I am looking for cheap alternatives to wrapping books in the PBS mailers.  They never seem to fit well for me for all but the smallest books.  I use Paypal shipping so I have to reprint the label and address anyway.  I've thought about paper bags like groceries come in or freezer paper that comes on a roll.  Any other ideas out there? 

Cheap manilla envelopes, grocery bags, kraft paper in a roll, sturdy gift wrap paper (I get it for a dollar at the dollar store)

I use manilla envelopes that I tape over all the edges so it can't tear.  For larger stuff or heavier stuff, I'll use a bubble envelope.

You can buy those manilla clasp envelopes in packs of 25 or so for around $2.

Recycled mailers from PBS books.

Manilla envelopes - taped closely to the book.  If you don't, the book often tears through

Paper grocery bags

bubble mailers

Wallpaper

I buy 100 plastic self seal mailers for 10 bucks on eBay.  Makes sending books a snap!

I use any and all of the above, except I've never tried the plastic self seal mailers.   I've had bad luck recieving books in them.  They always have holes poked in them (by sorting machines I assume) and often are so loose in the package that the pages get bent.  Just MY experience.   I love wrapping in gift wrap.   IF I use anything other than a bubble envelope, I tape and double tape the package.   And using envelopes I tape around the envelope both ways so the book is snug and has no loose edges flapping about.    I have gotten a LOT of books wrapped in the PBS wrapper.  Some people have a real knack of using two sheets of paper and taping just the ends that work beautifully.   I just can't seem to master it!! lol    Be sure you use mailing package TAPE!!!

Check with your local newspaper and see if you can get the end rolls of print paper (preferably the heavier, but regular works fine) We usually pay $2-$3 for an end that lasts months. Its basically the same as a roll of kraft paper, but a whole lot cheaper. It's like 30" or so wide, and then you can cut it to any size you need to wrap your books in and wrap it like a present. Nice and securely. Then tape the entire PBS wrapper on it, or just cut out the important parts and tape them on.

As with any wrapper, be sure your edges and corners are reinforced with sturdy packing tape, never scotch type.

Tammy G: Make certain you put packing tape on all the corners when you use those -- I've gotten SO many of them ripped open and half-off the book from the wear and tear of transit. Even one from a guy whose profile brags he's 'never' had any problems using them! I PMed him; he refused to reply (I say refused because I sent it twice, a week apart; no response).

I haven't had anyone PM me and tell me they had a problem--yet...the ones I have seem to be pretty darn strong--I can't stretch it when pulling it..but of course I'm not as strong as a machine. 

It's more pointiness than stretchiness that's fatal, Tammy. Anyone who's sent me one who put a piece ofpacking tape over the corners of the book, it got here fine; people who didn't, mostly it's poked through and ripped. I think I've gotten exactly one that was intact and not taped. Remember also that postal machines are very WARM, which affects the plastic.