Baskets Instead of Bags?
June 16, 2008 by Peggy
What do you think of using a basket instead of a reusable bag for your shopping?
Arieanna at Cooking Gadgets is exploring Collapsible Basket Totes from Neiman Marcus. Yeah, a bit pricey at $55. That’s the catch.
Also, if you need more than one basket, it could get bulky. I don’t think these would sling over the shoulder as well as bags. Plus, you can’t stick a basket in the washing machine.
Another basket option may be found at reusablebags.com. The Reisenthel Market Basket (Baroque Sand option pictured) is a bit more affordable ($39.95) and still stylish. This one is also collapsible.
Have you tried using a basket for your shopping?
Image via reusablebags.com.
We use something similar (2 of them, actually) and get compliments all the time. We got ours at TJMaxx for 9.99 (though I haven’t found them there since) and recently saw something similar at JC Penney’s for 14.99. If the Neimans one was fair trade or something the price might be worth it, but if it’s made in china like the others, then that price really doesn’t seem worth it. Our grocery store has little carts for their plastic baskets, and we can just use our own totes instead and they are very handy for the farmers market, etc. We do a lot of bulk buying in glass jars, and it’s easier for us to carry them in these baskets than a bag (more structure) but everyone’s shopping habits are different!
Lisa, I don’t think those baskets are Fair Trade. They usually mention that in the description. The basket from reusablebags.com says it’s responsibly made in China.
You have a good point about baskets having more structure for items like glass jars.
I love that basket – so pretty. But I don’t think it’d work so well for shopping; not for me. Like I might consider one for the farmers market, but the problem is I like to have both hands free. You never know when your kooky kid will try to dart into someone.
I’m with Jennifer, I’d consider it for the Farmer’s Market.
I hate the prices of all of this stuff, ranted in the comments before about it, so I’m going to make my own. Maybe I’ll try a basket style!
That is a really cute basket, but I agree.. I just don’t think they’d work so well for grocery shopping. Farmer’s Markets, yes. Or even for a quick run to the store for just a few items.
Jennifer, they also make kid-sized baskets of the Reisenthel.
Julie, please show up photos if you do make your own! : )
Jodi, I agree. They wouldn’t work for bulk buying for sure.
I like the basket idea, and I agree, they would be great for the Farmer’s Market but I think they would also be good for fruits and veggies at the store.