsacks. Available from Onya Bags, they have taken the idea of wrapping gifts in cloth to a more practical level. They’re a range of cloth bags with a draw-string – just pop the present in and tie the cords.

There is a great initiative attached to the Wrapsack, called Track-a-Sack. Each Wrapsack is reusable and has a unique code. Upon receipt of the gift the recipient can type the code into the special Track-a-Sack system, and this will tell them who has had their particular Wrapsack before, what was in it and where they live – allowing them to add their own gift story before passing it on to somebody else.

And if you still aren’t satisfied and fancy something a bit more wacky, some great creations have been wrapped in tin foil, old shirts, and newspaper, as the picture accompanying this story demonstrates – in fact, the masters behind these creations will be offering their skills to commuters on the Gatwick Express service from Sunday 20th December – Wednesday 24th Dec, 3-6pm. They’ll be sitting in the first class carriages.

If you happen to be on the train during the times, then bring along some obscure material and they’ll make your gifts look spectacular. Think of it as Ready, Steady Cook – but weirder and with funnier results.

Find papers, bags and tissue at WorldofGood.com