grab bag

American  

noun

1. a container or receptacle from which a person at a party or the like draws a gift without knowing what it is.

2. any miscellaneous collection.

---

grab bag British  

noun

1. a collection of miscellaneous things

2. a bag or other container from which gifts are drawn at random

---

grab bag Idioms  

1. A miscellaneous collection, as in The meeting amounted to a grab bag of petty complaints. This term alludes to a container offered at a party or fair, where one dips in for a party favor or prize without knowing what one will get. [Mid-1800s]

---

Etymology

Origin of grab bag

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

Markel didn’t help itself with a disappointing first-quarter profit report in late April that reflected weakness at the noninsurance businesses—a grab bag of about two dozen companies.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

But if you can’t get a grab bag, you can perhaps sip on an award-winning wine.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

Donaldson also juggles a loose grab bag of philanthropic efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

I’m intrigued by Dorn’s suggestion of “baddie florals,” but I want to make sure I don’t end up with a grab bag of grandma scents.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2025

The sheriff's job was not an easy one, and that county which, out of the grab bag of popular elections, pulled a good sheriff was lucky.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck