Tote bags for less than $120
These bags will hold your groceries just fine, too.
Question for the culture: when did tote bags get so expensive?
I remember when the Cotton On Foundation ones were going for $2. I remember because I used to get them as gifts for my friends whenever I would visit my sister in South Australia – the totes weren’t really big in Malaysia at the time, so it was a very exclusive souvenir. Now they’re priced at $5.
Still fine. Most people, I think, would be willing to pay an upwards of RM20 for a simple canvas tote with the store’s quirky designs. Maybe more, depending on the quality and craftsmanship, but I’d tap out at RM50.
Emily Mariko seems to think otherwise. Her Farmers Market tote, which was launched on the 29th of January, is priced at a whopping $120 American dollars.
I was perplexed by the price tag, but then again I’m probably not her targeted buyer. And maybe you don’t want to spend $120 on a plain tote too. So, I will offer you some alternatives for less than that (not that you need any more tote bags).
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
The first thing that came to mind when I saw Emily’s tote bag was this classic L.L.Bean Boat and Tote. The similarities are striking, from the silhouette to the panel-handles; they are both reminiscent of summer homes in the Hamptons and New England in autumn. Perhaps Emily was inspired by this very bag.
You can get this L.L.Bean classic (as seen on It girls such as Carolyn Bassett-Kennedy and Chloë Sevigny) for less than USD$50. The extra large, which runs a little smaller than Emily’s tote, is priced at USD$44.95. You can also personalise them with your initials for an extra USD$8.
Despite the size differences, the extra large will fit your groceries just fine, unless you’re shopping for 10 people. And don’t worry about the load either, the Boat and Tote was made for hauling ice, so they’ll be able to carry your eggs, milks, and carrots.
Maine Isle Tote
But if you are not a fan of dealing with stains – because let’s be real, something is bound to leak, break, or spill at some point during your grocery run – then may I suggest the Maine Isle tote? This one is made out of waterproof tarpaulin fabric, so you don’t have to worry about scrubbing off stains. Just hose them down or give them a good wipe.
This one comes in one size and is priced at USD$69.
Whimsigirl Pick-Me-Up Tote
On the topic of avoiding stains, these Whimsigirl totes are made of woven polypropylene, making them waterproof, easy to clean, and durable. According to the website, these totes can hold up to 20kg of load, so you can go ahead and grab that 5kg bag of rice with you, and maybe a bag of flour while you’re at it.
But the best thing about these bags (besides being able to carry that much weight) are the two little compartments that come with it. There’s a small one for your phone and some loose change, and another on the side for your water bottles and umbrellas.
You can get this set of 3 for RM78. If this colour is not for you, don’t worry, they’ve got heaps of other colourways too!
Ana Tomy Store Carrier Bag
If you want something that says: yes, I am buying dino nuggets, but I also write, I muse, I ponder, then this Ana Tomy tote is for you. For the full effect, chuck your notebook in there too. It’ll fit, I promise, because the bag is about the same size as the large Whimsigirl tote pictured above.
You can get them for RM18 on the Ana Tomy website. What a steal!
Ikea SÄCKKÄRRA
For a cheaper – but still super cute – option, get this SÄCKKÄRRA bag from Ikea. It’s cheap (RM5!!), easy to clean (made of polypropylene), and deep enough to carry your groceries.
Truly a no fuss option. Might have to get one for myself.
For the quick shoppers: Motherchuckers’ Check Me Out Packable Tote
A quick grocery run is never a pre-planned endeavour. It happens suddenly and almost always on days you forget to pack your reusable bags with you. It is prudent, then, to just keep one in your bag at all times lest you have to pay a hefty 20c and global warming for a plastic bag.
I’m thinking of getting these ones from Motherchuckers. I had to get rid of my trusted Ikea ones because they were on the brink of disintegration (I used them like a lot, a lot). According to the website, “she fits a ton”, so I think the RM35 price tag is justified.
Plus, I get to support a local brand while I’m at it. It’s a win-win situation.
Ok, but let’s be real, you don’t need another tote bag. I’m sure you’ve got a bunch lying around your closet somewhere – unearth them, take them to the grocers. But if you must get one, you should not have to burn a hole through your wallet for it.
I get that Emily’s is handmade in America and I’m all for supporting local products, but paying $120 for a really plain bag is outrages, especially in this economy. There are lots of other local and handmade totes out there going for a fraction of the price.
At the end of the day, you just need them to carry your stuff.