All wrapped up

I’ve noticed a trend. Gifts being presented in gift bags. Interesting. When I was a kid, presents were always wrapped. Later I recycled wrapping paper and even ironed some of it. Yes, really! When I had small children, I used their art work to wrap presents. (The poster paint flaked badly.)

Now there is the gift bag. I knew Americans gave gifts in gift boxes. You just lifted the lid and ‘voilà’, whereas unwrapping can be a slow tortuous process, full of anticipation.

So, I’m not sure about the gift bags. One I received contained a plate of home-made shortbread wrapped in coloured cellophane, a small box containing a jewelled wreath hanging ornament, and an LED Christmas tree ornament unwrapped. Thus showing all forms of gift presentation.

I now have a range of gift bags in various shapes and designs. Is it OK to use them again? Do I just plonk things in them or should I wrap?

Christmas may be over but it isn’t all wrapped up…