shopper bag M and S

[AmyDudley]

I want to get a shopper/sling stuff in type bag for my DDIL (birthday) what do you think of this one from M and S, is it fine/awful/useful ? - I have no idea about fashion etc. Also which colour is best?
If it helps my DDIL is 46, and a busy person. I was thinking of something she can pack some of her paperwork/ lunch etc in for work and throw in the back of the car. Any other suggestions, not too expensive as I'm planning to fill the bag with other treats for her.

www.marksandspencer.com/faux-leather-shopper/p/clp60775547?color=CHOCOLATE

It's nice, totes are really useful. I prefer the ones with a zip.
New Look is good for totes, too. I've got my eye on a burgundy one.

Thank you @Cuppachuchu, I've had a quick look at New Look, and they have some lovely ones in there and more choice than Marks, you make a good point about a zip, I shall hit the shops tomorrow and have a look.

Yes, I've got a similar one from TKMaxx and no zip just a popper so things can fall out in a car and less secure from pickpockets (mine has an inner zipped compartment which helps. I don't put lunch in though (in case of leaks) so don't normally need a big bag like this and use a smaller one plus separate lunch bag instead most days.

I wouldn’t want a bag without a zip.

I prefer no zip - I would be so happy with the marks bag

Same here

That's lovely - and I think M&S is better than New Look for a 46 year old DIL. I would love it. Also prefer no zip

I’d prefer one like this (I have a v similar longchamp leather one) because I would want it to zip up https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/accessories/bags/tan-faux-leather-double-handle-tote-bag/p/916375118

Ooh this is great, love the gold horsebit detail! https://www.asos.com/prd/210009492?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

https://www.asos.com/prd/210138345?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

Many thanks everyone, some great ideas and suggestions. I think my DDIL would love any of those bags you linked @Namechangerage . I am going shopping tomorrow and will bear all your helpful thoughts in mind :)

Make sure she would use something that's not real leather. I realise you're wanting to keep the price low, but personally I wouldn't use a fake leather tote. They might look good in pictures, but not in real life IMO - & they wear badly & will end up in landfill sooner rather than later (& won't be biodegradable).

I'd rather you spent more on a decent real leather one & forgot about all the bits & pieces you're putting into it! Either that, or get her a really nice fabric/woven shopper or similar if you're not sure about plastic.

Also, the ones posted are faux-leather versions of classic work totes - if she wanted something like that, might she not already be using one? Have you checked what her usual work bag is?

So something that's a bit different & more versatile for putting a few bits of shopping & a cardigan in, say, might be better?

This is nice & looks resilient. https://www.marksandspencer.com/flyknit-striped-top-handle-grab-bag/p/clp60777390?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Or this.

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-raffia-shopper-bag-natural/p114443094

M and S tote with a gift receipt then she can change it easily if she doesn’t like it.

Eta I think bags are really personal - strap lengths, number of pockets, zip or no zip etc - before you even come onto colour and style

I agree with the poster above. I would not use a plastic bag and the ones you have liked are all plastic.

Give her a voucher so she can buy herself what she wants.

I hate plastic leather with a passion. I would want a real leather tote or a funky fabric one.

Same! I’d never use one if I got it.

I think if you add an extra £5–£10, you can get real leather from TK Maxx, for example.

I personally wouldn’t give a plastic bag as a present.

Zips on totes almost always look a bit cheap though, apart from a few so be mindful about that.

I wouldn't like a bag with a huge, visible 'M&S' brand on the front. It's not clear whether the brand is just on the purse, or on the tote as well. I wouldn't use the purse because it looks cheap with the brand, but the tote looks ok. The New Look bags actually look very smart. Whilst I prefer leather too, plastic bags don't have to look cheap and I don't know how people are mistreating them to make them break down so quickly. My fake leather bags have lasted over a decade.

I would hate it. Sorry op. It’s very basic and looks plasticky. Bags are so personal. If I was buying a gift, I wouldn’t buy a work bag as that’s so specific on what they like/need for their everyday.

I’d probably go for a cute cross body bag (preferably leather) from somewhere like Oliver Bonas that they could use on weekend shopping trips.

What about one of the Anya Hindmarch Universal Shopper totes? She has produced lots of them in collaboration with different shops, each is colour matched to the brand, so there are lots of options out there. So there is a blue one for the Boots brand, green for Ocado, brighter blue for Coop etc. I read in today’s Times that there is a new Daylesford one if she likes a posh vibe.
They are made from recycled materials, and I’ve been coveting one for a while. Lots of new unused ones on EBay, as they are very collectable.

They are about £20 - some a bit more. Very cheap way to have a Hindmarch and they are strong and practical, I’ve had a look.

https://www.boots.com/anya-hindmarch?srsltid=AfmBOorWNTgaCjoKskmLveulU-f2-NOd8s1gQUG_KiEYbaTa4KV_x_OQ

link to the Boots one. £13!

More expensive but a good price in the sale, and gorgeous.
Radley leather shopper