When putting gift bags together for guests at your next family reunion, stick with items that are either useful for the reunion event, commemorate the occasion, or draw upon cherished memories for gifts that are sure to please all relatives. Give gift bags as a greeting present, farewell gift, or make special gift bags for raffles or contest prizes for a memorable event.
Survival Bags and Destination Kits
Survival bags and destination kits are filled with small, practical and convenient items for guests to use while at overnight or destination reunion events. Upon arrival, present each guest with a decorative gift bag containing a few bottles of water, a small packet of aspirin, a couple nutrient, granola or protein bars, and destination-related items such as suntan lotion, a few pieces of national currency (if outside of the U.S.) or a poncho, for a few ideas. Add a few humorous items such as stress balls or novelty pieces, and personalize each bag with the guest's name on the front in permanent marker or fabric paint.
Sentimental Gift Bags
Sentimental gift bags are a convenient way to bring reflection, appreciation and reminiscence to a casual, lighthearted reunion event. A framed photograph of the family or a mini album of meaningful past events and occasions are special additions to a sentimental gift bag, as are photographs, poems or other remembrances of relatives who have passed away. Add a playful touch to a sentimental gift bag with homemade family snacks and treats, such as Aunt Louise's infamous chocolate chip cookies. Alternatively, you can collect several favorite recipes from family members, and create your own family cookbook to add to a sentimental gift bag for a family reunion. Or, depending on your family's history, you may be able to construct a family tree. Photocopy a neat graph or chart, frame, and include in gift bags for a unique gift that everyone will appreciate.
Fun Gift Bags
Add a bit of playfulness and humor to your family reunion with fun gift bags that will help break tension or unite everyone through laughter. Create funny and unique badges for everyone with blank ribbon pins and craft or fabric paint. Inscribe each ribbon with funny, particular phrases such as "most annoying cousin" or "most likely to be in school forever." Create a small family story book for each guest by printing out and binding a collection of funny memories, gathered from relatives via email before the event, and include in each gift bag. Or, include a mash-up or compilation of home movies on DVD for guests. Lastly, pre-fill address books with all guests' contact information and include in gift bags for a fun way to keep relatives in touch.
Favor Gift Bags
Commemorate the reunion event with favor gift bags that feature small tokens for guests to remember the occasion by. In a tote bag monogrammed with the family name, add a personalized T-shirt with the reunion date, along with personalized refrigerator magnets or ornaments. Make it extra special with hand painted frames or monogrammed mini photo albums with the reunion name and date. This way, guests will have a special memento in which to keep any photos they've taken at the reunion.
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