Bundling my xmas baskets for cheap!

[kellyschool1]

We were at WM last night and seen they have new reusable shopping bags for winter. They have snowflakes on them and I think they are pretty cute!

A light bulb came on and thought those would be great for my xmas baskets I am giving out for presents. I have been finding it hard to find a nice basket for a decent price. I would have to buy a few baskets. I would also have to find the clear wrap and nice bows that I know is pricey as well. The wrap,bows and baskets would cost more than the things in the basket.

The bags at WM are 0.99. I will fill them and put some tissue paper on top to seal it. They can also re use the bag to do groceries. Its easy enough for people to pack back up there gift and bring it home.

Just thought I would share my light bulb moment with anyone that is looking for a less expensive way to package there baskets!

[cmontario]

great idea

[MrsSunshine]

any chance of pics.. sounds like a great idea.

[DianneS]

Awesome idea. I have a lot of baskets for donation and it would be so much better to use your idea than cellophane or paper gift bags. I love the idea that it is reusable.

[MrsSunshine]

normally i get the wicker baskets that canadian tire carries when they go on sale.. use them for my baskets then wrap them in celephane ..big hit.. esp. for moms. ie. hats/gloves catcher... etc.

[kellyschool1]

I havent purchased the bags yet, but when i do I will be def posting a pic.

I was really gearing for the baskets before my light bulb moment. I have been very anxious about coming up with all that money for baskets. I am mainly giving these to my brothers which they can really care a less if they get a bag or basket.
I am thinking of giving one to a few ladies at a retirement home but maybe if i find a very reasonable priced basket. Or just wrap it clear wrap...? I will do the same for the kids teachers. Thankfully they are both women so it will be very easy since I have a lot of girly things in the stockpile lol

[hollyquaiscer]

fabulous idea kellyschool, as usual I have been struggling with buying 115 gift bags for our hampers, but this would be a much better idea, and I love the idea that the bag itself is durable and sturdy enough fto be used for many things after the fact. Nice one!

[Kyeste]

Oh, I'd love to see pictures of them!

I normally buy the nice heavy-duty wicker baskets at The Salvation Army for $0.25 each, but I love bags for "baskets"!

[maizy]

I received my b-day gift in a summery purse/bag! It was nicely done up with tissue paper sticking out and the gift inside, now I can reuse the summer bag for beach things. Great idea and nothing to go in the landfill!

[kellyschool1]

I will try to get some of these bags tomorrow. i want to start organizng presents so I am done!

[itsmewhoelse]

I usually use tissue paper to dress up my gifts in bags and a bow
What I do is fold several layers of tissue paper like you for a paper fan, back and forth.
Then I fold that in half. I then put inside my giftbag and gently fluff out the layers of tissue to fill the top of the bag.
The more layers you use the more you can fluff or fill, you can experiment with different number of layers and different sizes of folds for different effects. Nice easy way to dress up a gift, and none of that dreaded cellophane.
For gift baskets I use the tissue or other filler underneath (like they do in the stores) that way you can arrange your items better. Rather than have them just standing straight up and you can't see what is in there. Display your items like they do with the store bought baskets, and then use a big ribbon bow tied all around to dress it up. Here's an idea borrowed from The Gift Basket Pros.

Sometimes I layer 2 colors of tissue for added effect if I have time.
I was lucky enough to have found a big box of tissue paper at a garage sale about 3 years ago for $2.00, still using it!

[itsmewhoelse]

I usually use tissue paper to dress up my gifts in bags and a bow
What I do is fold several layers of tissue paper like you for a paper fan, back and forth.
Then I fold that in half. I then put inside my giftbag and gently fluff out the layers of tissue to fill the top of the bag.
The more layers you use the more you can fluff or fill, you can experiment with different number of layers and different sizes of folds for different effects. Nice easy way to dress up a gift, and none of that dreaded cellophane.
For gift baskets I use the tissue or other filler underneath (like they do in the stores) that way you can arrange your items better. Rather than have them just standing straight up and you can't see what is in there. Display your items like they do with the store bought baskets, and then use a big ribbon bow tied all around to dress it up. Here's an idea borrowed from The Gift Basket Pros.

Sometimes I layer 2 colors of tissue for added effect if I have time.
I was lucky enough to have found a big box of tissue paper at a garage sale about 3 years ago for $2.00, still using it!

[itsmewhoelse]

Sorry my link for the picture is not working. I will fix it and post a pic.

[itsmewhoelse]

http://www.swagbucks.com/?t=i&p=1&b=...as+gift+basket
This was easier. LOL and lots of ideas too.