When you get a gift in a gift bag, do you save it? Gift bags are almost expensive as greeting cards!
I take extra care to not damage any bags so I can save them. I also intercept them as they are opened at the kids’ birthday parties so they don’t damage them. I have gift bags in all shapes, sizes, colors and themes! I just fold them up neatly and store them in my closet in the largest gift bag I have. If you had an underbed box, those are great for folding them storing them flat in.
I’m also not ashamed to say that I save tissue paper that hasn’t been too wrinkled! You can fold it back up on it’s original fold lines and store it. If you get something wrapped in a shirt box, the tissue stays pretty un-wrinkled and any wrinkles it does get can be hidden when you scrunch it up and stuff it in a gift bag!
Be sure to catch up on all the previous Let’s Save Some Money posts.
Robyn says
I have found that you can find cheap tissue paper/wrapping paper and bags at thrift stores. The other day I picked up an unopened package of black and orange hallmark tissue paper for .25. I needed some for my nephews birthday gift so I just used the orange and saved the black for later.
Joan says
I always try and pick up solid colored wrapping paper (red, green, gold or silver) solid ribbon, and white tissue paper after Christmas when it as much as 90% off, then I use it all year long.
Ani W says
I do save bags and printed tissue paper, but I rebuy white tissue paper (and mostly use this) because it really is cheap enough to not bother me…
Linda says
I not only save the bags and tissue (I iron it flat and fold it) but also nice ribbons (iron them also to get the wrinkles out) and sturdy boxes. I am still reusing some boxes from over 10 years ago (when they were not afraid to make strong gift boxes). I store them one inside the other and make sure that I get them back each year.
Cindy says
I do this too, although if I have to buy a girl gift I have to go get a bag because with 4 boys I have plenty of sports, star wars, and truck bags, but no princess or pink bags..lol
Sheila W. says
I have the same issues. I have given may girls blue bags.
tanyalulu says
I do this too. It pains me when I am at a party, and I see people toss the gift bags. The Dollar Store does have a large selection of cute bags, too.
Ashley M says
My family teases me because I am notorious for saving ALL tissue paper and getting the same gift bag for 10 years. lol but it saves me a TON so they can giggle all they want
Ashley M says
*giving. Not getting
Kris says
I love to save them and either reuse them for gifts or to return things to people. I also like to put hand-me-downs folded nicely in gift bags when I give them to people, seems nicer that way.
And as for tissue paper if it is wrinkled, you can actually iron it out. I don’t do it often, but my MIL does it all the time!
Vikki says
I totally do this! I haven’t bought a gift bag or tissue paper in years!