If you’re anything like me (which I’m guessing you must be, or you wouldn’t be visiting), you have a closetful few gift bags hanging out in your digs, taking up space and waiting for use. It seems like a tragic waste of “pretty” to toss a brightly printed and festively designed gift bag. After all, someone cared enough to select that particular pattern with you specifically in mind.
Though re-gifting is my #1 option if the bag is in excellent shape, if it’s not…. what’s a girl to do?
Uses for Gift Bags:
- Cupcake toppers. Cut out pretty rounds using a 1” scalloped punch.
- Book covers. Am I the only one who used brown bag book covers in school? Pep it up a notch and use a pretty print to cover textbooks, cookbooks, and notebooks. The plastic-like coating on most gift bags makes wiping them clean a cinch. (See top photo).
- Scrapbooking. Save bags to cut up for scrapbooking & card making endeavors. I designed 95% of my wedding album from card, wrapping paper, and gift bag cut-outs we received.
- Drawer organizers. Stash a few bags in your “intimates” drawer to separate socks,
panties, bras, etc.
- Wall decor. Cut out an inspiring design and frame for DIY wall art on the cheap.
- Coasters. Modge Podge pretty designs to cork or cardboard for a kid-friendly coaster craft.
- Gift tags. Trace shapes from cookie cutters or even an upturned glass, punch a small hole, and pull a string through for an original DIY gift tag.
- Mailers. Sturdy and
malleable, gift bags make perfect lightweight mailers. Let’s face it, no one wants to pay any more than necessary at the post office. Cut the seams and remove the bottom cardboard piece and handles, wrap your gift right up, tape, and mail!
- Paper doll clothing
How do you repurpose gift bags?
Linking here:
I am normally much to lazy to repurpose, but I guess it is more from lack of imagination than lack of motivation. This has definitely given me more than a couple of ideas for next time I have a cute gift bag.
🙂 Hazel
http://www.hazellovesdesign.com
Bit boring, but i just use mine to give gifts in! Having had 2 babies in the last 2 1/2 years means we have plenty of bags to reuse!
What fun ideas! 🙂
Great ideas.
You found my site, and now I’m finding yours. You’ve got great stuff here. I’m glad you stopped by!
These are awesome tips! Thanks so much for sharing at our Uncommonly Yours link party! Hope to see you next week!
Take care,
Trish
You bet!
Truthfully never thought to use them for anything other than gift bags. I don’t think outside the bag(strikethrough) box most days. I’m a little behind on blog reading, but I think you did a blog update. Am I correct?
Yes! I’ll soon share the genius behind the new look. Glad you noticed!
I love the post pack idea – I’ll have to try that. Thanks 🙂
I just did that again this weekend. Always works like a charm!
totally agree.. I always re purpose my gift bags… for another use or crafts! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this at Create & Inspire
My daughter just had her first birthday and I’m left with way too many gift bags! I love the idea you gave about cupcake toppers, especially since there’s a lot of hand made ones with gems, which would look super cute. It’s a really creative way to put to use things that would end up going to waste in the garbage. I’m excited to try this new cupcake decorating for the family birthday coming up in a few days.