When you‘re shopping for gifts on Amazon, you‘ve probably noticed the option to add gift bags to your purchase for a few dollars more. It sounds convenient, but is it really worth paying extra for? As a retail industry expert and picky shopper myself, I‘m here to give you the full scoop on Amazon gift bags so you can decide if they‘re a good choice for your gift-giving needs.
What Are Amazon Gift Bags?
Amazon gift bags are a gift wrapping option available for many items sold and fulfilled by Amazon. When you add a gift bag to your order, your gift will arrive already packaged in an attractive bag complete with tissue paper, a gift tag, and decorative ribbon.
The gift bags come in a variety of sizes, colors and designs to suit different occasions like birthdays, holidays, weddings, and more. You can select the gift bag option when adding an eligible item to your cart.
According to Amazon, gift bags are available for "hundreds of thousands of items" on the site. However, not all products qualify, as we‘ll discuss later.
How Much Do Amazon Gift Bags Cost?
The cost of an Amazon gift bag ranges from around $3 to $6 per item, on top of the price of the gift itself. The exact amount depends on the size and style of bag your item requires.
While that‘s cheaper than buying gift bags at many brick-and-mortar retailers, where prices can easily exceed $5-$10 for a single bag and tissue paper, it‘s more expensive than using your own wrapping paper and supplies at home.
A 2021 report by Zulily found that the average American spends about $56 total on gift wrap supplies each year. If you‘re a frequent gift-giver, investing in a stash of affordable wrapping paper, bags, and ribbons to reuse across multiple presents may be more economical in the long run.
But for one-off gifts, paying a few bucks for an Amazon gift bag could be worthwhile to save yourself a trip to the store. Ultimately, the value comes down to convenience.
The Convenience of Ready-to-Give Gifts
The biggest benefit of using Amazon gift bags is how easy and convenient it makes your gift-giving. With a few clicks, you can have a present sent directly to your recipient, attractively packaged and ready to open. There‘s no need to wrap it yourself or deliver it in person.
This is especially handy for long-distance gifts or last-minute shopping. You can get a thoughtful present to your loved one‘s doorstep with minimal effort, even if you don‘t have the time or materials to wrap it yourself. The gift bag also conceals the contents, so the recipient won‘t see what you bought them until they open it.
In a survey by Paper Source, 76% of respondents said they prefer to give wrapped gifts over unwrapped ones. 80% believe wrapping a gift makes it more special for the recipient. Amazon gift bags offer a way to achieve this with very little work on your part.
Limitations on Gift Bag Eligibility
It‘s important to note that not every item on Amazon can be sent in a gift bag. The option is only available for products that are sold and shipped by Amazon, and that meet certain size and shape requirements.
Some oversized, heavy or unusually shaped items may not fit in the standard gift bags. In those cases, you may still be able to have your gift sent in an Amazon box to keep the contents a surprise. But large or bulky purchases like furniture and appliances typically aren‘t eligible for any gift packaging.
Also keep in mind that items sold by third-party sellers on Amazon may not qualify for gift bags, unless they participate in the Fulfillment by Amazon program. So before you assume you can add a gift bag, check that the option is listed on the product page.
Per Amazon‘s website, some categories that generally aren‘t eligible for gift bags include:
- Fresh flowers and live indoor plants
- Magazine subscriptions and digital products
- Personalized, customized, or handmade items
- Adult products
- Hazardous goods and some health/personal care items
If you‘re unsure, look for the "Add a gift receipt for easy returns" option on the item page, which indicates gift options are available.
Gift Bag Quality and Aesthetics
For the most part, Amazon‘s gift bags are attractive and good quality. They‘re made of sturdy paper with tasteful designs, and the tissue paper and ribbons add a festive touch. Most people will be pleased to receive a gift in this packaging.
However, the bags are fairly generic and not as luxe as some other gift wrapping options out there. The designs tend toward simple patterns and solid colors rather than elaborate, intricate artwork. If you‘re looking for the fanciest presentation or want your gift wrap to be highly personalized, Amazon bags may not meet your standards.
The size range is also somewhat limited. Amazon‘s four gift bag options are:
- Small: Good for jewelry, gift cards, and other trinkets
- Medium: Fits a hardcover book, DVD, or small electronic
- Large: Can hold a clothing item, boxed toy, or kitchen gadget
- Extra Large: Accommodates a large toy, boots, or small appliance
Big items like bicycles or furniture, or unusually shaped ones like sports equipment, likely won‘t fit in these standard bags.
Customization and Gift Messages
One nice feature of Amazon gift bags is that you can include a short printed message on the gift tag at no extra charge. During checkout, you‘ll have the option to enter your custom message, which will be printed on a small card and attached to the gift bag.
This allows you to write a personal note to the recipient, even if you‘re not delivering the gift yourself. It‘s not quite as intimate as a handwritten card, but it‘s a thoughtful way to share well wishes along with the present.
Other than the gift message, though, there‘s not much ability to customize Amazon gift bags. You can‘t choose a specific color or pattern, add any extra embellishments, or include other enclosures like photos or longer letters. What you see is what you get.
By comparison, some other retailers like Target and Walmart allow you to choose your gift wrap design from a range of options when ordering online. If having that creative control is important to you, Amazon‘s gift bags may feel limiting.
When to Use Amazon Gift Bags
So when does it make sense to pay extra for Amazon gift bags? In my expert opinion, there are a few specific situations where the convenience and benefits justify the added cost:
- When you need to send a gift directly to someone far away and want it to arrive ready to give
- When you‘re short on time before the occasion and can‘t wrap the gift yourself
- When you don‘t have suitable gift wrapping supplies on hand and would have to buy them separately
- When you want to keep the contents concealed during shipping so the recipient is surprised
- When you‘re sending a generic gift to an acquaintance and want it to look nice without much effort
On the flip side, here are some scenarios where you might want to skip the Amazon gift bag:
- When you have time to wrap the gift yourself and prefer a personal touch
- When you enjoy crafting and want to create a highly customized, artistic gift presentation
- When the item you‘re gifting is oversized, heavy, or unusually shaped and may not fit in the bags
- When you‘re on a tight budget and can‘t spare the extra few dollars for gift wrapping
- When you‘re concerned about the environmental impact of single-use gift packaging (more on this below)
Carefully considering the situation and your gift-giving goals can help you decide whether the convenience of Amazon gift bags is worth the cost.
Environmental Impact of Gift Bags
One potential downside of Amazon gift bags is the environmental toll of all that single-use packaging. Most gift bags and wrapping end up in the trash after the present is opened, contributing to the waste stream.
A study by Sundale Research found that Americans generate an additional 25 million tons of garbage between Thanksgiving and New Year‘s Day, largely due to gift packaging and discarded decorations. Choosing reusable gift wrap options or skipping disposable packaging altogether can help reduce this impact.
If sustainability is a priority for you, Amazon‘s gift bags may not align with your values. The bags are made of paper and may be accepted by some recycling programs, but the laminated designs and attached ribbons typically make them difficult to fully recycle. The tissue paper and adhesive gift tags are also likely to be landfilled.
Some more eco-friendly alternatives include:
- Reusable fabric gift bags that can be regifted or repurposed
- Recyclable or compostable kraft paper and twine
- Presenting gifts in practical, functional containers like tins or baskets
- Giving experiential or digital gifts that don‘t require wrapping
Of course, the environmental impact of gift wrap is complex, and using Amazon gift bags on occasion isn‘t likely to single-handedly doom the planet. But it‘s a factor to consider if you‘re trying to celebrate more sustainably overall.
How Amazon Gift Bags Compare to Other Retailers
Amazon is far from the only retailer offering gift bags and boxes for online orders. Many other major retailers provide similar options, often at comparable price points.
Examples include:
- Walmart: Offers gift bags for some items at checkout for around $4-$6, as well as the option to add a printed gift message. Also provides gift receipts.
- Target: Has gift box and bag options starting at $1, plus a variety of add-on greeting cards. Allows you to choose your gift wrap design.
- Macy‘s: Provides gift boxes with red lids for $6, and a wider selection of gift wraps with prices from $2.95-$6.95. Includes gift receipts and optional gift messages.
In most cases, the eligibility requirements and ordering process is very similar to Amazon‘s. The cost also tends to be in the same ballpark, although some retailers offer lower prices for smaller items or simpler packaging.
The main areas where other retailers may have a leg up are customization and wrap design choices. Some allow you to pick your gift wrap style or provide more add-ons like ribbons and cards.
However, Amazon still excels in convenience, often with the fastest shipping times and a huge selection of giftable products. Their fairly standardized gift bag options also take the guesswork out of picking a wrap style.
Ultimately, if you‘re already shopping for a gift on Amazon, their gift bag service is a solid choice for easy, attractive wrapping without leaving the site. But if you‘re browsing multiple retailers, it may be worth comparing gift wrap prices and options to find the best fit for your needs.
Making the Most of Amazon Gift Bags
If you do decide to use Amazon gift bags for some or all of your gifting needs, here are a few expert tips for making the experience as smooth and cost-effective as possible:
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Double check gift bag eligibility before completing your order, to avoid any unwanted surprises or shipping delays. Look for the "Add gift options" button on the product page.
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Consider gifting multiple items in a single bag to minimize the added cost. As long as the total dimensions and weight are within the bag limits, you can often fit several related gifts together and pay for just one set of gift wrapping.
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Customize the gift message to make it more personal. While you can‘t change the bag itself, your printed gift tag is an opportunity to share a heartfelt sentiment with the recipient. Put some thought into the note to make the gift feel special.
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Review the preview before submitting your order. Amazon will show you a mockup of how the gift bag will look, including your custom message. Take a moment to proofread and make sure everything looks the way you want.
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Save the gift bag for reuse if possible. If you‘re the gift recipient, consider holding onto the bag and tissue to wrap another present in the future. This can help offset the environmental impact and save you some money on wrapping supplies down the line.
With a little planning and savvy, Amazon gift bags can be a handy, time-saving tool in your gift-giving toolbox.
The Bottom Line
So, are Amazon gift bags worth paying extra for? As with many shopping decisions, it depends.
If you value convenience above all and don‘t mind spending a few extra dollars, Amazon gift bags can be a great way to send a thoughtful present without the hassle of wrapping it yourself. They‘re especially useful for last-minute or long-distance gifts.
But if you‘re on a strict budget, enjoy personalizing your gift wrap, or prefer more eco-friendly options, you might want to pass on the gift bag option and handle the wrapping yourself.
As a savvy shopper myself, I believe Amazon gift bags are a worthwhile splurge in some scenarios, but not essential for every gifting occasion. By weighing the potential benefits against the added cost and limitations, you can decide when it makes sense to use this service and when to save your money for other aspects of the gift.
At the end of the day, it‘s the thought behind the gift that matters most. A heartfelt present in a simple sack can be just as meaningful as a lavishly wrapped one. While gift bags are a nice touch, they‘re just one of many options for delighting your loved ones with a thoughtful surprise.
The key is to be intentional about your gifting choices, considering your own priorities and the preferences of your recipients. Whether you opt for Amazon gift bags or another wrapping method, the goal is to share a token of your affection and strengthen your relationship with the person you‘re celebrating.
As long as you put care and consideration into the gift itself, the wrapping is just a bonus. So don‘t stress too much about the packaging – focus on finding a present that will truly show your loved one how much you care.
