The festive period of the year is back, bringing with it illuminated streets, reunions with family and friends, convivial meals… and of course, presents! With environmental awareness on the rise, the emphasis is now as much on the choice of gift as on its packaging.

Whether it’s for Christmas or other occasions such as birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s and Father’s Day, it’s essential to ask yourself two crucial questions: how do you choose a meaningful and sustainable gift? And how do you opt for zero-waste packaging?

But first… Why do we give presents at Christmas?

The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas dates back to ancient times. In Roman times, it was customary to give presents (such as coins or honey) at the winter solstice as a symbolic gesture of good fortune. Later, the Christian tradition of giving presents at Christmas was inspired by the gifts offered by the Magi to Jesus, according to the Nativity story, reinforcing the legitimacy of this age-old practice.

Even if today they are sometimes questioned in certain families or by certain people for reasons of budget, over-consumption, waste or usefulness, gifts remain a tradition of ‘giving pleasure’ for many.

How do you choose a meaningful gift?

A meaningful gift, according to Kalani, must meet a specific need or be carefully personalised to match the tastes, passions or values of the person receiving it. It’s not just an object, but a reflection of what could really touch the other person, a symbol of consideration and attention.

A meaningful gift must also be timeless, designed to last over time. Durability is an essential criterion for Kalani, because a precious gift never goes out of fashion and will stand the test of time. This longevity is based on high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Gift ideas such as ultra-soft organic cotton sheets, fluffy bath towels and organic wool throws are perfect examples of this quest for quality, which guarantees a long life for each product.

But at Kalani, sustainability extends beyond product quality. We ensure that your gifts are made responsibly, respecting both the environment and the people involved in their creation. Each raw material is carefully chosen to minimise our ecological impact, and we ensure that workers are treated ethically, fairly and with dignity. In this way, a Kalani gift is not only designed to please the recipient or the person giving it to themselves, but also to be respectful of the planet and the communities involved in its production. A few examples? A set of bed linen in organic cotton, grown without pesticides, a set of handmade cotton flower candles from the Belgian brand Terrae, or a set of napkins in ecological and local linen.

After all, a gift should not only please the person receiving it, but also be healthy and safe to use, in keeping with our eco-responsible values.

Last but not least, let’s not forget that a gift can also take the form of an experience. Sometimes the most beautiful gift is a shared moment, an unforgettable experience. A weekend in an unusual location, a wellness break in a charming hotel or B&B, a culinary discovery in a unique restaurant, or simply a stroll along the seafront. For more inspiration, check out our ideas for getaways in the ‘B&B’ section of our blog. All these partners have placed their trust in Kalani by equipping their tourist accommodation, hotel and guest house with Kalani products (bed linen and/or bath linen and/or bedding). It is therefore very important for us to talk about them and to support them in turn.

Why use eco-friendly gift wrapping?

Worldwide, millions of tonnes of wrapping paper are thrown away every year, much of it non-recyclable due to the presence of metallic inks, glitter and plastic.

Did you know that in Belgium alone, gift wrapping is the source of 3,400 tonnes of waste every year? (BEP Environnement) That’s more than the weight of the Atomium!

In Canada, annual waste is also worrying: 540,000 tonnes of waste from gift wrapping or shopping bags – by way of illustration, that’s the equivalent of 100,000 elephants! (Greenpeace)

These situations highlight the need to change our approach to the cherished practice of gift giving.

How do I make an eco-friendly gift wrap?

Wrapping a gift in a more environmentally-friendly way doesn’t have to be a chore! On the contrary, it’s an opportunity to transform your packaging into a real personal creation, and why not even a work of art! And the icing on the cake: some of this zero-waste packaging can even be found in your own home.

Furoshiki: this is a traditional Japanese wrapping technique using square or rectangular pieces of cloth. This method, which has ancient roots, is practical, aesthetic and environmentally friendly (because it can be reused and endlessly transferred with the gifts they wrap and re-wrap). To make a ‘furoshiki’ wrapping, start by rummaging through your wardrobe for a piece of clothing or fabric of any kind (tablecloth, towels, plaid, etc.) that you no longer use. Cut it into squares and that’s it!

If you can’t find any fabric at home, you can buy a soft Kalani furoshiki in ecru organic cotton here, or go to a second-hand shop to find the fabric with the design of your dreams!

And don’t forget to check out this great guide to Furoshiki gift wrapping ideas!

A little rummaging around your home can be a great way to find gift wrap:
– old newspaper
– old posters, old cards,
– cardboard boxes (shoe boxes, tissue boxes, boxes from recently received parcels, etc.),
– scrap paper,
– tote bag,…

You can even embark on a creative adventure using a range of tools to decorate recycled packaging, such as :
– paint
– old photos (or duplicate photos)
– buttons
– dried flowers,…

If you want to use ‘real’ gift wrapping paper, we recommend that you buy recycled and recyclable paper and avoid glitter, metallic finishes, plastic, etc.