Our Journey to Better Gifting: The New Gift Bags You’ll Love

Gifting has been a universal language of love, appreciation, and connection since, well, forever. From cave dwellers sharing shiny rocks to you picking out the perfect present on the internet today—gifting has come a long way. And we’re thrilled to be a part of this journey. 

Yet, as we've grown and sent more smiles across the miles, we've also grown more aware. Aware that every box we ship, every ribbon we tie, and every card we write comes with an unseen price tag—one that our planet has been quietly paying.

Today, we're taking a step back to look at the bigger picture. We're challenging ourselves, and you, to see gifting in a new light. Can we preserve the heart-warming essence of gift-giving while lightening our footprint on the Earth? We believe we can, and we're excited to show you how.

Let's talk packaging for a sec. 

Remember the last time you got one of our gifts? You probably tore into that shiny polymailer, excited for your goodies inside, and then without a second thought, tossed the packaging straight into the trash. We get it—we've been there too.

We have been using those polymailers for a while now. They are tough, they keep your gifts safe, and honestly, they have been a cost-effective option for us as a small business. 

But did you know that these types of mailers contribute to approximately 400 million tons of plastic waste every year? Sadly, less than 10% of this plastic gets recycled, with much of it ending up in landfills or our oceans, where it can stick around for centuries (UNEP). The packaging industry alone is a big player here, responsible for about 36% of all plastic production (World Economic Forum).

Our promise to you has always been about sourcing responsible, eco-friendly gifts with a positive social impact. We take pride in carefully selecting practical, long-lasting products designed to spark joy and make a difference. So, you can imagine how it has been nagging at us since day one that our packaging has not quite lived up to these standards. Every time we've sealed a polymailer, it's been a reminder that we needed to do better. 

Eco-friendly poly mailers - is it the right fit?

Our journey towards more sustainable practices led us to explore various eco-friendly packaging options. One of the first alternatives we looked into was eco-friendly poly mailers. These mailers, typically made from biodegradable materials such as corn-based PLA (polylactic acid) or a blend of PLA and PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), promised a quicker breakdown and reduced environmental impact (EnClose). Initially, they seemed like an ideal solution.

However, we then discovered that in Singapore's incineration-based system, biodegradable plastics don't have the opportunity to decompose as intended. In fact, burning them can be more energy-intensive and lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions than regular plastic. So, while the intention is good, biodegradable mailers might not be the best choice for our local environment​ (CNA).

We’ve also thought about using paper mailers, and they seemed like a good option at first. But after some testing, they turned out to be not as tough or water-resistant as we need them to be, and they're usually a one-time-use deal.

So, there we were, back at the drawing board.

Your green shipping solution starts here

After a lot of long nights, countless cups of coffee, and more brainstorming sessions than we can count, we’ve finally come up with a solution that we believe ticks all the boxes - durable, sustainable, and perfect for our Singapore context.

These new shipping bags are the product of over a year’s work with Dòng Dòng, and here’s why they are a true win-win:

• These gift bags are made from past event banners in Vietnam. These banners, once full of life and colours, are now given a second chance to shine—this time, as part of your gift packaging.
• These gift bags are made to last. The upcycled material is weather-resistant, ensuring that your gifts stay safe, dry, and secure on their journey to your recipient.
• These bags are designed with reusability in mind. When you choose this packaging option, you're not just sending a gift - you're providing a versatile, eco-friendly bag that your recipients can use time and time again - whether they’re hitting the market, the gym, or just running errands.
• And here’s what makes you smile - no two bags are alike. It's like sending a little piece of unique, functional art with every gift.

Making the switch: what you need to know

Option 1: Curated Gift Sets & Hampers

If you’re opting for one of our pre-made gift sets, the new shipping bag is already included!

Option 2: Build Your Good Box

When you’re customising your own gift set, you have two simple choices:

• Gift Box + Shipping Bag: Choose a basic or premium gift box, which will then be packd into a shipping bag for shipping protection.
• Shipping Bag as Gift Bag: Or, skip the box and use our stylish shipping bag as the gift bag itself. It’s chic, durable, and eco-friendly!

Important Notes

• The new upcycled shipping bags are currently available only for gift sets delivered within Singapore.
• The new upcycled shipping bags are not applied for gifts delivered by GiftGood partners under the GiftGood Plus program (such as fresh flowers, plants, cakes, and selected lifestyle products).

Your next great gift is just a click away - now with packaging that's as considerate as the gift itself. Ready to make your gifts doubly impactful?