Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Tea, totes & T.J. Maxx

Are there any other tote bag fanatics reading today? Yes, I thought so! I can't seem to resist a nice tote bag, but I like the cheap ones as well. When stores started coming out with reusable 99-cent bags a few years ago, I was understandably pleased. I use these in my crafts room closet for storing yarns and thread, and they're good for transporting lightweight things like teatime linens as well.

Then, a friend pointed out to me one day how very thrifty it is to use these bags instead of traditional paper gift bags. They're certainly a nice alternative to the $3-$4 bags I've typically purchased, and with some creative use of tissue, you can easily fill up the space around just about any gift, large or small. As soon as I began using these as gift bags, I vowed that if I ever saw one with teacups or teapots on it, I would buy all I could find. When I saw this design at the T.J. Maxx in Rome, Ga. on Saturday, that's just what I did. (Alas, there were only 2.) But then I went to another store in Carrollton and bought the 12 they had, and I will s-l-o-w-l-y be giving them out *only* to tea friends in the coming months and years.

Teacups!

A tea kettle!

A teapot!

And there's even what appears to be some newsprint in the teacup designs! (I work for a newspaper, for heaven's sake!)

Although I decided I'd probably purchased enough of the bags, I couldn't help merely *looking* for more when I was at my local store this week, but I didn't see any. Still, if this design appeals to you as much as it does to me, you might want to be on the lookout next time you visit your local T.J. Maxx.

13 comments:

  1. That is an awesome bag!

    I too love totes - I try to use them instead of shopping bags and bring them with me when shopping to save the landfills just a little bit at a time.

    LOVE this bag - so YOU!!!

    Thanks for the heads up, haven't been to a TJ Maxx in a very long time, could be time for a trip there.

    Have a wonderful day!

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  2. Thanks for the enabling alert! Love this bag...I have been using the bags from TJMaxx or HOme Goods or Marshalls for the past few years for giving gifts. Sometimes I can even find a "masculine" looking one...save these for Christmas.

    I have even been using one as a laundry bag - holds a lot, wet or dry.

    I will have to make a trip afterwork tonite and scout out the tea bags.

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  3. When I take my assorted collection of tote bags to the grocery store (much prefer to use them instead of 'plastic or paper'), the baggers all stop to admire the myriad collection of bags I've amassed. May have to check out T.J.Maxx as a few of my bags are showing signs of wear, yep, that's a good reason for buying another tote!

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  4. I just love it when we can shop and be "green" at the same time ! Who new
    shopping could save the planet? Great find !

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  5. Oh Angela~ How exciting to find these wonderful totes!!! I wish I was your friend to get one...I don't even need a gift! The tote is the gift! LOL I also love love love the design~ Wonderful find!!! Enjoy~ ♥♥♥

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  6. Oh my LOVE IT. Tea theme and my new favorite color in the straps and border. PErfect! Thanks for passing this along. I will look for them too in my neck of the woods. Great find, Angela. Enjoy!

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  7. Oh my gosh these are the cutest ones I have ever seen! I have used other reusable bags like this for gifts too, and my friends loved it.

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  8. That's it ... I'm headed into town tomorrow and a trip to TJ Maxx is definitely in order! Thanks for sharing your sweet find! :)

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  9. que bolsa mas bonita me encanto

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  10. I think you're causing a run on everyone's local TJ Maxx! ;-)

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  11. What a great idea to use these for gift bags!

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  12. I am a tote bag fan and your tea-tote is very neat - I will be on the look out for one.

    Do you ever watch the CBS "Sunday Morning" news program? They did a very interesting story on a gentleman in NYC who has a very valuable art collection of...Vintage and Antique shopping bags!

    They were some of the earliest and first shopping bags, very nice artwork and (surprisingly), they were in very good condition. I enjoy that news program. Have a great weekend, Joanie

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