To think this is a widely understood unwritten rule?

I think you are either a reuse the bag or not type of person and the tag is irrelevant.

But if no one is allowed to write on the tag - why is it there?

@rushandpushyes! I don’t like writing on gift bags because the tag is at a funny angle and the bag makes the surface lumpy. If I can easily remove and reapply the tag I will but it’s not always that simple

Everyone who gives me a gift in a bag doesn't wrap.

I wrap and then use ribbon to tie presents together neatly if I want to keep them together.

If I’d bought the gift bag, I would write on the tag. If I was re-using a bag, which I always do, I would either attach a new gift tag or just put a gift tag on the present, or like you said the card is in the bag.

Of course people write on the tag - what is the point of it otherwise? Surely you realise that the tag can be removed and the bag re-used.

Totally don’t write on the tag either! Think we have a unicorn bag that’s been reused for three different birthdays in the group by now!

I don't write on tags mostly because it requires a certain amount of contortion to do it while tag is attached to bag. I do think "wow, there's a tag going out and it could be used in future" I also ponder if there is any point in the bag manufacturers attaching a tag in the first place. I have been known to tape the card to the bag with some washi tape (easily removable without damage to bag) thus leaving a tag and bag in tact for future use, if fancied. I feel you are in a strong place with your position on tag writing technicalities - I would feel suspicious of that person questioning you. I think you should go on with your head held high.

I do the same, OP. Doesn't seem to be a widely recognised thing, though!

I just take the tag off if it’s been written on and re use the bag.

Not fussed either way about the tag being written on. I'd say the majority of the time I don't bother because there is a card in the bag.

Also we always reuse the bags, all our family do.

I put a card in the bag too, so they know who it is all from.

People cut the tag off if they want to reuse the bag. Let them decide!
I think it’s very very annoying when you have 20 presents and you have no idea who has given what because people don’t write their names on the tags! Don’t expect a Thankyou note if you don’t write your name..! Xo

I agree with you op I never write on them. There is a card in with the present anyway . I have received ones with writing and ones without so I guess it’s a mixed bag what people do rather than an unwritten rule

YABU. The first person to use the bag gets to use the tag and, after that, no tag for anyone else.

We’re always recycling bags around friends and family. I’ve received the same bag several times from various family members as it’s done the rounds 😂

Ha, the bag manufacturers don't want you to re-use the bag. They want you to to buy a new one each time.

If the unwritten rule is to never write on the tag - why is it there?

It can’t be so the bag is reused as the next person will also not write on the tag!

I also don’t think tag written on or not will affect if it reused.

I really don’t get this at all. Can someone explain why if no one is allowed to write on the tag why it is there in the first place?

This whole thread should be an episode of Motherland.

reusing gift bags- not weird and reduces waste

I only do it if they still look brand new. I don’t advertise that I reuse them, nor has it ever come up in conversation with others so I don’t know how many people I know do it.

I don’t have strong opinions on whether or not to write on the gift tag (they can be easily removed) but your conversation was odd. Her for questioning why you hadn't written on the tag and asking you to do so. You for refusing.

Absolutely never write on the tag. I thought that was the unwritten (haha) rule. We always do friend gifts like that and the joke is it’s part of the gift. A bag to regift.

I never write the tag. Mainly because I’ll pulled it off to reuse the bag 😂

I have not bought a gift bag in years. I always re-use them. I swear I have seen the same ones a few times now.

I agree with poster. My friend group don't write on gift bag labels either so as to reuse - the card informs who the giftor is.

The recipient of the first gift the bag is used for can rip off the tag then re-use the bag. So you could have written on it and still could have been re-used.

If no one writes on the tags then there's no point in them.

I stock up in January, so just after Christmas - they're obviously getting rid of the Christmas stuff, but a lot of Christmas tags and paper can be used all year round in my opinion. Ones with big Santas on them, no, but candy canes for example are quite a generic pattern. In my opinion

My partner's birthday is in January and I've never spent more than 25p on one tag!