Gift Wrapping: Let's Discuss
I recently gave my friend her birthday present – a trilogy of books she has wanted. Instead of wrapping them in paper, I purchased a cute tote bag to use as a gift bag (canvas with multi-colored butterflies).
It was brought to my attention that my friend felt that I was being lazy by not wrapping the books in paper. Seriously? I thought the tote bag was super cute and useful. I figured she’d be able to use the little tote for the beach or to go to the gym. I did use tissue paper inside the bag and put a bow on to fancy it up a bit.it
I’m not big on wrapping paper. Don’t get me wrong – I love a beautifully wrapped present as much as the next person. But most wrapping paper is such a waste. It’s not recyclable. I prefer to “wrap” presents in something cute and useful. For example, at Christmas I gave my sister-in-law personalized stationary in a decorative box that could store the stationary. I didn’t wrap it – I just added a fabric bow and a tag. It was pretty.
In fact, most of our Christmas presents were wrapped in brown craft paper. I was able to personalize the wrapping with bows, stickers, etc. Presents that were not wrapped were put in gift bags, which can be reused. Not only did I save money, I helped the environment.
But back to the issue: was I lazy to not wrap my friends books? What do you think? Let’s discuss.
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Wow! It probably took more time for you to shop for the tote bag and arrange the tissue paper than it would have to “just” wrap the stuff up.
I like the tote idea very much. Very useful and thoughtful.
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Oh my gosh, your friend is nuts! I would be over the moon with the totebag, never mind the gift!
That’s not lazy that’s being creative and smart!
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I myself love creative gift wrapping. I’d rather stamp on craft paper or put the gift in a nice bag/tote then use paper they won’t remember the design of the next day. How odd that someone thought you were lazy!
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I can’t believe your friend had the audacity to comment that you were lazy after receiving a gift from you. The tote not only served as wrap but as an additional gift. You were thoughtful and generous and I wouldn’t concern yourself with her comment about you being lazy. It’s one person’s opinion. The polite comment from her would have been “Thank you” and left at that.
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Cara,
I do the same thing I always find something cute and useful to put the gift in. I love receiving gifts this way too. By no means lazy but your are a very smart shopper if you ask me.
I’m one of those people that goes all-out when I’m wrapping a special gift (wedding, shower, etc.), but the tote bag for a birthday or a “just because” gift is totally a cute idea! You’re doing your part to save the environment – don’t feel bad at all!
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Cara – Not only do I think that you were totally being responsible in your gift giving decor and for all the right reasons. Now, I am one to love to wrap gifts with paper (gift bags are sometimes a tad expensive) but with all the cute REUSABLE bags out there AMEN to you for being creative. I would have loved it. In my mind, you can never have too many reusable bags.
In fact, I just may start doing that… it’s kind of like a double gift!
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I’m sorry but I can’t stand when people complain about gifts. My MIL used to do stuff like that (used to because we stopped talking to her, I’m sure she still does complain). Especially with cards, if it did’t say mom, grandma, daughter, aunt, etc she would have a fit. I think she should be happy she even got a card. A tote is awesome wrapping paper, to me that took more time, was a better investment for you & the earth + she got 2 gifts in one.
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