More gift bags than you can handle

Goodbye to Christmas and hello the new year. The holiday season is a time to share love and blessings with family and friends. In my family, we start on Christmas Eve. My in-laws have a tradition of celebrating with a pot-luck dinner and exchanging gifts. As much as I love receiving gifts, I find that I have tons of gifts bags left over. I reused a few of them for Christmas Day gifts but now that the gift opening is complete, what do I do? Here are a few tips that will save time and money.

1. Save gift bags and boxes for another occasion. Be sure to lay them flat so that they will remain straight. Store multiple gift bags either within another gift box or between mattresses. I know the mattress sounds funny but think about it. They will remain flat and you will know where to find them.
2. If you are eco friendly, use the gift bags instead of plastic bags to carry groceries. Be sure not to place items that are too heavy in the bags.
3. Use the gift bags as a tote for lightweight items. Carry them to meetings or even for school products. You tote will be stylish!
4. Store old clothes, small toys, papers, bills, etc. It beats buying a new storage unit or file cabinet.
5. Using the bags to organize hardware items such as nails, screws, screwdrivers , etc .

There are some downsides to reusing gift bags:

1. Santa may be looking at you on Valentine’s Day if you use it for storage. The plus side is he will make you feel jolly if you got no candy.
2. You may give the same gift bag to the person the originally gave it to you. The plus is you can say they had good taste.
3. You friends will think you are crazy when they see you carrying your papers in a gift bag instead of briefcase. If you are wise, you will use a bad that matches you outfit.

Regardless of the small number of negatives, reusing gift bags is economical and eco-friendly. A warning to all who gave my family gifts this holiday season: you will probably see your gift bag again.

Smooches