Year 2 - Processes and Materials - Research - Bags (WIP)

The basic definition of a bag is that it is 'A container of flexible material, such as paper, plastic, or leather, that is used for carrying or storing items.' Essentially, a bag is that in which allows objects to be portable. A bag differs from a box mainly through this portability; most bags have handles or straps in which people can use to carry them. A bag which doesn't have a handle is usually referred to as a purse (if it is small) or a clutch bag if it is larger than the average size of purse.
 

There are many different types of bags that vary in both the materials they are made from and their function. For example, a rucksack is mainly used for carrying heavy equipment, such as books, while a handbag is mainly for lightweight items such as a purse and stationary. Thinking about the utility of the of bag that I was making was as important as the design itself, as it would need to be designed in order for it's purpose. 

The type of bag I decided to focus on was gift bags and favour bags. Gift bags are bags in which gifts are put into, and given to another person. The bag in itself can act as a gift, although it is secondary to the gift itself. It can also been seen as a status thing, as if increasing the value of the gift through excessive packaging. People who buy gift bags tend to either use them as 'wrapping paper' in themselves, or use them in addition to wrapping paper and gift cards. 

It was my plan to create gift bags which were attractive and visually appealing, specifically aimed at children. For this, I thought of creating a brand specifically aimed at children, with my intention of making gift bags have more value for these children when they received or gave gifts. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

History of Gift Bags

Paper gift bags with handles were introduced commercially in 1987, and according to Hallmark research and sales history, they have been the top-selling way that consumers wrap gifts since 2002. In addition, 98 percent of consumers say they wrap gifts during one of the largest gift-giving seasons: the holidays. Gift wrap continues to be a growing industry, with holiday sales in 2003 at about $10 billion and a growth rate of 5 percent. Gift bags showed the highest growth during the holiday season, a 6.9 percent increase to $1.3 billion

Information from: http://earth911.com/recycling/paper/gift-bags/facts-about-gift-bags/  

              

Gift Bags and Sustainability                        

Americans go through 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps each year. Gift bags are not typically recyclable because they are generally made from a combination of paper and plastic and hard-to-recycle materials:

• Glitter
• Sequins
• Metallic paper
• Beads
• Faux fur
• Plastic adornments

Information from: http://earth911.com/recycling/paper/gift-bags/facts-about-gift-bags/ 

 http://www.simplyregiftit.com/index.php

Simply regift it is a website dedicated to making gift bags sustainable by recycling old gift bags and re-designing them before 're-gifting' them.

 The gift industry is quite substantial. This image is of 'Clinton Cards' - a company based in the United Kingdom that Specialize in the gift industry - selling cards, wrapping paper, gift cards and small inexpensive gifts. Giving a gift is heavily commercialized, with incentive to make the packaging of the gift a present within itself - to 'spruce' up the occasion.

- Examples of user bags crafts regarding gift bags. The positive (cheap, user influenced), The Negative, What I could improve on (Indie / Craft)
-  review of some gift bags
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bag