Uncommon Journal | Creative Gift Ideas - How to Style Our Tote Bags as Thoughtful, Artful Presents

Creative Gift Ideas – How to Style Our Tote Bags as Thoughtful, Artful Presents

Tote bags aren’t just for carrying your essentials — they also make unforgettable gifts, especially when they’re hand-painted and artfully embellished. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, hosting a gathering, or just want to surprise someone special, our tote bags double as both a gift and the gift wrap.

Here are some fun and creative ways to turn our totes into themed gift bundles:

🐾 For the Friend With a New Dog

Bag: Abstract Dog Tote Bag

Welcome a new pup with a gift that’s both adorable and practical. Fill the tote with:

  • A stylish collar and leash set
  • Poop bags in a cute dispenser
  • A couple of fun, squeaky toys
  • A bag of training treats
Uncommon Journal | Creative Gift Ideas - How to Style Our Tote Bags as Thoughtful, Artful Presents

Optional add-ons:
Food and water bowls, a grooming brush, a puzzle toy, or a beginner’s dog training book.

🌴 For a Girls Trip or Beach Vacation

Bag: Girlfriends at the Beach Tote Bag

Set the mood for a girls getaway with a bag full of fun-in-the-sun essentials:

  • A colorful beach towel
  • Sunscreen
  • A beach read or vacation journal

Optional add-ons:
Reusable water bottle, sunglasses, snacks, bath bombs, nail polish, sheet masks, or a compact travel game.

Uncommon Journal | Creative Gift Ideas – How to Style Our Tote Bags as Thoughtful, Artful Presents

🍷 For a Winery Day With Friends

Bag: Wine For Two Tote Bag

Perfect for the wine lover in your life. Style it like a picnic basket and include:

  • A winery map or tasting pass
  • A small cheese board
  • Crackers, nuts, and dried fruit
  • A wine journal for tasting notes

Optional add-ons:
A corkscrew, wine charms, or a cozy blanket for lounging under the vines.

Uncommon Journal | Creative Gift Ideas – How to Style Our Tote Bags as Thoughtful, Artful Presents

👑 For a Birthday Fit for Royalty

Bag: Crown Tote Bag

Turn a birthday gift into a pampering experience:

  • Essential oils
  • Bath bombs
  • Face and eye masks
  • Body lotion

Optional add-ons:
Candles, fuzzy slippers, hand and foot cream, a journal with a pretty pen, herbal teas, or favorite treats.

Uncommon Journal | Creative Gift Ideas – How to Style Our Tote Bags as Thoughtful, Artful Presents

💍 For a Bachelorette Party Favor

Bag: Yes to the Dress Tote Bag

Give the bride tribe something fun and functional:

  • Mini “hangover kit” with Advil, gum, Emergen-C, and Propel
  • Sleep mask or under-eye patches
  • Personalized tumbler or champagne flute

Optional add-ons:
Custom T-shirts, temporary tattoos, cute snacks, hair accessories, or engraved keychains.

Uncommon Journal | Creative Gift Ideas – How to Style Our Tote Bags as Thoughtful, Artful Presents

🍞 For a Thoughtful Hostess Gift

Bag: Cornucopia Tote Bag

Thank your host with a gift that’s beautiful and delicious:

  • A nice bottle of wine
  • A rustic loaf of bread
  • Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a spice blend

Optional add-ons:
A pretty tea towel, a candle, artisan napkins, or a set of coasters.

Uncommon Journal | Creative Gift Ideas – How to Style Our Tote Bags as Thoughtful, Artful Presents

Wrap It With Heart

The beauty of gifting with our totes is that the bag itself becomes a part of the present — one they can use again and again. Don’t forget to tuck in some bright tissue paper for that perfect finishing touch (we’ll be showing some of our favorites in the photos throughout this post).

Whether you're gifting to a dog lover, a beachgoer, a wine enthusiast, or a soon-to-be bride, we hope these ideas spark inspiration and make your next gift-giving moment even more meaningful.

Let us know your favorite gift combo — or tag us if you’ve styled a tote your way!

Warmly,

Dana

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