Every home has a drawer of plastic bags and a cupboard of flimsy cloth totes from conferences you don't remember. And then there's one tote you actually use: strong, roomy, and something you're happy to be seen carrying.

This is a guide to finding that one.

Why a tote with an opinion?

A plain tote is a bag. A tote that says People to Meet: Dogs or Proud Plant Mom is a conversation. Strangers smile at it. Fellow dog people stop you. It says who you are before you've said anything, which is exactly what a good accessory should do.

It also makes you more likely to actually carry it, which is the whole point of a reusable bag.

What makes a good tote

• It's strong. Look for a sturdy material and handles that are stitched in, not glued. Our Blue Q shoppers are made from 95% post-consumer recycled material and are built to carry a full load of groceries.
• It has a gusset. A flat tote holds very little. A gusset (the depth at the base) lets it stand up and hold bulky things. Blue Q shoppers are roughly 39 cm wide and 38 cm high, with a 15 cm gusset.
• The handles fit over your shoulder. Hand-only handles are fine for short trips, but shoulder-length straps make a big shop or a long walk much easier.
• It wipes clean. Spills happen. A coated or woven recycled material that wipes clean lasts much longer than plain cotton.

Shopper or handy tote?

• Shopper: big, structured and roomy. The one for groceries, the market, the library haul and the weekend away.
• Handy tote: smaller and lighter. Perfect for lunch, a book and a water bottle, or as a second bag for the day.

Most people end up wanting one of each.

10 jobs for one good tote

1. The weekly grocery run
2. Farmers' markets and vegetable shopping
3. Library books (they're heavier than you think)
4. Gym kit and a change of clothes
5. A beach or picnic day
6. Lunch, snacks and a water bottle for work
7. Carrying gifts to a party
8. A spare bag folded inside your backpack
9. Holding the shoes when you visit someone's home
10. The overflow bag when your suitcase won't close

Keeping your tote looking good

• Wipe it down with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap. That handles most spills.
• Empty the crumbs regularly by turning it inside out and giving it a shake.
• Dry it fully before folding it away, so it doesn't smell.
• Don't overload the handles with very heavy, sharp-edged items. Lay heavy things flat at the bottom.
• Fold it the same way each time and keep it by the door or in your bag, so it actually comes with you.

A small note on reusable bags

A reusable bag only helps if you reuse it. The greenest tote is the one you love enough to carry every week for years, which is one more argument for picking one that makes you smile.

Shop all bags → · Pet parents · Plant parents

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Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a tote bag?

Strong material, stitched handles long enough for your shoulder, a gusset so it holds bulky items, and a surface that wipes clean.

What are Blue Q totes made of?

Blue Q shoppers are made from 95% post-consumer recycled material, so they're sturdy, reusable and easy to wipe clean.

How do I clean a tote bag?

Wipe it with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, shake out crumbs, and let it dry fully before folding it away.

What's the difference between a shopper and a handy tote?

A shopper is large and structured for groceries and big hauls. A handy tote is smaller and lighter, for lunch, a book and everyday bits.

Is a tote bag a good gift?

Yes. It's useful, gets carried often, and a tote with a design that suits them (dogs, cats, plants) feels personal.