Odd bits of pasta popped into gift bag (8)
I believe the answer is:
knapsack
'bag' is the definition.
(I know that knapsack is a type of bag)
'odd bits of pasta popped into gift' is the wordplay.
'odd bits of' means one should take alternating letters.
'popped into' indicates putting letters inside.
'gift' becomes 'knack' (knack is a kind of gift).
The alternate letters of 'pasta' are 'psa'.
'psa' inserted into 'knack' is 'KNAPSACK'.
(Other definitions for knapsack that I've seen before include "Hiking bag" , "Bag with straps" , "Bag carried on back or shoulder" , "Pack sank (anag.)" , "Hiker's bag" .)