When I was in Tokyo, I purchased several scarves I thought would go with outfits I already had. When I bought them, the salesperson also tucked some folded papers with instructions in the bag with my scarves. I didn’t really notice these papers until after I got home and sorted through my shopping bags. When I saw the instructions, I realized that they were step-by-step illustrations on how to use these scarves. Apparently they are not meant to be worn, but could be used (among other things) as gift wrap!
the scarf
I’ve included these instructions just in case you want to know other ways to use scarves besides wearing them. I like the scarves I bought in Japan so much I think I’ll continue to wear them. However, I will also keep in mind that they can be used in other ways, too. Just follow the directions!
Meg Travels 
This came just in time for Christmas. Thanks for the good information!
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I thought this might be good for the holidays. I’m glad you can use the information!
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Great tips….thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome! I was so happy to have gotten these instructions :)
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I love this idea – thanks for sharing!
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You know, I think I’ll try this with one of my scarves!
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I like this idea. I will have to try it sometime.
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I think that you’ll like the way it looks if you do!
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Thank you for sharing a wonderful idea.
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You are so welcome! I’m glad that I had these tips to share…
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The Japanese are so good at making everything look almost too good to be used !
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That is so true! I am still wearing that scarf. I may use it as a gift wrap one day…maybe :)
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Lush (a toiletries type place) actually sells these as gift wrap. They are classy!
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Thank you for mentioning this! I went to the Lush website and saw the pretty scarves they have. I’ll keep this in mind for next year…
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What a brilliant idea!!
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When I bought the scarf, I just thought it was pretty. I’m so glad I found the instructions so I could share them!
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Oh dear you have just given me another reason to buy scarves and feed my addiction!
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I know what you mean. Scarves are one of my favorite purchases, at home or on a trip!
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Hello “megtraveling” and thanks for shooting me the thumbs up “like” on my recent post.
I am fascinated by your scarf instructions to use as a gift wrap. OMG! I have been a wearer of this delightful accessory all my life. I have thought of unique ways to gift a scarf inside of something but not on the outside. I will try one very soon. Thnx! ~Ellen
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That’s what I thought when I first saw that you could use a scarf like this! No tape or scissors required :)
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First, what a stunning scarf! I’m not sure I could use that one as gift wrap!! ;)
It’s a great idea, though! What a nice thought to pass on something you’ve loved, or a new one, to someone else. I was thinking that a scarf (heavy or dark enough) could be used to cover a pillow and thus become an accent piece in a home. If it can cover a box…it should be able to cover a pillow! I’ve done that with fabric and just tied it in the front in a knot. Thanks for your post! A great one as always!!
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Thanks Judy! When I bought the scarf I never dreamed it was meant for something else. It is also a special souvenir of my trip to Japan. But theoretically I think a scarf could be used as gift wrap. I really like your idea of using one as a pillow, too! That way you could see it all the time :)
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That’s *literally* thinking outside the box. Nice!
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I like your way of thinking about it, too. Thanks!
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Meg,
I LOVE your blog. It’s beautiful and full of posts I can’t wait to read. This is a great idea, and I wish I thought of it when I gave a handknitted scarf as a gift. I could have wrapped one or two other small items up in it. Oh well…next time :)
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Thank you so much! I’m sure your gift was lovely! I haven’t used the scarf gift wrap yet; it will probably be next time for me, too :)
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I just loved this post. Here in Hawaii, with the Japanese influence, the possibility of receiving such a gift today is not unusual. Did you also see how they wrap presents with very small pieces of paper? it is amazing.
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Thank you for such a great comment about the gift wrap! And I imagine that the scarves (and paper) are so pretty, you might forget to see what’s inside…
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That’s really cool! My mom and my sister in law often use fabric to wrap gifts, and it feels much more special than a gift wrapped in traditional wrapping paper. A scarf would REALLY be wonderful!
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That’s really great that you already know about fabric as gift wrap. The nice thing about a scarf here is that you can wear it, so it’s like getting (or giving) another gift!
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Great ideas.
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Thanks, I’m so glad you like them!
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So cool! It’s a great way to give two gifts at once.
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That’s a good point. The scarf itself is a gift, too!
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I have received gifts wrapped in a scarf from my Japanese homestay girls. What a treat! Thanks for liking my blog post.
Darlene
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You must have really enjoyed receiving those gifts! I enjoyed reading your blog, too :)
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I am passing onto you the HUG Award. Please see post
http://francineinretirement.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/hug-award/
I enjoy reading your post and look forward to seeing more.
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Thank you so much Francine! This is a really special award and I am honored to receive it. And I really enjoy your blog, too!
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We lived in Japan for a few years and I loved furoshiki (gift wrapping). The wrapping cloths are so beautiful, aren’t they?
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They are very beautiful! I think it’s a wonderful way to give a gift… :)
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Niiiceee! They are ssooo creative and ssoo considerate! I once received a present from a Japanese patient wrapped in something similar to the first one, with a beautiful scarf! I looooove scarves and collect one too many, so she picked up my love for them just from all the scarf talk that used to come out my mouth.
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I think they’re wonderful too! You must have enjoyed getting a present wrapped in a scarf. I’m sure it was really lovely… :)
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