I've been collecting inexpensive cloth tote bags for gifts. I buy these tote bags at grocery stores and thrift shops. They cost $1 or $2. I put birthday and Christmas gifts inside the reusable tote, instead of a gift bag or wrapping paper. I'm saving money, recycling, and the recipient gets a handy cloth or recycled tote bag. I've picked up some really nifty tote bags over the summer.
By Christine from Dover, DE
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I bought several cheap calico carry bags (less than an Aussie $1!) & then did some simple 'redwork' embroidery on them. This is basically just line drawings stitched with either backstitch, or you can use chain stitch, simple running stitch, or any stitches you like to do, or have the time to do. You can even put the name on the bag, eg. groceries, fruit & veg, meat, Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Mary's laundry (for soiled clothing when travelling), Trucks for boys or flowers for girls, with their names, etc.
Love this idea. Hate wrapping gifts and am not good at it. Had to use totes one year when I ran out of paper and it was too late to get to the stores.
I love using 'totes' for gifts for ANY occasion. I tend to accumulate the bags. I have also purchased some at thrift stores for less than $1. Some are heavy canvas and strong. If I don't like the logo on it, I have sewn decorative patches over them or used fabric paints or permanent markers to camouflage them. Regardless, with so little an investment I have an easy way to transport them to the recipients.
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