Gift bag alternatives

Gift bags are convenient and forgettable. Almost anything with a lid, a handle or a knot does the same job and gets kept.

Pick the container by what is going in it: soft things want fabric, fragile things want a box, small things want a jar or a tin.

Things you already have

• Biscuit and sweet tins - line with tissue and they look bought.
• Kilner and jam jars for small gifts, sweets or vouchers rolled up like scrolls.
• Shoe boxes covered in a single sheet of paper or brown wrap.
• Paper carrier bags turned inside out, with the seams re-glued and a stamp or drawing on the front.

Fabric options

• A tea towel or scarf knotted round the gift - the wrapping is the second present.
• Drawstring bags made from an offcut, no sewing skill needed beyond a straight line.
• A pillowcase for anything big, tied at the neck with ribbon.

For food and drink

• A cake tin, loaf tin or bread bag for bakes.
• A crate or wooden box for bottles, wedged with shredded paper.
• A mug or bowl as the container itself, wrapped in cellophane and tied.

For awkward or big gifts

• A basket or trug with the contents arranged tall at the back, short at the front.
• A holdall or tote that forms part of the gift.
• A blanket wrapped round it and tied with string, for anything huge.

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How to write it so it lands

• Line anything reused with tissue - it hides scuffs instantly.
• Match container to weight: jars for small, baskets for bulky.
• Add a tag, or a reused container reads as leftovers.

Where to shop next

• How to wrap a present without tape
• How to wrap awkward shapes
• How to build a hamper
• How to tie a gift bow
• Eco friendly gift wrapping
• How to post a gift safely
• Gift presentation ideas on a budget
• Wrapping and presentation guides
• Money-free gifting guides
• All guides
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of a gift bag?

A tin, jar, shoe box, basket, tea towel, pillowcase or tote - anything reusable that suits the size of the gift.

Are gift bags recyclable?

Paper bags without laminate or glitter usually are, once the rope handles and plastic eyelets are removed. Reusing one is better still.

How do you make a plain box look like a present?

Tissue paper inside, one band of contrasting paper outside, string round it and a handwritten tag.