Branded tote bags

What is a tote bag?

A tote bag, from the English term "to tote," meaning "to carry" or "to transport," has become very popular all over the world. It refers to a practical, versatile fabric or cloth bag with two handles, suitable for carrying on the shoulder or by hand. Its simple design makes it an ideal all-purpose bag for carrying various items.

Material Guide: Choosing the Right Promotional Gift

Tote bags are valued for their softness, durability, and high reusability. Furthermore, many tote bags, like those made from cotton, are safe for carrying food items, making them a comfortable choice for many people.

Polyester is another popular material, as it is more water-resistant, crease-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Therefore, it is recommended for carrying heavier loads.

Next, there is non-woven fabric, which is lightweight and low-cost but less durable than the other materials. It is ideal for campaigns where a high number of low-cost units is preferred.

Finally, there are more unique alternatives, such as denim, a jean-like fabric; linen, which is elegant, durable, and biodegradable; or eco-friendly materials like RPET (recycled plastic), hemp, or organic cotton.

Certifications for Eco-Friendly Products

Depending on the product chosen, it is possible to find ethical tote bags with certifications that verify sustainability criteria. Here are some of the most common certifications:

• GRS: This certification promotes the use of recycled materials, increasing transparency and traceability of these components, with a minimum of 20% recycled content required.
• GOTS: An international certification for organic textiles that bans certain chemicals and ensures compliance with social and labour standards.
• Fairtrade: Guarantees ethical and fair standards for workers involved in raw material collection, supporting sustainability and responsible production.

The 4 Key Factors in Choosing Your Printed Tote Bag

At Gift Campaign, we specialise in corporate gifts, and we want to provide you with the best guidance for your order. Here are the most important factors to consider for promotional tote bags:

Design and Colour: These should represent your brand image and capture the attention of others to increase the visibility of your product.

Handle Length: This affects the bag's carrying comfort. There are short handles (hand-carry) and long handles (shoulder-carry).

Composition: Depending on the material and weight, this promotional product will be more or less durable. Additionally, eco-friendly bags allow you to communicate a message about your company’s values.

Additional Features: These can include gussets, zippers, internal pockets, mesh sections, and other unique design elements.

Finding the Right Occasion to Gift Your Tote Bag

These items are characterised by their affordability and versatility, making them ideal for large-scale campaigns aimed at a broad audience.

For example, you can gift them to customers after a purchase, so they can carry items comfortably while your brand is seen wherever they go.

Another popular option is to distribute them at events like trade shows, allowing attendees to carry other promotional gifts they receive from various stands, while also displaying your logo.

Tote bags are also great for collaborations with NGOs to raise awareness of your cause or at sporting events, where they might be given out along with other participant gifts.

Don't Forget to Check the Size and Weight of Your Tote Bags

The classic tote size is 38 x 42 cm, which is the most common and versatile. This size is suitable for carrying documents and everyday items. There are also more rectangular bags, 44 x 34 cm, typically with gussets, allowing for bulkier items. Finally, larger models measuring 56 x 36 cm are perfect for shopping or carrying heavier objects.

Regarding weight, which is measured in gsm (grams per square metre) and determined by the number of interwoven threads, the lightest bags range from 80 to 140 gsm, which are inexpensive but less durable. Bags between 140 and 220 gsm are more durable and a bit pricier. Lastly, fabrics over 220 gsm are higher quality and may feel somewhat rigid.

Can Both Sides Be Printed?

You may want a dual-sided print, either for a collaboration with another business requiring two logos or to display a logo on one side and additional text or an image on the other.

Many of our bags can be printed on both sides, but the price will vary depending on the print requirements. Share your ideas with us, and our team will advise you.

Care Tips for Your Custom Tote Bags

If your tote bags have been customised with a logo, a few precautions should be taken. Machine washing is discouraged, as certain materials and types of personalisation, like tampography or screen printing, may be damaged.

It is also advisable to avoid ironing directly on the logo to prevent damage. For care instructions specific to your model, please contact us to ensure the longevity of your promotional bag and print.