Holiday shopping bag (white paper, gray logo, 2023)

Apple’s retail store bags have been used at Apple Stores beginning in 2001 when the first Apple Store opened. Please refer to my blog post, 20 Years of Apple Store Bags (2001–2021), for more details.

In November 2023, Apple began an email, web, and Apple Store campaign using the tagline “All kinds of wonderful” online and “Wonder awaits” on Apple Store windows. The visuals included a stylized white Apple logo with a gift bow and winter scene.

A simplified version of the logo was printed on Apple’s retail store bags to replace the typical solid gray Apple logo. This paper bag is one example of the 2023 holiday Apple Store bags.

The blog post includes a photo I captured of the winter logo on the window of the Apple Store Michigan Avenue in Chicago on November 5, 2023.

Shopping bag, white glossy paper, red logo (c. 2000)

This shopping bag is made of glossy white heavy paper and includes a white rope handle. It measures 15.25 inches tall x 16 inches wide x 5.5 inches deep.

Both sides of this bag feature a stylized Apple logo that appears glossy and translucent. This style was in use by Apple in the early 2000s and matched the design aesthetic of the iMac at the time.

My research has not yet uncovered where this bag originated. It does not appear to have been used at the Apple Store. It may have been provided at a technology conference.

Conference bag (NECC, 2001)

This high-quality conference bag was distributed at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC) in Chicago that was held in June 2001. This organization and conference are still held annually, but the conference changed its name around 2010 to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference.

The bag is made from a thick, smooth, rubber-like material. One side features an embroidery “2001 CHICAGO NECC” logo, and the other side is emblazoned with a large white embroidery Apple logo. The inside includes a flap with a zippered pocket.

This NECC was significant because Steve Jobs was the keynote speaker, and Apple had a major presence on the conference floor. An Apple press release states:

“Apple today demonstrated its ongoing commitment to providing innovative technology solutions for education at the National Educational Computing Conference in Chicago. During the opening keynote, Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, announced that three more school districts…will be implementing the PowerSchool from Apple student information system.”

Apple highlighted several industry-leading educational technology products at NECC, including: the iBook and AirPort (“Wirelessly-networked notebook computers which give educators the flexibility to have computer-assisted learning anywhere”); “Tools from Apple, including iMovie and iDVD, enhance learning and make school more engaging and motivating for students;” and PowerSchool.

I attended NECC and received this bag during the conference.

Sources: ISTE, Apple