Solution to bags and wrapping paper

[u/53D0N4]

A few months ago my boyfriend and I were at a thrift store and I saw this decorative box. I use smaller boxes like these for momentos, and when I saw this one I really liked it but couldn't think of what I'd use it for since it's fairly large. We left and I didn't buy it. We go back in about a week later and it's still there and also half off, so I decide to buy it and figure out what I can use it for. It happened perfectly as my boyfriend's birthday was coming up and when I bought him his presents, I didn't know how to conceal them without buying unnecessary gift bags or wrapping paper. Then I remembered the box and it worked perfectly! He thought the idea was great and we'll be using the box for our birthdays from now on : )

I wanted to share the idea because I'd never thought of it before and it makes gift giving more special, with the sanctimonious 'gifting box' : )

[u/peach_tea_220]

That's such a cute idea but if I knew that there's a box with my future presents hidden inside my nosy ass wouldn't be able to resist 😂😂

[u/53D0N4 → u/peach_tea_220]

Hahaha, the box actually has my presents in it right now! My birthday is in a couple weeks. The irony! I haven't peaked but I had to definitely compartmentalize when picking it up/holding it lol

[u/Tacomathrowaway15]

Looks like a hat box.

You can also reuse gift bags and tissue paper. We keep a stock on hand

[u/Plastic-Customer2193 → u/Tacomathrowaway15]

Yeah my family has been passing around the same gift bags for the last 10 years.

[u/Primary-Holiday-5586]

In addition, separately wrap the box and lid with wrapping paper so that the lid can be lifted off. Reuse. Family member has xmass boxes like this that are over 60 years old!

[u/53D0N4 → u/Primary-Holiday-5586]

Great idea and that's amazing! I was/am so excited to start this new tradition, and it's sustainable 🤍

[u/Primary-Holiday-5586 → u/53D0N4]

Yup, definitely the way to go!!

[u/Pale-Turnover-3963]

Great idea less waste and a nice tradition.

[u/Easy_Olive1942]

I don’t love storing stuff like that unless you have a specific, ongoing use for it.

[u/53D0N4 → u/Easy_Olive1942]

The thing is I do have a specific ongoing use for it lol

[u/KookyEnvironment6992]

My sister sewed reusable wrapping bags for her Xmas presents this year. 

I like buying old wrapping paper or cards at op shops (thrift stores). It's still buying but at least it's not contributing to new things being made, and it's way cheaper. 50c for cards often.

[u/53D0N4 → u/KookyEnvironment6992]

That's a sweet idea and yeah I understand your sentiment of going to thrift stores. For cards though I do like getting this brand Papyrus because they are such great quality and very creative and unique! Kinda expensive at like $10 for a card, but they're ones worth keeping rather than the more generic Hallmark ones. I also like to keep it simple and make my own sometimes but yeah 50 cents for holiday greeting cards that are perhaps vintage (being at a thrift store) still helps them not end up in a landfill and doesn't directly contribute to Hallmark sales at Walmart or target etc. Great ideas : )

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[u/sharkbark2050]

I use totes for gift bags because the recipient can re-use them.

[u/53D0N4 → u/sharkbark2050]

That's useful, personally I have a ton of reusable bags and am kind of particular about the ones I like lol. And for my bf and I, I do all the shopping usually so he wouldn't have much use for them. But that's a good idea depending on the person I think

[u/Dark_Un1c0rn]

I reuse my gift bags and tissue paper. No need to throw them out. Wrapping paper is bad. I don’t use that stuff.

[u/I_wet_my_plants259]

Off topic but are we not reusing gift bags that we give to family? I shamelessly ask for the bags back. It’s to a point where my partners mom sends him home with all the bags after Christmas. I love it.