Shopping Bags as Gift Bags

I decided that for Christmas this year, rather than wrap gifts, or use gift bags...
that I'm going to "wrap" each gift in a reusable shopping tote.

It's a win-win: less waste, and the recipient gets a second gift.
And hopefully something they'll find useful.

There are so many cute themes in bags out there, applicable for any personality.

For my friend Jen, I already bought a Tucker Bag in a frog design


For my "pig" friends, I chose this Rootote

and this Envirosax, from their kid's line


I really like this Shinzi Katoh Pig Drawing tote also (found on ebay)


It's a fun idea you might consider also.

Earthwise shopping bags

While we're all finishing up our photo bags (you ARE working on your challenge bag...right?), I thought I'd mention Earthwise bags.
There are several good manufacturers of cloth shopping totes, this being one.

Earthwise bags are made from non-woven polypropylene, and honestly I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.
I mean, it's a petrochemical product, no?
But the site says it's "a fabric that is lightweight yet durable – not to mention reusable, resistant to corrosion, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, washable, and water-repellent."
There are so many sides to the story--is it more environmentally sensitive to manufacture this fabric or to produce a canvas? Or paper sacks? Or some other material???

It certainly is an improvement over plastic bags.
I do think the notion of reusing an item versus using a plastic bag once is a no brainer.
I'm just not sure what the 'best' content of the tote should be.

Anyway, the fun thing about Earthwise is you can request personalized options.
"They (the totes) can also be fully customized by businesses, with a variety of colors to choose from and the option to display personal initials, a graphic, or even a company logo."

But even the standard choices are great.
Like eight Simpsons-themed bags (two of each design) for $19.99
The dimensions are 13.25"H x 12.25"W x 8.25" deep


Or I like these retro surfer bags, four 16.75"H x 14"W x 7.75" deep, for $11.99