The hard-to-open packaging on Barbie dolls and other gifts underneath the Christmas tree has left many consumers ripping. Yes, these plastic fortresses deter shoplifters and help reduce the wastefulness of bulky cardboard boxes, manufacturers say, but at what cost?

In this weekend’s Complaint Box, Dylan Quinn wrote, “The packaging of electronics and other small items has reached the point of outrage. A person practically needs the Jaws of Life to open anything. Normal scissors aren’t sharp enough to cut through the packaging, and attacking the plastic with a knife could have disastrous consequences.”

We received well over 100 comments on the subject, very few of which defended the usefulness of plastic shells or the twist ties pinning down Barbie’s neck and ankles. But a few did, including one from a 40-year veteran of the packaging industry.

via Attacking, and Defending, Hard-to-Open Packaging – City Room Blog – NYTimes.com.