Getting together with a group 6-8 of women I’ve known for more than 30 years but we rarely see each other. For some reason, we started a tradition of bringig a little ‘reunion gift’ for each friend. Suppose it’s silly but it’s what we do. My problem – I’m amazingly indecisive. I’d like to spend about $5 but may need to increase it. Some spend closer to $10. Will be flying to destination so, ideally, gift should be easily packed. You are a creative bunch and I will appreciate your feedback!
What kind of items have been exchanged in the past, just to give us some idea?
If this is a school or camp type reunion, you might find vintage postcards/plates/other stuff for cheap on ebay. It’s the kind of thing you would have hated as a young person but which resonates better now. (Disclaimer: an old college friend just sent me a vintage plate with ancient scenes from our school. I’ll never use it for anything, but it was a lovely surprise! She found it at an estate sale.)
We have a group that’s been getting together for 30 years and at the last, one person passed out these as a sort of joke about how we are all getting older but I really like mine and they fit great in even the smallest purse. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WHQWSRR/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07WHQWSRR&pd_rd_w=08Dh7&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=O4Z8B&pf_rd_r=J16XGBVBMCKSNPMJ5CPW&pd_rd_r=33365028-776a-45a8-9346-784ec33bc98a&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFLTldRQjQ1V0lBMDImZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAxMDI4MTkxMjFJOUZMTTZRTk5WJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyNDEzNDZSWTNOWVg3WFYwT0gmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
I love these post it notes - I have the Les Mis one and my daughter has the pride and prejudice one - https://girlofallwork.com/categories/45-classic-characters
A blogger I follow LOVES these window rainbow prisms. When the sun is shining they cast a rainbow image in random places in the house. You could give a small box with 2 or 3 prisms for each person.
https://www.amazon.com/KARSLORA-Crystal-Chandelier-Pendants-Suncatchers/dp/B07CCB6365/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?tag=younghouselov-1-BG-20
My other idea is a bookmark. Something that would be meaningful to the group. It is my go to souvenir - I usually get at least one on every vacation.
These ideas should have been in the stocking stuffer thread. I have a friend who brought me potholders, which I use and think of her when I do. (Actually her Mom made them, so I think of her Mom too!)
Google the company Blue Q. They make fun coin purses, zippered pouches with fun graphics and sayings. If you live near a Sprouts they sell the products.
A friend just brought my mother a reusable bag, the kind the clips on a purse after folding it into an attached 3x3 case. It’s from Australia, so has a cute kangaroo on it.
Maybe there is one from your area?
Our D bought us luggage tags for the holidays—useful, small and nice.
How about a cute tea towel - crate and barrel has fun ones. This is my other go to souvenir the past few years.
I bought for myself at Steinmart a little CC holder to take on trips, in lieu of my big heavy wallet. It has 6 slots, yet they are big enough for 2 cards, or to carry some cash. They cost $5 and I guys them as gifts. I love mine and even carry it at night when I use a smaller purse. Here’s some, you can get them on Amazon And Steinmart has lots of nice designs.
I am at the point when I no longer want to accumulate things. I’d go for a locally made consumable - for example, from a local chocolatier. Or I’d get something locally made from the place you are visiting and gift it on departure.
When I met with some college friends, I brought the consumables. We happen to live in New England so I brought a small maple sugar candy made in my town, and a small selection of truffles, also made in my town.
A gal from CO brought each of us a small pottery dish that can be used for rings and such. We all loved it so much that we have purchased them for gifts for others.
I like the idea of those foldable nylon shopping bags. Many places aren’t giving away bags anymore. I have more than a few of these that I keep in cars and purse. Useful, lightweight and not too costly.
I used to have one of those credit card holders, but it was plain plastic. Eventually it stopped closing and I switched to a Tyvek wallet, but I’ve always missed it and the MOMA store no longer carried them.
Does any place near you sell reusable shopping bags that are unique to your area or particularly fun?
I bought sone nice nylon shopping bags—6 for $5.99 got stocking stuffers on Amazon.com-free prime shipping. They fold nicely into a pocket and are nice and big unfolded.
How about a spice that is matched to the person? Penzeys is a great place for spices.
What about a table purse hanger. It can be anywhere from $3 to $20.
https://www.wish.com/product/564009f1d11c9f27765b7e76?hide_login_modal=true&from_ad=goog_shopping&_display_country_code=US&_force_currency_code=USD&pid=googleadwords_int&c=%7BcampaignId%7D&ad_cid=564009f1d11c9f27765b7e76&ad_cc=US&ad_curr=USD&ad_price=2.95&campaign_id=7203534630&gclid=Cj0KCQiAyKrxBRDHARIsAKCzn8z0qYoKQ_5NNyabYTKwDsPaADkiYgD5xJ0qCvU0WB15dGHjLoJAoi0aAtVcEALw_wcB