I purchased 2 medium personalized bags for 2 friends of mine who mean the world to me. One is a high school teacher, a mother of a special needs daughter, another daughter, and a faithful wife. Instead of wrapping the bag, I placed some items that would help her at school in the bag and used the bag as the "gift" bag itself. When I gave it to her, I had her personalization toward my body so she couldn't see it was hers. Immediately, she admired the bag, instantly recognizing its LL Bean craftsmanship. Then, I slipped it off my shoulder, revealed that the bag belonged to her, looped the straps on her fingers and walked away after I smiled. She was blessed. My other friend has a way of doing things for other people and says nothing when her needs aren't met or if she's overlooked. She has a very unique name, so I added the personalization to the bag, got it in basic black, her favorite color, stuffed it with other stuff I knew she liked, and presented it to her like I did my other friend. Both their reactions were priceless and they are thankful for this gift that will last for years. In fact, I told my teacher-friend that her daughters will one day fight over who gets to carry Mommy's bag one day! I shared all that to encourage others who are contemplating on purchasing these bags as gifts to just do it, and DON'T wrap them! Stuff them with something and watch the blessing of giving! PS- I gave myself one and it's on the way! Can't wait!
We've used "Bean bags" in our family for years. They are so durable, some have been passed down a couple of generations! I bought three for myself this Christmas and gave two as gifts to my children. People are always happy to receive these. They are so well made they will last you for years and years.
I ordered the large boat and tote thinking I had considered the measurements properly. When it arrived it was quite a bit larger than I had anticipated. Certainly too big for my 81 year old Mother who was going to receive this as a Christmas gift. On Dec 18th I called customer service to see if I could exchange for a medium. I explained that it was my fault for not measuring properly and I wanted to give this as a Christmas gift to my Mom. The lady I talked to was very understanding and even told me she would make sure the medium arrived in time for Christmas-no additional cost-and it did! The greatest significance is my Mom loves the tote. She did not have anything to carry her purse and some other things in to her 2nd chemo treatment which happens right after Christmas. Now she has a good looking, well made tote that she is looking forward to using now and long after her chemo treatments are successful. She is thrilled with it. I am a long time LLBean customer and have never been disappointed in quality or service but this experience was much more than I could have ever hoped for. Thank you for coming through in a huge way LLBean.
