These $2 Sticks Are Way Better Than Chip Clips—And I’m Obsessed

Even though I decant most of the dry goods that we store in our pantry into OXO containers, I still have many instances where I need a chip clip to hold a bag closed and keep contents fresh. But I’ve never liked traditional chip clips. They don’t ever feel like they completely seal the bags, they’re a bit clumsy to use, and they’re a pain to store, both when in use and not.

So when I came across an innovative alternative to the traditional chip clip, I decided to try them. They were $20 for 12—or less than $2 a piece. With nothing to lose, I brought them home and now I’m completely hooked. These Gripstic bag sealers are something I never knew I needed, but now I’d never give them up.

When not in use, the sticks take up little more space than a straw, so they’re easy to slip into any drawer in the kitchen. And when you are using them, unlike many chunky chip clips, they’re completely unobtrusive.

But the best thing about them is that they work so well. They come in various sizes, so that you can achieve a full seal on various sizes of bags. To use them, you simply fold down the edge of your chip bag, slide the yellow guide under the edge of the crease, then slide the Gripstic over across the top of the creased bag. It’s a really quick action, as you can see in the video below. Then opening the bag is as easy as sliding the stick off in the direction it went on. It’s oddly satisfying.

I loved the sticks so much that I started looking for opportunities to use them and found that they’re handy for more than just overflow items in the pantry. I’ve used a cheery, hard-working Gripstic to re-seal an opened package of focaccia in the fridge and to keep my Kringle from Trader Joe’s fresh, among many other things.

And I’ve saved so many plastic bags by using Gripstic sealers. Instead of putting the half-used bag of frozen corn in a zipper bag before putting it back in the freezer, I just use a Gripstic. Rather than dealing with chip and treat bags in the car during road trips, and either risking unfinished portions going stale or putting them in plastic baggies, I toss a Gripstic in our snack bag and slide it atop open bags.

You can order the same 12-pack set I did for less than $20, or if you want to try them out first, you can also get a set of 3 for $5.50. And if you have big bags that need sealing, Gripstick sells “heavy duty” sticks with handles for $5 to $7 a piece, designed to fit bags of cat litter, dog food, potting soil, or anything else!

The Gripstic is definitely my favorite recent addition to my kitchen. Consider scooping up two sets; they’d make a great white elephant, hostess, or favorite things gift. I’ll be gifting myself with another set forthwith.