Making bags full of little gifts is a great idea for a party. Furthermore, it is essential for weddings (in this case, they are also called welcome bags) and business conferences. With the right gifts, you can make a beautiful party, wedding reception or other event unforgettable. Regardless of your needs, read on to start preparing the perfect gift for your guests.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare a Bag Full of Gifts for a Party
Step 1. If the party is themed, take a cue from the common thread that characterizes it
Have you organized a pirate-themed party? A Christmas party? A black and white party? Whatever the subject, start thinking about the bag considering its most emblematic characteristics. How can you make it perfect for the party?
As you plan, think about when you will be handing out the treats. If you do this towards the end, you could include products that remind guests that they had a great time like never before. Alternatively, leave some space in the bag for guests to store their favorite party items (crafts, candy, decorations, and so on)
Step 2. Consider the recipients
If 10-year-olds receive the bag, you probably shouldn't fill it with fountain pens and bottles of cognac. On the other hand, if the recipients are middle-aged women, the bag shouldn't contain dried beef and Pokemon cards (by the way, you will hardly have a party with such a theme!). What would the recipients appreciate?
The younger the recipients are, the more you should steer clear of items that would inevitably be ruined, destroyed and then thrown in a drawer, all within five seconds. It would be better to propose candies or products that they would actually use, such as colored pens or hair clips
Step 3. Calculate the budget
If you have invited 10 people, you can afford a larger expense than would be required for 30 guests. Gift these bags out of sheer kindness, so don't feel the pressure of having to do a bank robbery to get them ready. How much money would you like to spend? Once you have defined a figure (and you have respected it), everything will be much easier.
A few euros per bag are enough. It would be best to try to use a large number of fillers and a few items of real value
Step 4. Organize the content
Most bags contain food (especially candy) and various trinkets, such as toys, pencils and stickers, generally three to five items per category. For example, if you chose the pirate theme, you could include an eye patch from a costume shop, some fake gold coins, and some themed candy. You could even make some homemade treats to save money and personalize the gift even more.
- You could also use tissue paper or cellophane wool (usually used as a filler in Christmas baskets) to add volume to the bags. They don't just have to be full of gifts!
- Add chocolate toffee, mints, chocolates, and other prepackaged treats that you can buy in bulk. This way, you will fill the bags without spending too much.
- Go to a shop that sells everything for one euro to buy cheap fillers for the bag.
Step 5. Choose and fill the bag
Adults will be happy with a plain bag, but children generally prefer a cuter one, with splashes of color or themed designs. From a cellophane sachet to tissue paper stretched and tied with a ribbon, the perfect alternatives are varied.
You could add some ribbon, string or a bow to make the bag even more beautiful. Alternatively, you can tie a note with the recipient's name as you like. The more personalized it is, the more the guest will be moved
Method 2 of 3: Prepare a Bag Full of Gifts for a Wedding
Step 1. Choose the bag model
In general, there are three popular ideas: small paper gift bag, medium canvas bag or box. Nowadays, thanks to technology, the alternatives are numerous for the three solutions: everything can be customized, embellished and become extraordinary. It's just a matter of taste!
As you prepare the bag, the most important factor to consider is the theme, so choose suitable containers. Be creative! Will you party on the beach? Use a bucket. Have you organized a party with a vintage flavor? Use an antique box. Be consistent: the bag is one of the first items at your disposal to set the thread
Step 2. Add food
Everyone loves to eat, especially after a long journey of sandwiches and watered down coffee. It is preferable to choose small delicacies, preferably typical of the area where the wedding is celebrated or of your hometown. Choose typical products. When you think about where you are, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?
Any product that isn't available in a minibar would do (if you have guests staying in a hotel). Fresh fruit is a great and inexpensive idea. However, sweets are also always welcome. You can use granola bars, chocolates, or even homemade cookies
Step 3. Add a wedding favor
You want your guests to take home an object that allows them to remember this day forever. Of course, a wedding favor is a perfect idea. It does not necessarily have to symbolize your wedding, it can also make you rethink the whole experience lived by the guests. If you're celebrating in your hometown, choose a wedding favor related to the wedding theme. If you have decided to get married abroad, use a wedding favor that makes you rethink the destination. Will you get married in Paris? A miniature Eiffel Tower. In Rome? Obviously, a small Colosseum.
If there are also children among the guests, you could opt for a toy instead of a favor, or for both. An airplane, yo-yo, or other simple gadget shows that you've been thinking of the whole family
Step 4. Pamper your guests
It will be a long day for your guests too. They will be exhausted from the travel (if they come from afar) and the chatter with the other guests, not to mention that they will stay in the small hours. Prepare a bag full of products that will help them unplug and regenerate, especially if they have been up until dawn. Here are some ideas:
- Aspirin / Ibuprofen.
- A sleeping mask.
- Lotion, bath salts, soap and so on.
- Water, coffee, juice, other breakfast foods or drinks.
Step 5. Be a tour guide for your guests
Guests who do not live in the area have traveled extensively, and, in addition to attending your wedding, they will probably want to do something else. Since this occasion is a perfect excuse for them for a mini-vacation, include items that can make the trip more comfortable. Here is a list to take inspiration from:
- A map (with dots or stickers indicating places to visit).
- An itinerary connected to marriage.
- Disposable camera.
- Coupon.
- Postcards.
- Brochures.
- List of must-see local experiences (with attached reviews).
Step 6. Create a custom bag
After all, the wedding is yours, and it's certainly not a corporate event that you need to sponsor. As a result, you can customize the favors. In addition to taking care of the bag or box, you can customize the labels of bottles or other items. Start searching the internet to find labels for all your little gifts.
If it is an object that the guests will be able to keep for a long time, try to avoid writings like Gianna and Marco x always in plain sight. When preparing the bag or box, prefer a symbol and the date; at most, add the initials of the newlyweds. This way, they will be able to use the container on other occasions. You certainly don't want them to throw it in the trash two weeks later, do you?
Step 7. Include a thank you card
Remember that, without guests, your wedding would not go as hoped. Guests spend some money and time to make sure your big day is special, so appreciate it! Insert a nice note in the bag to present your recognition.
Method 3 of 3: Prepare Corporate Gifts
Step 1. Start planning well in advance
On the occasion of such an event, you usually get to know the date months in advance, so start right away. How much is the budget? How many guests will there be? What does the boss have in mind? You have to consider various factors to prepare the bags. Sometimes, these actions take a lot of time, so allow for an extra couple of days to avoid arriving unprepared when the deadline comes.
Do you know the age and gender of the recipients? Women, men, children and the elderly have different tastes. What information do you have about the people you will work for?
Step 2. Get in touch with the right companies to receive samples
If you are organizing a conference or conducting an event of any other type, you can get in touch with companies that sell products related to the specific theme of the event. Here are the factors to consider:
- Get in touch with companies that offer free samples on their site. You may only be able to get a limited number of them, but who ever said that gifts all have to be the same?
- Email businesses to ask for free samples. For marketing reasons, companies do it all the time. Indicate the number of guests (who could be potential customers), the type of event, the date and the type of samples you are looking for. The important thing is to notify well in advance.
Step 3. Print the logo on the bag
While you may be offering products from other companies, you must indicate your company name on the gift. Have it printed on the actual bag so everyone knows where the little things are coming from. In this case, your goal is to promote your company, not others.
Once you know the gifts, choose the size of the bag - it shouldn't be empty, but it shouldn't overflow. If it doesn't show your business name, fix it with a label, a sticker, or even writing it in watercolors if you really have to. A bag full of little gifts with an artistic touch will impress recipients much more
Step 4. Organize the contents of the bags
You got in touch with the companies and received samples from those who answered you. What to do now? First, you need to put some pens, a notebook and a key ring in the bag. You may be wondering: is all this enough? No! A giveaway like this doesn't necessarily have to be serious, you can give it a touch of creativity.
Don't be afraid to add decorative items and food as well. If your business is characterized by certain colors, include some suitable gifts. As for the food, some prepackaged sweets or mints will do just fine, by the way they are usually quite cheap
Advice
- Write the names of the recipients on the bags. This way, you will offer a personalized gift and there will be less confusion.
- You can also get in touch with businesses to receive personal gifts. For example, if you're planning a baby shower, email a diaper company. If you've invited 40 new mothers to the party, and it's a perfect opportunity for the company to advertise, the marketing manager would be foolish not to send you free samples.
