Brianschef:

I love the idea of fanny packs, cheap backpacks, etc. for those that go sightseeing locally.  I tuck in a dollar store water bottle, toiletries, wetones, gum, a map or two, a cell phone(borrowing only), gift certificates for local restaurants, fresh fruit, etc.

For those that return regularly, I pack toiletries for the trip home, fresh fruit pieces, crackers to nibble, a water bottle, a thank you card or hand written note, a small game book, etc. :)

Great ideas, here! My church asks us to put together gift bags for people who end up in the hospital over the Christmas holidays. We put in socks, deodorant, toothbrush, etc. Last year, I found velvet sacks with drawstrings at Dollarama and made one for a man and one for a woman.

Marlene Alexander:

My church asks us to put together gift bags for people who end up in the hospital over the Christmas holidays. We put in socks, deodorant, toothbrush, etc. Last year, I found velvet sacks with drawstrings at Dollarama and made one for a man and one for a woman.

I love this idea!!!!  I will be seeking out new packaging(baskets, hats, backpacks, pans, mugs, etc.)over the next couple of weeks to replenish my stash.  I also have a ton of baby bootie baskets I keep for newborns(12 pair of fun booties). I also keep a few extra afghans on hand for gifts, an I think adding one of them to a hospital bag would be very nice for the holidays.  : ) 

Brianschef:

Marlene Alexander:

My church asks us to put together gift bags for people who end up in the hospital over the Christmas holidays. We put in socks, deodorant, toothbrush, etc. Last year, I found velvet sacks with drawstrings at Dollarama and made one for a man and one for a woman.

 

I love this idea!!!!  I will be seeking out new packaging(baskets, hats, backpacks, pans, mugs, etc.)over the next couple of weeks to replenish my stash.  I also have a ton of baby bootie baskets I keep for newborns(12 pair of fun booties). I also keep a few extra afghans on hand for gifts, an I think adding one of them to a hospital bag would be very nice for the holidays.  : ) 

 Instead of loot bas, we've given finger puppets, a maracha after a Mexican party, those bubbles that don't spill after a toddler party, or just ziplock bags withcandy.  I feel bad when the kids come home from a party, frequently, with more in monetary value in loot than we gave as a present!  Recently dd, then age 10, can home with a purse with mirror with three makeup items.  I would guess worth $10-$12.  She had given the birthday girl a $10 gc to an independent children's bookstore.  

Loot bags I do them for gifts at the senior center .. I put in powder a bath puff and some lotion.

I done goodies for friends I put in cookies and candies 

for my Dil shower I made up one with nail polish small perfume sprays and chocolate ..

For my DS  birthday party yesterday I gave them a all day pass to the fun factory ( video games , rock climbing , ball ect .. I know each family of the boys and I gave them enought cards so they can go with family and included a Pizza at the pizza parlor ..  ( No I did go over board  My DH is the owner - I get the cards for free . )

gayla50:

Loot bags I do them for gifts at the senior center .. I put in powder a bath puff and some lotion.

I done goodies for friends I put in cookies and candies 

for my Dil shower I made up one with nail polish small perfume sprays and chocolate ..

For my DS  birthday party yesterday I gave them a all day pass to the fun factory ( video games , rock climbing , ball ect .. I know each family of the boys and I gave them enought cards so they can go with family and included a Pizza at the pizza parlor ..  ( No I did go over board  My is the owner - I get the cards for free . )

 

A friend of mine came up with a wonderful alternative to the loot bag - she bought and wrapped one inexpensive story book for each guest and that was that!  No silly party favours, no overabundance of candy!  Just one book, nicely wrapped - the guests' parents loved the idea!

My youngest DD has been to one or two parties where the kids made or decorated an object at the party and then took their handiwork home!   I've stopped hosting b'day parties (youngest DD prefers smaller celebrations - movies or a pizza outing with a few friends) but if I had to host one now, I'd probably do a jewelry making project - the guests can make bracelets or earrings fairly cheaply and take home their creations.

 The book idea is a good one.  It encourages them to read, and then it can be donated to a library when they are finished with it.  It puts your hard earned money to good use.  Edey