What's with gift bags?

There is a new kid on the block, according to what I’ve read. Retailers are reporting that the sales of gift bags are steadily growing. People who track this sort of thing say that gift bag sales will top 400 million this year, and that doesn’t count Santa’s special year end order - heck, he probably makes his own. The growing popularity is attributed to changing lifestyle. It’s quick and easy and many people just don’t feel they have the time or skill to wrap a gift. Many retailers are geared up at this time of year to make it as easy as possible for shoppers. Free boxes for the asking and wrapping while you wait. But, dropping it in a bag is sure easy.

The gift bag boom may bring about some changes. Will it replace wrapping paper? Well, we’ll just have to wait and see. The ballpoint sure did send the fountain pen to the retirement home. But they said radio was dead when TV came along. One thing is for sure, we all know that wrapping paper costs too much. Is it possible that a little competition will change this? Let’s hope so.

Statistics show that gift bags already surpass wrapping paper for some occasions. Bags for birthdays and wedding showers are the leader in our dash from store to store culture. Perhaps, Tom Cruise would have gotten a my wedding gift if I’d gone that route instead of procrastinating.

Convenience sure has it’s place, but pulling a gift out of a bag isn’t near as thrilling as unwrapping a box that’s been embellished with a personal touch. One pleasant thought though - as you go about your merry shopping way - paper products are recyclable, or at least biodegradable. Happy wrapping.

Breakfast basket idea

What an interesting idea - giving a breakfast gift basket to a friend. I’ve been thinking about it but haven’t put the idea completely together. There is, after all, some very pleasing things that could be done. Starting with coffee, there are many places known for their quality product. Coffee with well known names like Colombia, Jamaican, Viennese and Kona. Some come in miniature packages - enough for at least a couple of cups of tasty brew. And lets not forget exotic teas and gourmet cocoa drinks - all delightful ways to start the day. Certainly some special fruits would be a good addition. And if it was a hand delivered basket, I could make a stop at the German bakery and pick up some scones and croissants. And that would call for a jar of raspberry jam. A little offbeat but I like this idea.

Free holiday card

Looking for something special in the way of a holiday card? What about a do-it-yourself version? Something new - just in time for the holidays. These are 3-D pieces made from paper. All it takes is scissors and glue stick. If you want to cut them out and send them unassembled they could be a holiday card. Fits in a A7 envelope (template ready for download, if needed.) Just write a note and let it be a do-it-yourself holiday card. These were designed with children in mind - sort of a craft project - but anyone can have fun with this easy-to-do project.

Here is another from the 3-D series of gift cards. These are not really cards in the true sense but they can be mailed, unassembled, with a message. They are free standing - put them anywhere you want: On the mantle, window sill or dashboard. Kids can make them, along with snow flakes for tree decorations.

Wrapping Rescue

If you hear a little voice asking for help when you move into your gift giving mode, your not alone - it can be a stressful time, especially during the holidays. If you’re wondering how you can make the gift giving a little more fun and exciting, it’s time to think outside the box. Here’s an idea: Have you ever thought of gift giving with a theme? Take a trip to the party store and look for things that can be adapted to the theme. Drop by the dollar store for small, wacky items and be sure to look for a bargain in wrapping paper.

A theme can work off the gift itself. Music, for instance, offers easy solutions. Grab a couple of old magazines and start cutting out parts of faces. Reassemble on a blank piece of paper. Eyes looking in different directions, mouth off center, who cares? The crazier the better. To make the theme add musical notes for eyes, ears or hair. If there is more than one package just carry this through. If you are bored with faces try cats, dogs or fish. A wrapping job like this will certainly take the blahs out of gift giving. Have fun.