Reusable Shopping Bags: The New Green Gift Bag

While in Babies "R" Us this morning, I noticed a rack was placed near the register which contained both gift bags and reusable Toys "R" Us shopping bags - "Genius," I thought, "Gift bags that can be reused rather than simply thrown away." What an eco-savvy concept! It is great to see corporate stores promoting green living. Encourage the use of green shopping bags among your friends and family by using reusable bags as gift-wrapping. Here are some cute ideas for shopping bags, which make cute gift bags:

1. Kid-Friendly Gift Wrapping - Toys "R" Us or Babies "R" Us Reusable Shopping Bags

You would be surprised how cute and trendy my Toys "R" Us reusable shopping bags are. They feature patterns that remind me of the funky fabric sold at Ikea with hip color schemes like brown and orange polka dots; black with an orange butterfly; and yellow with lime green flowers. Each of these trendy totes retails for under two dollars, which is less expensive than the average gift bag!

I used one of these bags for the wrapping at the last baby shower I went to and let me tell you - it stood out on the gift table. I chose the lime green and yellow floral bag, which I piled high with goodies such as, blankets, outfits, and a sling. I topped the pile with yellow rubber duckies and a soft block, which had a picture of a duck on it. The duck theme tied in with the yellow flowers - it looked adorable. Additionally, several moms at the shower complimented the idea of using a reusable shopping bag.

2. Gift Wrapping for Fashionistas - Designer Reusable Shopping Bags

Let the fashionista in your life know - plastic bags are "so last year" by wrapping their gifts in reusables. Neiman Marcus actually carries an adorable travel set of reusable shopping bags. They come in two designs - "flora" and "monochromatic," which will both stand out in any grocery store line. The set comes with a travel pouch and the five bags conveniently roll up inside it. At the mall or in the grocery store - these bags are high fashion shopping at it's best and they only cost $40.00. Not bad for a cool gift from Neiman Marcus!

How can you use them as wrapping? I would use one bag as a gift bag and then tuck the remainder of the set inside as a present. Any gift your fashion diva desires will look great in these bags; however, if you are fishing for gift ideas - consider a high-fashion green gift theme. You can fill the gift bag with designer water canteens, cool travel mugs, reusable wine totes, organic wearables, and free-trade chocolate.

3. Wrapping For Him - Dude Approved Reusables

The men in your life deserve the new gold standard in gift-wrapping as well. Many companies now design reusable gift bags especially for men. Peggy of www.treehuggingfamily.com suggests "Acme Bags PET Earthtote." They are made of recycled materials and come in basic colors like beige and grey. Basically, they are simple totes guys will love because they are not "girly" or "cutesy" such as other reusables.

The bags are plain so they can easily be used as a gift bag for any present. If you would like to spruce it up you for gift giving, you can attach something visible to the outside of the bag. My suggestion is to forgo the old fashioned bow and instead use twine to attach a smaller present such as, a metal socket puzzle or a card made of recycled paper.

"Shopping Bags." Neiman Marcus.
Peggy. Tree Hugging Family. "Reusable Bags For Him."