Shopping bags aren’t just those flimsy plastic things anymore. The best ones you can reuse are strong, work well, and even look good. They make going to the store easier, keep things organized, and are better for the planet. Whether you’re getting groceries for the week, hitting up the farmers market, or just running to the corner store, the right bag can make a difference.
We did a lot of checking and trying out bags to make this list of the top 10 shopping bags for 2025. And guess what? Those famous IKEA bags made the cut!
Why Get Good Shopping Bags?
Before we get to the list, here’s why it’s worth getting some nice shopping bags:
- Good for the Earth: You use way less plastic.
- Lasts Longer: Good bags last for years, not just one trip.
- More Room: They hold way more than those plastic bags.
- Keeps Things Tidy: They have better shapes and places to put things.
- Saves Money: Lots of stores give you a discount if you bring your own.
image: Ikea and Earthwise
Top 10 Shopping Bags of 2025
1. IKEA FRAKTA Shopping Bag (Big, Blue)
Most Famous & Best Deal
IKEA’s had this bag for 30 years, and it’s a workhorse. It’s big and tough and can carry almost anything. The FRAKTA is a big deal, loved by everyone from college kids to people who decorate houses.
What’s Great About It:
- Holds a crazy amount (19 gallons!)
- Super strong plastic that won’t break
- Waterproof and easy to wipe clean
- Folds up small for easy keeping
- Strong, bendy, easy to clean, and easy to fold up.
Price: $0.99
Where to Buy: IKEA FRAKTA Shopping Bag
2. Trader Joe’s Canvas Tote Bags
Most Fun to Collect & Cool
Trader Joe’s fans are going crazy for the new 99-cent bags with pictures of foods that go together, like mac and cheese, and ketchup and fries. It shows that shopping bags can be useful and stylish.
What Makes Them Special:
- They only make a few of each design, so they become collector’s items.
- Made of strong canvas
- Good size for everyday shopping
- Look good enough to put on Instagram
Price: $0.99 – $2.99
Where to Buy: Trader Joe’s Stores or Amazon Secondary Market
3. IKEA SPIKRAK Cotton Shopping Bag
Best Earth-Friendly Choice
The SPIKRAK bag is made of cotton that’s grown in a responsible way. It lasts a long time and you can wash it, which is great for folks who care about the environment.
Earth-Friendly Things:
- Made of 100% cotton grown the right way
- You can wash it in the machine
- Holds 13 gallons
- The plain color goes with anything
Price: $1.99
Where to Buy: IKEA SPIKRAK Shopping Bag
4. IKEA GÖRSNYGG Shopping Bag
Most Stylish One from IKEA
It has striped handles that are different lengths, and it looks really nice – or GÖRSNYGG as they say in Sweden. This bag proves that just because something works well doesn’t mean it has to look boring.
Stylish Things:
- Nice light tan color
- Striped handles that are two lengths for comfort
- Holds a ton (over 19 gallons!)
- You can use it for shopping, laundry, trips, and moving
Price: $4.99
Where to Buy: IKEA GÖRSNYGG Shopping Bag
5. Amazon Basics Reusable Shopping Bags (6-Pack)
Best Deal for Buying a Bunch
Amazon’s own brand makes good stuff for a price you can’t beat. These bags are great for families or anyone who wants to have lots of bags around.
Good Deal Things:
- You get 6 bags
- Polyester that you can wash in the machine
- Strong handles and seams
- Different colors to pick from
- Folds up flat for keeping
Price: $12.99 for 6
Where to Buy: Amazon Basics Shopping Bags
6. BeeGreen Reusable Grocery Bags
Best for Carrying Heavy Stuff
BeeGreen bags are made to carry a lot of weight. They’re built strong and can hold over 50 pounds in each bag.
Heavy-Duty Things:
- Can hold over 50 pounds
- Strong bottom and handles
- Water-resistant
- Big size
- You can wash it in the machine
Price: $16.99 for 3
Where to Buy: Amazon BeeGreen Bags
7. IKEA SÄCKKÄRRA Shopping Bag
Most Ways to Carry It
You can carry this bag two different ways – by the handles or over your shoulders with the long straps, so it’s good for walking or biking to the store.
Multi-Use Things:
- Two ways to carry it (handles and shoulder straps)
- Holds 19 gallons
- White and blue colors
- Easy to clean – just rinse it off
Price: $2.99
Where to Buy: IKEA SÄCKKÄRRA Shopping Bag
8. Earthwise Deluxe Collapsible Reusable Shopping Box
Best for Keeping Things Separate
This is like a bag and a box in one. It has a thing inside that you can take out to make different sections, and it folds up when you’re not using it.
Organization Things:
- Thing inside comes out to make sections
- Folds up for easy keeping
- Strong bottom so it doesn’t sag
- Pockets on the side for little stuff
- Handles made to be comfy
Price: $19.99
Where to Buy: Amazon Earthwise Bags
9. ChicoBag Original Tote
Best Small and Easy to Carry
ChicoBag made the first bags that fold up super small. These bags stuff into their own little bag that’s attached, so you can take them anywhere.
Easy to Carry Things:
- Stuffs into its own little bag
- Clip to put on your keys or bag
- Strong nylon that won’t rip
- Holds 25 pounds
- Lots of colors to pick from
Price: $8.95
Where to Buy: ChicoBag Official Store
10. Colony Co. Canvas Tote Bags
Best High-End Canvas Choice
If you want something really nice that will last, Colony Co. makes canvas bags that are thick and get better the more you use them.
High-End Things:
- Made of thick canvas
- Strong where it needs to be
- Big size
- Handles made of cotton
- Different colors
- Gets softer the more you use it
Price: $24.99
Where to Buy: Amazon Colony Co. Bags
How to Pick a Shopping Bag
Size
- Small (not many gallons): Good for quick stops
- Medium: Good for getting groceries for a week for one or two people
- Large (lots of gallons): Good for families or when you buy a lot
What It’s Made Of
- Plastic: Waterproof, strong, easy to clean (like IKEA FRAKTA)
- Cotton Canvas: Natural, goes back to the earth, gets better with age
- Polyester: Light, keeps its color, you can wash it
- Nylon: Super light, folds up small, strong
Handles
- Short handles: Good for carrying heavy stuff in your hand
- Long handles: You can put it over your shoulder
- Strong Handles: Need these for heavy stuff
- Soft Handles: More comfy to carry for a long time
How Many Bags Do You Need?
Just you: 3-4 bags
- One big bag for the week
- Two medium ones for regular trips
- One small one for just in case
Family of 4: 6-8 bags
- 2-3 big ones for big shopping trips
- 3-4 medium ones for normal use
- 1-2 special ones (like for keeping things cold)
Taking Care of Your Bags
Normal Cleaning
- Take everything out after you use it
- Shake out the crumbs
- Clean up any spills right away
- Keep it in a dry place
Real Cleaning
- Canvas: Wash in the machine with cold water, let it air dry
- Plastic: Wipe with cleaner
- Nylon: Wash in the machine on a gentle cycle, let it air dry
- Cold Bags: Wash by hand so you don’t ruin the inside
How It Helps the Earth
Using bags that you can reuse makes a difference:
- People use a lot of plastic bags each year
- One bag that you can reuse can take the place of a lot of plastic bags
- Plastic bags take a long time to break down
- Reusable bags save you money
Shopping Bag Rules
Store Rules
- Most stores let you use your own bags
- Some give you a small discount
- Pack your own bags or ask the people at the store to use yours
- Keep your bags clean
How to Keep Bags Organized
- Use different bags for different things
- Keep a bag in your car
- Use all your bags
- Think about getting bags to keep things cold
What’s Next for Shopping Bags
Shopping bags are getting better with:
- Smart bags that weigh what’s inside
- Special stuff to keep them clean
- Things that break down safely
- Bags that come apart
Why IKEA’s Bags Are So Good
IKEA has lots of shopping bags that don’t cost much, but they’re good for more than just that:
- Prices are great: Most are cheap
- They last: The FRAKTA hasn’t changed in 30 years because it’s so good
- Everyone knows them: People use them as fashion
- They care about the earth: Using new and recycled stuff
- You can find them everywhere: IKEA stores are all over
Changing to Reusable Bags
When you start using bags you can reuse:
First Week: You’ll forget them
First Month: You’ll get used to it
First Year: You’ll not know how you lived without them
After That: You will give them as gifts
The Last Word
The best shopping bag is the one you’ll use. Whether you pick the IKEA FRAKTA because it’s cheap, Trader Joe’s bags because they look cool, or nice canvas bags because they last, make sure you get bags that work for you.
Our Picks:
- Best Deal: IKEA FRAKTA
- Best Looking: Trader Joe’s Canvas
- Most Strong: BeeGreen
- Most High-End: Colony Co. Canvas
Start with a few bags and get more if you need them. Your wallet, your back, and the planet will thank you.
Ready to start? Go to IKEA, Trader Joe’s, or check out the Amazon links to find your perfect shopping bags.
Want to start your collection? See all of IKEA’s bags here or see good rated option on Amazon here.
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