The eco-minded chef on your list will probably love some re-useable shopping bags - okay, so it's not the sexiest gift ever, but trust us, eco-minded chefs love gifts like this.
The unbleached cotton shopping bags from Dharma Trading are classic. We use the Shoulder Sling and Carry All (both $4.95), the Cool Tote ($5.79), and for big hauls, the Really Big Bag ($11.95)
Walker's Light Nylon Totes are pricey, but chic... they come in 9 colors and wad up into a tiny fist-size ball. ($22) Walker is currently offering free shipping in the U.S.
The Frida Mexican Market Bag is a classic Mexican market bag. ($8) click here for their large selection of other colorful, inexpensive bags.
A Hemp Grocery Bag in Cayenne Red or Black ($14.29) is a sturdy, stylish choice that can be used for more than just groceries.
i love these -- thanks for a few options... so i can match to my favorite green-market trolling chefs. they are not all alike!
This is a great post. I have a great bag I got from a local store in Chicago. You can pack the heaviest things in it, like 10 gallon milk cartons and it never even hints at tearing. I have to goad the checkout people to fill it to the brim.
Some hints though:
1. Make sure the handles are long. The longer, the easier to get it over your coats.
2. The straps also can't be too thick because then the easier they will start slipping off your shoulder.
3. Lastly, go for deeper, not wider bags. Deeper bags you can sling completely on your back, where something shallow and wide is going to inch forward. A bag with a wide mouth also makes it easier for your items to fall out all over the place.
So the bag to avoid is the one with short, thick straps, and a wide, shallow bag.
The truth absolutely is, though, that hauling groceries on your larger back and shoulder muscles is much easier than hanging plastic bags from your forearms and permanently hooked hands. I live on the Morgan stop on the L and I see people with their Whole Foods bags and I just want to tell them there's an easier, less painful way.
By the way, if anyone reading is from Chicago, I got my perfect grocery bag from Bonne Sante on 53rd St in Hyde Park.
I like the string bags that you can buy at this site:
http://www.ecobags.com
I have a canvas bag from Trader Joe's and I love it.