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The Gift That Made Me Look Like a Genius (Even Though I'm Terrible at Gifts)
This Company Turns Old Billboards into Beautiful Bags—Saving 5 Million Pounds from Landfills Every Year
June 20, 2025 | 10:52AM EST
by Chloe Harper
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I used to be the worst gift giver. Not because I didn't care.
I desperately wanted to be that person who nails it every time. The one who finds something so perfect, so unexpected, that people still talk about it years later.
But most of the time, I'd spend hours scrolling, second-guessing everything:
"Is this too basic?"
"Will they even use it?"
"Do they already have one?"
And after all that overthinking, I'd panic and default to a gift card. Again.
I just never felt confident that I'd picked the right thing.
Everything felt either too generic or too risky.
And honestly, most gifts just end up shoved in a drawer anyway (speaking from experience).
The Gift That Changed Everything
But last Christmas, my friend Lisa gave me a tote bag.
At first glance, it was definitely different. Bold colors, random shapes, fragments of letters I couldn't quite make out. I'd received plenty of bags before, but nothing like this.
I held it up, squinting at the design. "Wait... what is this pattern?"
She grinned. "You're probably wondering why it looks like that."
Then she dropped the bomb: "It's because it used to be a billboard."
I stared at her. "Wait, what? Like... an actual billboard?"
"Yep," she explained. "This company called Rareform takes down old billboards and turns them into bags. Yours was probably advertising something on the 405 last month. No one else in the world has that exact design."
I was amazed.
I wasn't just holding another bag… I was holding a one-of-a-kind piece of something bigger.
For the first time in years, I was genuinely excited about a gift.
When I Realized It Was More Than Just a Bag
That tote became my everything bag.
Groceries, beach trips, weekend getaways, and events. It held up through sand, spills, and overpacking—still looked perfect.
But what really surprised me was the reaction it got.
Suddenly, everyone was asking about it:
"Where'd you get that bag?"
"Is that custom-made?"
"That's so awesome!"
Out of nowhere, this one gift had turned me into the person with the "cool tote."
And the best part is sharing the story.
Every time someone asked about my bag, I loved telling them it used to be a billboard. Watching their face shift from confusion to total fascination was worth it every time.
For once, I had something genuinely interesting to share.
That's when it clicked. This is what a great gift feels like. Not just pretty, but conversation-worthy.
I Started Gifting Them to Everyone
Since discovering Rareform, I've become that person who actually has great gifts ready.
I got one for my impossible-to-shop-for mother-in-law, who now texts me photos of it everywhere she goes.
My sister got one for her birthday and said it was the first gift from me she actually loved (ouch, but fair).
Even my hard-to-impress daughter said, “This is so pretty,” and now she carries it to her book club.
Not one polite fake smile. Every single person actually uses and loves theirs.
What Makes It the Perfect Gift
It Helps Save The Planet
Every Rareform bag saves a massive piece of billboard vinyl from sitting in a landfill for the next 500 years.
We're talking about 5 million pounds of waste they've already diverted. Plus, they're a certified B Corporation, which basically means they've proven they actually walk the walk
It's Genuinely Unique
When you say "no one else has this exact bag," you mean it. That alone makes a practical gift feel special.
It Tells a Story
"It used to be a billboard" is the ultimate conversation starter. You're not just giving a bag, you're giving them something interesting to talk about.
It Works for Everyone
Seriously. Moms use them for everything. Teens are taking them to school. Even my minimalist cousin started using his as a commuter bag.
It's Ridiculously Functional
Here's what makes these bags actually work for real life:
Real Reviews from Gift Givers Like Me
Paula S.
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2025
Verified Buyer
Gift Giving Win
I've given these as gifts to 10+ people. It's my go-to for friends and family. Everyone always asks where I found such a unique gift.
54 people found this helpful
Jennifer M.
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2025
Verified Buyer
Finally Impressed My Teen
Bought the mystery bundle for my daughter. She actually put down her phone to look through them. Now she carries hers everywhere. Mom win!
76 people found this helpful
Maria K.
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2025
Verified Buyer
My Secret Santa Weapon
I keep a few mystery bundles on hand for last-minute gifts. Saves me every time and I always look thoughtful.
12 people found this helpful
Melissa H.
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2025
Verified Buyer
Worth Every Penny
It's so well constructed and durable. Plenty of inside pockets to keep everything organized. I also love that there's no other bag out there that looks like mine.
12 people found this helpful
The 5-Step Process That Creates Magic
1. Collect & Sort
Billboard vinyls from across the U.S. arrive at facilities in LA and Nashville.
2. Hand-Cut & Design
Not machines but real people hand-clean and cut each unique piece.
3. Sew & Photograph
Fair-trade certified partners sew each bag, then every item is photographed
4. Pick Your Exact Bag
With 50,000+ unique bags online, you choose your specific one
5. Ship
The exact bag you selected arrives at your door.
The Best Seller Bundle Changed the Game
Here's my gift-giving hack: Rareform's Mystery Bundle.
You get 3 surprise items at 29% off.
Different styles, different designs, all one-of-a-kind. No more decision paralysis. Just unique, useful gifts ready to go.
Certified B Corporation
90-Day Guarantee
Free Shipping Over $85
13,000+ Five-Star Reviews
👉🏻 Get The Best Seller Bundle - 29% Off 🚨
In This Article
This Company Turns Old Billboards into Beautiful Bags
The Discovery
The 600,000 Ton Problem Nobody Talks About
What Other Customers Were Saying
The 5-Step Process That Creates Magic
My First Order
A Special Mystery Bundle - Up to 60% Off
Featured
Recommended
★★★★★
13,000+ Reviews | 4.8 Stars
Certified B Corporation
90-Day Guarantee
Free Shipping Over $85
Get The Best Seller Bundle 29% Off
Wiliam Devon
Can anybody vouch for this?
Yes, I’ve been using their bag for just over a month now and honestly, it’s been a total game changer for my everyday routine. I used to switch bags constantly because nothing held up or looked good for long
RAREFORM, thank you for the excellent customer service!!! Super helpful, fast responses, and they really made sure I was happy with my order. Totally impressed!
How long does shipping take??
Hey Skyler, got mine in a couple of days.
Ugh, being a mom is exhausting. Between errands, work, and chasing kids around, I barely have time to think. I randomly stumbled across Rareform and thought, “Okay, cool idea.” Didn’t expect much—but wow, this bag became my go-to. It’s strong, holds everything, and I actually love how it looks. It’s one small thing that makes me feel a little more put together every day.
Rosie Herbert
Just ordered mine – can’t believe how much this story hit home. Can’t wait to finally carry a bag that’s actually beautiful
Debra Peyton
I just bought one of of these bags from their website. Can't wait!
Wow, this looks amazing – has anyone actually tried one of these bags? Curious if it really holds up and feels as good as it looks!
My mom is always doing everything for everyone else. She was feeling worn out and kinda disconnected. I got her one of these bags just to brighten her day — and wow, she LOVED it. She carries it everywhere now and says it makes her feel stylish and like she's doing something good for the planet. Such a small gift, but it really lifted her spirits.
These bags are wonderful; I have 2.
I’ve been eyeing this bag for days! Definitely treating myself this weekend when payday hits — I need something fun, unique, and actually eco-friendly.
Does anyone know how long the shipping takes? Want to buy one for my friend.
Hey Ethel, mine arrived after a couple of days.
Ahmad Amin
Honestly thought eco-products were boring or low quality. This changed my mind completely. Design meets purpose!
Was feeling totally off and drained. Took a chance on Rareform—and wow, this bag gave me the refresh I didn’t know I needed.
Clara Milton
I absoutely love my new bag! Ended up getting one for my best friend too—she kept asking where I got it becase it looked so cool. Honestly, it’s too good not to share!
I know, I was so happy they still had some bags in stock today! Grabbed mine right away — didn’t want to miss out again. These go fast!
Just got my Rareform bag and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but wow. The quality, the colors, the story behind it... it just hits different. Feels like I’m carrying something with real purpose. Can’t wait to see how it holds up over time.
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The content of this page is sponsored by Rareform. All opinions and experiences shared here are based on the author's personal journey with the brand and its products. While Rareform promotes sustainability and environmental impact, individual results and experiences may vary.
