When giving smart, high-quality gifts that help people consume less, go a step further and give two gifts in one by using reusable shopping bags as gift wrap.
The options are almost limitless, so the most important thing to consider when deciding which bag to use is the size and shape of the gift itself.
Watch the video below for tips on how to wrap your gift with a reusable bag.
We've selected a handful of our best-selling bags that make great-looking, reusable gift wrap for any occasion:
ACME Workhorse - Center the box inside the bag, tie the handles in a bow and gather the excess fabric on either side for the look of a traditional gift wrapped with a bow. The ACME workhorse comes in a variety of sustainable, high-quality fabrics with great sheen, like Eco-circle original workhorse and tote and original rip-stop nylon. The ACME silicone shopping set is a great gift-wrap value, with four bags and a small stuff sack.
ACME Stuff sacks - A sustainable way to package cups, mugs or other smaller items. After the gift has been opened, the recipient can use the stuff sack to carry their other reusable shopping bags, snacks and more.
ACME organic cotton muslin produce/snack bags - These are perfect for a do-it-yourself gift wrap project. Apply decorative iron-on transfers or use beads and fabric paints to create a customized gift wrap.
ACME Dual-Handled Recycled Cotton Tote - Made from 100% recycled cotton, this bag has two sets of handles, which can be used to create a unique bow. Plus, it's strong, lightweight and durable, so the recipient can use it to replace plastic bags for years to come.
ACME Bamboo Tote - The long tote handles are great for carrying the bag over-the-shoulder, and they make an impressive gift bow. Bamboo has a very luxurious look and feel, and this bag is an ideal size for wrapping larger boxes.
RuMe Green Label Bags - these metallic bags come in a variety of colors with festive, metallic shine that makes for a great-looking gift wrap. Available in small and regular sizes.
Also check out our reusable gift wrap selection for bags designed specifically to wrap gift after gift!
Let's face it, most reusables are made for women - but the truth is, protecting the planet is a pretty manly job. To help you find the stuff guys will actually use, we polled the guys we know - including some in our own office - to bring you this list of reusables for real men. These are proven basics men feel comfortable using - from stainless steel water bottles to reusable shopping bags guys will really use. Check out our top 5 men's reusables in this video, and scroll down to see top picks from the real men behind the scenes at ReusableBags.com. Be sure to also check out our Smart Eco-Gifts for Men!
Top 5 Everyday Basics for Men (as chosen by our customers)
What do men want? Something useful, practical, no nonsense. Something built to last, made from durable materials like stainless steel or rip-stop nylon. Here are five of our most popular items for men - in rank order - as chosen by our customers over the years.
1. ACME Bags Workhorse Style 1500, black - basic black bag that replaces plastic shopping bags, stuffs into a tiny pouch (because men don't carry purses) It's our #1 seller - every guy should have a few
"Catalog Critic - Best Overall"-- The Wall Street Journal
2. ACME Bags - EarthTote Reusable Shopping Bag - Made with armor-like nylon, this bag stands on it own so it's easy to pack and strong enough to carry bike parts, tools or groceries. Life time guarantee.
"These eco-friendly totes take a load off your mind, arms"-- USA Today
3. Stainless Steel Reusable Bottles - Basic, no frills bottles to replace disposable plastic water bottles - used for years in the outdoor industry now showing up as a way to save money and resources on a daily basis.
"The canteen is great for keeping water or any other beverage cold for a reasonably long period of time. The construction is very solid, the stopper at the top does not leak even if tipped over or jostled."--Wayne K, 2009
4. Thermal Bottles and Mugs - Whether you like your drinks hot or cold, these bottles and mugs are designed to keep beverages the way you like them for hours and hours.
"Great mug. Nice tight-fitting lid and seems to be very solid construction. I like having a dagger-shaped handle so I can hang the mug from things like a truck door handle."--Tom M, 2008
5. ACME Bags - Large Insulated Lunch Bag - Basic, durable and made in the USA - 100% recycled insulation. Big enough for a reasonably sized lunch to keep that gut in check!
"Good, sturdy bag. I like the included icepack and internal compartment for it."--Albert R, 2009
Top Picks from the Real Men Behind the Scenes at ReusableBags.com.
We asked the men at ReusableBags.com, and the men in our lives, for their top picks - things guys will not just like, but that they'll actually use. Rugged, compact and high-performance, these are the products our staffers have used for years and continue to recommend to their friends.
Rob - CTO, ReusableBags.com
ACME Bags - EarthTote Reusable Shopping Bag - "It's amazingly strong, useful for carrying all sorts of things as opposed to just groceries (garden rocks, spare computer and bike parts.) The black ones are cool enough that I don't feel emasculated using them.
ACME Bags - Workhorse Style 1500 - "I keep one in my backpack - comes in handy a lot of times for random stuff. I end up giving a lot of them away when I'm hanging out with people who need a way to carry something. Makes me feel charitable."
Tony - Inventory Manager, AWH Skateboard Distribution (married to Natalie, Internet Communications Manager, ReusableBags.com)
SIGG Stainless Steel Cutlery Set with Nylon Pouch - "Everyone at work is jealous of my SIGG utensils. They're cool because they look like a Swiss Army knife, I use them instead of plastic silverware. The knife is sharp enough to kill a man."
Nellie's All-Natural Dryerballs - "I hate the way fabric softener makes my clothes feel - like they have a film on them. Plus it makes my shirts look faded. We've been using these dryerballs almost a year and they work great."
Michael - Father of our company founder Vincent Cobb ReusableBags.com
ACME Bags Dual-Handled Hemp Tote "Tough enough for carrying a couple of six packs on the bottom and 2 or 3 bags of chips on top - everything I need when shopping for the weekend."
Light My Fire Titanium Spork "Perfect for traveling. I used to reuse plastic forks I got in take-out restaurants, now I just use this one instead."
Bottle Sleeve Vince's dad reuses glass drink containers rather than investing in a reusable water bottle. To insulate and protect your glass container, we recommend a neoprene sleeve.
Ben - Cement Mason, M & C Scavelli (married to Belinda, Customer Service, ReusableBags.com)
Stainless Steel Thermal Travel Mug, 20 oz - It holds the perfect amount of coffee for my drive to work in the morning. The coffee stays hot the whole time, it's easy to clean and I get a discount when I go to Dunkin' Donuts."
I'm not a Paper Cup - "It's a good conversation starter. I like how you can drink hot coffee through the rubber top without burning your lips and it doesn't get hot to the touch because it's double-insulated."
Did you know we now have tens of thousands of product reviews submitted by our customer community?
Use Shop By Reviews to browse our Most Reviewed & Highest Rated products. Both are great tools for helping you make smarter, well informed purchases.
Check out our Gift Center for more ways to shop, including For Him, For Her, For Kids and other categories like coffee lovers, travelers, office workers and more.
Want to learn more about the wisdom of gifting reusables? Read our Green Gifts myth-busting article here.
With all the eco-stuff out there, how do you know where to begin? We polled the moms we know - including some in our own office - to bring you this list of must-have reusables for every mom. Of the 100s of products we offer, these are the basic, no-nonsense items every mom needs. Check out our overview of some of our must-haves in this video, and scroll down to see our customer's top 5 picks, along with the top picks from our own group of eco-moms behind the scenes at ReusableBags.com.
Top 5 Every Day Basics for Mom
You get enough "stuff" when you're a mom - between bottles and diapers, snacks and toys, the last thing you need is more junk to carry around. So here are a handful of simple, practical reusables that will help you reduce the amount of use-and-toss items in your life.
We asked the moms at ReusableBags.com, and some of our own moms, for their top picks - essential items that every mom should have. Practical, well-made and great-looking, these picks will last for years and cut back on thousands of use-and-toss items.
Natalie - Internet Communications Manager, ReusableBags.com- Mom to Teno, age 3
ACME Bags Eco Circle 100% Recycled Ultra-Compact Tote "I know it's nerdy, but I get excited about new recycled fabrics and Eco Circle is a closed-loop recycling system for polyester, so it's really innovative. The tote is great- the long straps are really convenient, the colors are pretty and it folds down into a little pouch I can take with me anywhere."
Laken - 0.75L Hit "Laken bottles are awesome because they're really lightweight and durable, plus they come in cool metallic colors. I like the Hit bottle because it's designed for my bike cage- that notch holds it in place."
Plastic Bag & Bottle Dryer "I bake a lot, and I like to use reusable pastry bags for frosting because it's less waste. Washing and drying them was always a huge pain until I got a bag & bottle dryer- all bakers should have one."
Susan - Full Charge Bookkeeper, ReusableBags.com - Mom to Issac, 14 mos
Walker Bags Lightweight Mesh Nylon Tote - "I love that these come in fun bright colors and squish down really small in my purse or diaper bag. The see-thru mesh is nice for shopping so you don't feel like you are sneaking off with unpaid merchandise! And I like that these can be carried over the shoulder."
Mimi the Sardine Modern Cloth Lunch Bag - "I love the colorful prints on these lunchbags. They are the perfect size to hold my son's lunch and snacks for the day at the sitter's. Most importantly it is machine washable but easy to wash daily by hand - no crevices that hide particles of food!"
Thermos foogo - "Although I haven't found the "perfect" sippy cup yet, this one will be great for keeping my son's liquids cold this summer - when he's parched and sweaty he likes to drink something cool!"
Marni - Operations Consultant, Board Member, and married to the founder of ReusableBags.com - Mom to Hayden, 4 yrs & Chloe, 6 yrs
Reusable Water Bottles - "It's essential to have water on you at all times for thirsty moms and kids. I use the basic Klean Kanteen 27 oz with the metal screw top because I don't have to worry about cleaning a sports top. I like this size because it fits into all standard drink holders (cars, movie theater, stroller, etc) & it's enough water to drink & just in case you need it to wash hands and/or mouths. I put my own sticker over the Klean Kanteen logo to make it my own."
ACME Ultra-Compact Bags - "I have lots of these - I keep one in my purse at all times (mental check list: wallet, keys, bag, water, lipstick - check - ready to go out the door,) several in the car and in a drawer in the house. Since they are small I am never without a bag. I use the Workhorse Style and the ones with the shoulder straps (since I live in a 4th floor walk-up, shoulder straps are essential)."
Nellie's All-Natural Dryerballs - "These are an important part of my "dryer media" which also includes a static eliminator fabric sheet (I put a few drops of essential oils on the sheet to make the sheets and towels smell nice.)"
Acme Lightweight Hemp Tote - "We call these "go bags" since we leave one loaded at the front door with snacks, napkins, kids water bottle, etc. These are also a staple in my grocery shopping bag set (produce bags, ultra compact bags, dual-handled bags, EarthTote.)"
Next year, lunch bags, food containers and sandwich wraps will be important for my 1st Grader. For the seasoned eco-mom who probably has this stuff (above) already, I would get her:
To-Go Ware 3-Tier Stainless Steel Food Carrier - "The next step is cutting out those nasty take out containers. This is a nice lunch container or food container for leftovers. I need to get this!"
Gecko Traders Recycled Market Bag - "This is a fun, attractive bag to take when you are strolling through a department store or farmers market. While I typically just put any loot in my ultra compact bag, it would be nice to take a more attractive bag along. This would also be a great beach/pool bag."
Reisenthel Market Basket, Dots - "These are great for holding knitting projects in progress, or to keep near the door so I can toss in what I'll need to take with me as I pass by."
Daniele - Company founder - Vincent Cobb's mom
ACME Bags Workhorse Style 1500 - "I helped to make the prototype of this bag and I use it regularly. I wouldn't do without it."
We emailed our staff to select their top 10 "no-brainer" great gifts - Natalie's list (and comments) were so good we thought they deserved a spot in our Buying Guides.
The typical child generates 67 pounds of lunchtime trash per year. With more families trying to save money by brown bagging it that's a lot of waste - and money - going into the trash. Creating a waste-free lunch kit is smart - and it's one of the easiest ways to significantly reduce your consumption of use-and-toss items and save money (about $371 annually) - we've created this buying guide and video to help you build your perfect kit.
Top 5 Picks for a Waste-Free Lunch Kit
Stop throwing away your money - literally. Replace disposables with long-lasting, safe reusables hand selected by our team. These are the five things you'll need to get started:
Reusable lunch bags - replace the brown bag with something safe and sustainable. Reusable bags are better looking and better for the environment.
Reusable bottles - Americans spend about $16 billion annually on bottled water, that's 38 billion plastic bottles in our landfills! Break the wasteful cycle by bringing your own bottle.
Snack & sandwich bags - Sierra Club estimates that families spend $85 a year on disposable plastic baggies. Save money and resources with reusable bags and wraps.
Food containers - Wastefreelunches.org estimates that eliminating disposable packaging and single-serving items can save families $250 a year. Buy in bulk and use reusable containers to portion out your lunch.
Utensils & more - napkins, utensils, even straws! Why throw it away when you can use it again and again?
You can see all of our smart reusable lunch items here.
How to Pack a Waste-Free Lunch
We've been obsessed with safe, sustainable lunch options since day one - which is why we've dedicated so much time and energy to seeking out the best options for your waste-free lunch kit. Here are some ideas to help get you started.
Step One: Choosing a Bag
Styles:
What are you looking for in your lunch bag? Something simple you can fold up and tuck away after lunch? Something insulated that will keep your food fresher longer? Check out some of our options:
Insulated lunch bags - our lead-safe, vinyl/PVC-free insulated and thermal lunch bags help keep your food cold and fresh.
Kids lunch bags - safe, fun & colorful - gets your kids involved in making their own lunches and they'll be eating healthier in no time.
Sizes:
To assist with choosing the correct lunch bag size, we've divided our lunch bags into the following general sizes: Small, Medium & Large. Under each size are just a handful of suggested items that the bag will hold.
Small = comparable volume to a brown paper lunch bag.
-1 sandwich (Wrap-N-Mat or sandwich bag)
-1 small reusable bottle
-1 small piece of fruit or snack bag
-small utensil set
-reusable napkin
-non-toxic reusable ice pack
Large = about 2 times the volume of a brown paper lunch bag.
-large sandwich bag, wrap or stainless steel container or a Bento Box -thermal food jar or snack container
-medium or large reusable bottle
-utensil set
-reusable napkin
-non-toxic reusable ice pack
-lots of extra room for fruit, veggies, etc.
Safe plastic bottles - Economical & dent-proof - no-frills alternative to use-and-toss bottles.
Kids bottles - From sippy cups to bottles for high schoolers we've separated all our smaller bottles & colorful designs into this category
Flasks, bladders & canteens - Our most uniquely-shaped bottles and containers - slim silhouettes for easy packing.
Sizes:
Small (10-18oz)- ideal for grade school kids and small lunch bags
Medium (20-28 oz)- for teens, adults and medium/large lunch bags
Large (32-64oz) - great for the office and for larger lunch bags
There's plenty to choose from in this fast-growing category - from bags with space to write your child's name to organic cotton sacks to wraps that open up to form a placemat.
Whether you need a container to keep your soup hot, protect your sandwich from getting crushed, or you're just looking for a stylish way to pack a lunch we have a great selection of sustainable containers.
Think about it, how long do you actually use the paper napkin or plastic fork you pack in your lunch every day? Fifteen minutes? A half hour? And yet, each year, those use-and-toss items pile up in our landfills where they will last forever.
Utensils by material:
Bamboo - Stronger than oak, bamboo is a fast-growing, Earth-friendly grass that can grow almost anywhere. Available with cases made from recycled PET, cotton, and recycled plastic bags.
Nylon - 5-in-one: spoon, fork, knife, spatula & spreader. Temperature resistant up to 450 degrees farenheit, made from reclaimable nylon polymer.
Stainless steel - Knife, fork and spoon all in one. Stainless steel is easy to clean, durable and sanitary.
Napkins by material:
Cotton - Fun colors, sewn-in label for personalization, made in the USA
Hemp - Made from 100% fine-grade hemp processed without the use of any chemicals.
Organic cotton - Colorful, durable and kid-friendly; grown without chemicals; OEKO-TEX standard certified dyeing and finishing process
Accessories and tips:
Try a reusable stainless steel or glass straw in place of the usual plastic. It's a small step with a big impact.
$5.95 Flat Shipping | Orders ship quickly!
Rob - CTO, ReusableBags.com
Tony - Inventory Manager, AWH Skateboard Distribution (married to Natalie, Internet Communications Manager, ReusableBags.com)
Michael - Father of our company founder Vincent Cobb ReusableBags.com
Ben - Cement Mason, M & C Scavelli (married to Belinda, Customer Service, ReusableBags.com)
Natalie - Internet Communications Manager, ReusableBags.com- Mom to Teno, age 3
Susan - Full Charge Bookkeeper, ReusableBags.com - Mom to Issac, 14 mos
Marni - Operations Consultant, Board Member, and married to the founder of ReusableBags.com - Mom to Hayden, 4 yrs & Chloe, 6 yrs
Lynne - 2nd Grade Teacher - Natalie's mom
Daniele - Company founder - Vincent Cobb's mom
We've been obsessed with safe, sustainable lunch options since day one - which is why we've dedicated so much time and energy to seeking out the best options for your waste-free lunch kit. Here are some ideas to help get you started.
Small = comparable volume to a brown paper lunch bag.
Medium = about 1.5 times the volume of a brown paper lunch bag.
Large = about 2 times the volume of a brown paper lunch bag.
There's plenty to choose from in this fast-growing category - from bags with space to write your child's name to organic cotton sacks to wraps that open up to form a placemat.
Whether you need a container to keep your soup hot, protect your sandwich from getting crushed, or you're just looking for a stylish way to pack a lunch we have a great selection of sustainable containers.
Think about it, how long do you actually use the paper napkin or plastic fork you pack in your lunch every day? Fifteen minutes? A half hour? And yet, each year, those use-and-toss items pile up in our landfills where they will last forever.
