Materials Guide | Businesscleaning - DIY Gift Wrapping & Lettering

The Right Tools Make All the Difference

We believe that working with quality, sustainable materials enhances both the creative process and the final result. This guide features our favorite tools and supplies available in New Zealand, with a focus on eco-friendly and locally sourced options wherever possible.

While we include affiliate links to products we genuinely recommend, we encourage you to support local craft shops and artisans whenever possible.

Wrapping Materials

Sustainable Paper Options

Product	Description	Best For	Eco Rating	Where to Find
Recycled Kraft Paper	Unbleached, 100% recycled paper with rustic texture	All-purpose wrapping, natural/rustic looks	★★★★★	The Paper Tree (Auckland)
Seed Paper	Plantable paper embedded with NZ wildflower seeds	Small gifts, cards, tags	★★★★★	Growing Paper NZ
Tissue Paper (Recycled)	100% post-consumer recycled tissue in various colors	Delicate items, gift bag filling	★★★★☆	Eco Packaging (Wellington)
Lokta Paper	Handmade paper from sustainably harvested lokta shrub	Special occasion, luxury gifts	★★★★☆	Trade Aid stores
Newspaper & Magazine Pages	Repurposed reading materials	Casual gifts, creative reuse projects	★★★★★	Your home recycling bin

Fabric & Reusable Options

Product	Description	Best For	Eco Rating	Where to Find
Organic Cotton Furoshiki	Specially designed square cloths for Japanese-style wrapping	All gift shapes, wine bottles, books	★★★★★	The Eco Shop (Christchurch)
Vintage Scarves	Pre-loved scarves in various patterns and materials	Double-gift wrapping (the wrap is part of the gift)	★★★★★	Op Shops nationwide
Beeswax Wraps	Reusable cotton wraps infused with NZ beeswax	Small gifts, food items	★★★★★	Honeywrap NZ
Linen Tea Towels	Natural linen kitchen towels in various colors	Kitchen gifts, housewarming presents	★★★★★	Citta Design
Reusable Gift Bags	Fabric drawstring bags in multiple sizes	Awkwardly shaped gifts, gift sets	★★★★★	EarthSavvy NZ

Natural Embellishments

Product	Description	Best For	Eco Rating	Where to Find
Natural Twine	Biodegradable jute, hemp, or cotton twine	Securing wrapping, rustic ties	★★★★★	Spotlight stores
Dried Flowers & Herbs	Locally grown dried botanicals	Natural embellishments, seasonal decor	★★★★★	Farmers' Markets
Wooden Tags	Small wooden discs or shapes from sustainable timber	Gift tags, ornaments	★★★★☆	Craft supply stores
Natural Ribbon	Organic cotton or linen ribbon, minimally dyed	Elegant ties, bow making	★★★★☆	The Ribbon Rose (Auckland)
Pressed Leaves & Flowers	DIY pressed botanicals from your garden	Delicate embellishments, seasonal touches	★★★★★	Your garden or local park (responsibly collected)

Lettering & Calligraphy Supplies

Brush Pen Comparison

Pen Brand/Model	Tip Type	Beginner Friendly	Durability	Price Range	Where to Find
Tombow Dual Brush Pen	Flexible nylon brush + fine tip	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	$6-8 NZD each	Gordon Harris
Pentel Fude Touch	Firm but flexible felt tip	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	$4-5 NZD each	Warehouse Stationery
Ecoline Brush Pen	Liquid watercolor brush	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	$7-9 NZD each	Gordon Harris
Karin Brushmarker Pro	Flexible brush nib with liquid ink	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	$8-10 NZD each	Pete's Pens (Wellington)
Kelly Creates Brush Pen	Large brush tip, very flexible	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	$6-8 NZD each	Spotlight stores

Paper & Surfaces for Lettering

Paper Type	Weight/GSM	Best For	Eco Rating	Where to Find
HP Premium32 Paper	120gsm	Practice sheets, everyday lettering	★★★☆☆	Office supply stores
Rhodia Dot Pad	80gsm	Practice, guidelines, planning	★★★★☆	Gordon Harris
Strathmore Bristol Smooth	270gsm	Final artwork, cards, frameable pieces	★★★★☆	Gordon Harris
Fabriano Watercolor Paper	300gsm	Watercolor lettering, mixed media	★★★★☆	French Art Shop (Auckland)
Recycled Kraft Cards	250-300gsm	Cards, tags, eco-friendly projects	★★★★★	The Paper Tree (Auckland)

Additional Tools

Tool	Description	Best For	Eco Rating	Where to Find
Lightbox	LED tracing pad for transferring designs	Transferring sketches, working with guidelines	★★★☆☆	Warehouse Stationery
Bamboo Ruler	Sustainable alternative to plastic rulers	Creating straight guidelines	★★★★★	Eco Stationers NZ
Water Brush	Refillable brush with water reservoir	Watercolor lettering, blending	★★★★☆	Gordon Harris
Washi Tape	Decorative paper tape, removable	Securing paper, decorative elements	★★★★☆	Paper Plus
Eco Cutting Mat	Self-healing cutting surface made from recycled materials	Protecting surfaces when cutting	★★★★★	Spotlight stores