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Paper Bag Day

Celebrate Paper Bag Day with a bang: make eco-friendly bags, create crafts, and find new ways to reuse paper bags to reduce waste!

Sunday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYLifestyle

SUBCATEGORYHousehold Gadgets

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate Paper Bag Day on July 12! This day marks the invention of the first machine-made paper bag by Charles Stilwell in 1852, who created what would later become a staple item in almost every American household. Paper bags are not only useful for carrying groceries and other items around, but they can also be used as decorations and even fashion accessories. You may not have realized it, but you probably use paper bags more than you think - so why not take this day to appreciate them?

TIMELINE

Paper Bag Day Timeline

Early Craft Paper Bags

In the early 1800s, paper bags were handcrafted and typically used to carry groceries or lunch items.

Stilwell's Machine-Made Paper Bag

In 1852, Charles Stilwell invented the first machine-made paper bag which he called the "S.O.S.," meaning "Self-Opening Sack."

Margaret Knight's Improved Paper Bag

Margaret Knight invented a machine in 1870 that made flat-bottomed paper bags, still widely in use for many purposes today.

Arrival of Paper Grocery Bags

Walter Deubener invented the "Deubener Shopping Bag," a paper shopping bag with handles in 1912, forever changing how we carry groceries.

Renewed Interest in Paper Bags

With rising environmental concerns over plastic waste, many countries started to encourage the use of paper bags again in retail and food industries.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Paper Bag Day

Make a paper bag puppet

Making a paper bag puppet is a fun and easy craft to do with kids. With some construction paper, googly eyes, and a few other items from around the house, you can make an array of puppets that can be used for storytelling activities or just for fun.

CREATE

Create a paper bag scrapbook

Gather up all of your old photos and mementos, and create a scrapbook out of brown paper bags. Decorate the outside with markers or paint, then fill the pages with pictures, stories and memories.

HAVE

Have a picnic in a paper bag

Pack your lunch in a paper bag and take it out to your favorite park or outdoor spot. Not only will you save on packaging but you'll have an excuse to spend time outdoors.

DECORATE

Decorate paper bags

Grab some white paper bags and get creative! Use paints, markers, stamps and stickers to decorate the bags in whatever way you want. You could even give them away as gifts.

MAKE

Make a paper bag garland

Fill several paper bags with colorful tissue paper and tie each one closed with decorative ribbon or string. Then hang them from the ceiling for an extra special celebration!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Paper Bag Day

Paper bags are versatile

Paper bags aren't just great for shopping. They can also be used for crafts, decorations and even as an eco-friendly option for packing lunches. So don't let their plain exterior fool you – these little brown sacks are incredibly useful and have so much potential!

Paper bags are recyclable

Unlike plastic bags, paper bags can be easily recycled. This means they won't end up in landfills or pollute our oceans and rivers. And if you're looking to save money, many stores offer reusable paper shopping bags that can last for years!

Paper bags are strong and durable

Paper bags are surprisingly strong and can carry quite a bit of weight. This makes them perfect for carrying large items like groceries or books. Plus, they won't tear or rip even if you stuff them full - unlike some plastic options!