Christmas stocking presents wrapped in paper bags

[OhThatChicken]

In an early Christmas thread (maybe one of the epic Reastie ones) someone suggested buying Christmassy paper bags and little stickers and wrapping stocking bits in those.

Every year DH and I have the same debate about whether stocking presents should be wrapped. I say yes because otherwise everything gets opened in about three seconds he says no because life is too short. We spend a miserable evening wrapping everything (stockings here are always jam packed with all the usual stuff kids need - socks/pants/slippers/PJs etc) and it takes ages and is miserable.

Months ago when someone suggested it I bought the paper bags and stickers and chucked them in a box. Had totally forgotten them until tonight, the annual Christmas Stocking Wrapping Session of Doom.

35 minutes.

35 chuffing minutes.

We're now sitting drinking and eating cashew nuts enjoying some peace and quiet because all our house guests went to bed because they knew it would take ages.

HA!

Game changer.

Thank you thank you thank you mystery Mumsnetter...

In other news, I may be a bit drunk. I'd say I need to get out more but don't we all!

Don't you need lots of different sizes?

What kind of paper bags have you bought? Do you have a link? Thanks

Just did mine with the striped paper bags I bought last year after reading it on the bargains thread. So quick!

I think next year I might buy two sets in the same print, one A4 size for slightly bigger bits and one A5 ish. The ones I got this year were A5 ish and worked for everything except an annual each.

A couple of things ended up with a bag on each end, overlapping in the middle with some tape but it was SO much quicker.

I know it's simple pleasures but I'm just giddy. It's my crappest job of Christmas and it's done.

Just search pick n mix bags on eBay- they’re approx 5x7 inches- you can get 100 for £4 including postage. I have found most stocking fillers fit in so far.

That's brilliant, I did mine in the amazon packing brown paper- more of a scrumple than a proper wrap, am saying FC has gone eco. The paper bags though might be the way forward.

I did exactly the same thing this year after seeing it on the bargain thread. Amazing. Really contemplating sourcing some massive bags for all presents next year!

@greenlynx

What kind of paper bags have you bought? Do you have a link? Thanks

I bought 100 in this print and size but from a different Ebay seller who isn't on here now. Looking back it cost £6 Link

Yes we do that here. Paper bags stick down with a label. Plus tissue paper (pre used that I've saved) wrapped around and folded in so that one sticky gift label secures the lot.

Yep! I have done this for the last few years now. I got 2 sizes of red striped ones from eBay, and anything too big (like an annual) goes in red tissue paper. Just fold the top of the bag and secure with a Christmassy sticker. So quick, and the kids would never guess as I only use wrapping paper for presents from us.

Yes I’ve done this for the last few years.

Paper sweetie bags for stockings and small presents, larger A4-sized thin paper bags in Christmas patterns for book-sized stuff, and I have some bigger glittery foil drawstring bags and some fabric drawstring bags that get reused again and again for larger presents.

I don’t put tape or sticker on the paper bags. That way they can get reused or go straight in the recycling, and they are so thin that there is very little waste.

If only you had posted this a week ago Op! I will definitely be stealing your idea for next year 😁

Your stockings must be huge if you can fit all that into them
!

Ooohh... save the lovely paper bags that Snag Tights come in?

I've done the same but with drawstring jute bags with Christmassy patterns on. They're reusable so I'm planning to use them forever now!

@aliasname

Ooohh... save the lovely paper bags that Snag Tights come in?

Now that is a good excuse to buy 30 pairs of tights...

@Reallybadidea

I've done the same but with drawstring jute bags with Christmassy patterns on. They're reusable so I'm planning to use them forever now!

But... Do they rustle?

I love the paper bags idea though. Also the PP who used Amazon packing paper, that is also genius.

@Bitofachinwag

Your stockings must be huge if you can fit all that into them !

I wondered this too! I have about 10 small things in my kids stockings small things like sweets, fluffy socks, hot wheels and they're stuffed!

I use rugby socks, I can get in around twenty 20 plus things as long as they are mainly small eg whistles, lip balm, small car and yes some of mine may be wrapped in snag tights bags.

It's more of a pillowcase than a stocking because we deliberately pad it out with stuff they need anyway like undies/socks/PJs as well as more fun bits.

Laughing slightly at @User135792468 - the chances of me having tackled this a week ago is absolutely nil! 😂

The Amazon brown paper idea is genius too!