All About Reusable Gift Bags
I’ve recently added some new items to my Etsy store, and that includes reusable gift bags!
So why use a reusable gift bag? For one, it’s environmentally friendly. Earth911 estimates that 4.6 billion pounds of wrapping paper is produced each year in the US, and at least half of that ends up in landfill. That’s a pretty shocking number when you consider how light wrapping paper is!
Maybe you recycle your paper. That’s great! But are you sure it’s recyclable? Because a lot of wrapping paper is not. If it has any shiny bits, glitter, etc., it shouldn’t really be recycled. Not to mention that any bows or ribbons added to these beautiful gifts are not recyclable, and can actually jam recycling machinery.
And that’s why I love reusable gift bags. These bags are the paper and the ribbon all in one - and they can be be reused for years! My gift bags are all fully lined, so there are no ugly edges or exposed seams. This also means that for some bags, there is an extra pop of color from the lining when you close it. The bags close via beautiful ribbon, so you still get the satisfaction of a pretty bow on your gift. I also reinforce the drawstring openings to ensure that there is no fraying around the holes, giving you years of enjoyment from your bag.
These bags can also be reused for other things. Sure, you can use them year after year and pass them around as beautiful wrapping, but you can also press them into service in other ways. Some sizes would make excellent knitting project bags. The small ones are perfect to carry toys to entertain your kids while you are out and about. Basically, anything you want to put in a bag will work!
But the thing I am MOST excited about with my reusable gift bags is that I can offer personalization! My new sewing machine does some really fantastic embroidery. I can embroider the name or monogram of your recipient on the bag, and then it covers the wrapping, ribbon, AND the name tag! Absolutely zero waste. And then if your recipient wants to reuse it for other things, they will always know which bag is theirs. :-) This is really like giving a bonus gift. Pick your size, fabric pattern, and font, and I’ll do the rest!
Have you used reusable gift bags or furoshiki in the past? Or do you have plans to do so for this holiday season? Tell me about it below! And don’t forget to check out my full Etsy store for more bag and furoshiki options!