Get the most out of your fabric gift bags
 
The reason to use gift bags, of course, is that paper wrap is so wasteful.  A fabric bag will last forever.  In addition, it will save you valuable time.  If you buy and/or make a few every year, you’ll soon have enough bags so you won’t have to use paper wrap any more.  Order my instructions for making gift bags and get started working on a greener holiday.
 
Here are some tips for using gift bags:

• You can always use a size larger than your gift. Here are several ways to do it:
• Put your gift in a box that fits the larger bag. Crumple up those plastic bags you brought home from the store to fill the extra space.  Save boxes that fit well in each size bag.  Store them with your bags and use them next year.
• Or simply fill in the larger gift bag with bubble wrap or clean crumpled up plastic grocery bags.  They will disguise and protect your gift. 
• Use tissue paper to fill out the bag.  It adds a nice crinkly sound and feel.  Let some stick out the top of the bag.
• If the bag is larger than your gift, you can also remove the cord and fold the bag down inside itself. Then just tie it up with the loose cord.
• A way to dress up your gift is to remove the cord and use a pretty ribbon to tie it up. Wired ribbon is good because you can smooth it out and use it over and over..
• If the gift doesn’t fit, remove the packaging.
• Even little kids can wrap their own gifts!
• Every family needs a jumbo bag or two for those extra large gifts. (I once made a bag to wrap a motorcycle!)
• Not enough bags? If the kids are little, you can use a little sleight-of-hand. (We did this the year my husband and I both had the flu and could barely hold our heads up) Stash the unwrapped gifts behind a chair. Give your child a gift to open.     While he’s still occupied with it, snatch that bag and quietly stuff another gift into it. 
• Fold your bags neatly and store them flat. Important: Store the cord or ribbon inside the bag. You’ll be glad you did next year.  Press them if they get wrinkled, wash them if they get dirty, and try starching them for a crisp look.
• If you’re flying for the holiday, taking wrapped gifts through security is a problem.  But not with gift bags!  Just pack them with your clothes and pop in your gifts when you get there.
• Give gifts to friends in your gift bags, but explain that the bag is part of your family’s collection and you need it back to use again. (If they like the gift bag idea, and most people do, give them a gift of gift bags!)
• Reuse your gift bags for other things besides gifts. Use them when traveling to pack your socks.  At home, use them to store the kids’ marbles.  When it’s gift time, just dump out the marbles and wrap your gift.
• For to and from tags, cut out the pretty parts of greeting cards and punch a hole in the corner.  The cord on the bag will fit through it.
• Send me your clever ideas and tips for using gift bags and I’ll share them in this space.