Finder Green Fave: Cotton On Foundation Fabric Gift Wrap

This reusable gift wrap is made from 100% cotton and supports projects that empower young people around the world.

If you’re looking for a more sustainable way to wrap Christmas presents this year, these fabric gift wrap sets from Cotton On are an affordable and considered option.

They are reusable and come in a mix of festive patterns and fun designs that you can use outside of the Christmas season.

Plus, 100% of proceeds from buying this gift wrap goes towards Cotton On Foundation projects in Australia, South Africa, Southern Uganda and Thailand.

What makes Cotton On Foundation Fabric Gift Wrap green?

Reusable gift wrap is a greener choice for the planet as it means less waste in landfill. Some gift wrap that feels like paper is also treated in ways that make it hard or impossible to recycle, so reusing any gift wrap is a better option.

Cotton On's fabric gift wrap is made from cotton sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative, a global organisation that focuses on sustainability and working conditions.

The gift wrap also comes in recycled cardboard packaging, which is designed to just fit the wrap (saving on size).

When you buy this fabric gift wrap, you're also supporting Cotton On Foundation community programs that focus on the health, wellbeing and education of young people.

Some of the programs listed on the foundation website include:

• Support for several school and community projects that connect young people to country, culture and identity in Yirrkala, NT.
• Renovating facilities at the Dr JL Dube High School in South Africa.
• Supporting the Bwe K'Lar Primary School in Thailand with meals for children, full salaries for teachers and a new school.

While all of these features make these fabric gift wraps a greener choice than regular wrapping paper, it's worth noting that Cotton On is still considered a fast fashion brand.

Fast fashion is typically produced quickly, in large volumes so that it is cheap for people to buy. Unfortunately, this process can have a bad impact on the environment and the people making the clothes.

The good news is that Cotton On is taking steps to be more ethical and sustainable. In the 2021 Ethical Fashion Guide from Baptist World Aid, it received an overall grade of B, with individual grades ranging from an A for environmental sustainability to a D for worker empowerment.

If you're someone who wants to only shop with brands that are considered across their entire line, it's worth keeping this in mind.

Related: Expert insights and tips on how to find eco-friendly products and brands

We tried it and like it

I found the Cotton On fabric gift wrap through an online search (which also uncovered a lot of other reusable gift wrap options).

As I had left it a bit late to order anything online and have been focused on shopping locally, I walked to the nearest Cotton On store and bought 3 different sets of fabric gift wrap.

Each set comes with 2 large and 1 medium fabric wrap. What I really like about the sets I chose is that only 1 of the 3 fabric wraps in each packet has a Christmas-themed design. The others look festive but could also be reused for birthday presents or other occasions.

I found the size of the large fabric gift wrap very generous and it was pretty easy to wrap up the first square-shaped gift. I also tried one that was not square and was happy with the way it looked.

The medium-sized gift wrap was closer to what I'd call "small". I could still use it to wrap up something like a book, but I might need some ribbon to help secure the wrapping.

A note on wrapping: I personally like the rustic look I got from this fabric gift wrap. But if you want a more precise finish to your wrapping, there are YouTube videos that show how to get it.

Something else to consider is that if you've got a sewing machine or overlocker handy, you could easily make your own fabric gift wrap, cut to whatever size you wanted. Or use scarves or other material, if you prefer.

But overall, I'm really happy with this fabric gift wrap. Now that all the ones I bought are ready for gifting, I'm actually thinking of getting some more for other occasions.

Related: 21 ways to make your Christmas more sustainable

Where can I get it?

Cotton On Foundation Fabric Gift Wrap is $9.99 for a pack of 3 pieces and can be bought through the Cotton On website, which also has a store finder if you want to buy them from your nearest store.

Image credits: Finder