imsewnso

I hold a retreat every fall with about 20 girls. I like to make up goody bags....can someone give me some ideas to put in them. This has to be fairly inexpensive. Thanks for any suggestions.

bearisgray

A tube of Udderly Smooth Udder Cream hand cream. It's in the black and white container.

Emery boards for broken fingernails.

The white minty Lifesavers that are individually wrapped.

A pincushion that sets on the table with a trash bag attached to it

"Matchbook" style needle holder

Individual foil wrapped hand wipes.

imsewnso

Thanks, bearisgray good ideas.

bearisgray

Don't know how much money and/or time you want to put into this - - -

Those little folding scissors - make sure they are sharp - but they are so handy to have in one's purse.

Little packs of tissues/Kleenex

I like candy - but I'm trying to think of things that can be opened/had around fabric that would/could be minimally messy.

Nancy's Notions had a set of two screwdrivers with very short handles.

Rotary cutter cases - can be made. I tend to think those things are in the same category as toaster covers - I don't use them - but some like them.

A hand sewing kit - with places for thimble, scissors, thread, and needles - I would skip filling it for two reasons -
good contents are expensive - and experienced sewers have their own ideas/preferences for the contents.

A couple of the ladies in our group have very small, but useful kits. Less than 6x6 inches. Mary Lou's is about the size of a pocket pack of tissues.

Scratch/note pad/paper and pen/pencil.

A couple of empty zip lock bags to hold "miscellaneous" when miscellaneous accumulates.

Band-aids.

Aspirin/Tylenol/Advil -

This seems to be turning into a first aid kit!!!

dunster

If you're hosting the retreat, THEY should be bringing gifts for YOU! Where do I sign up? ;-)

SuziSew

Lots of great ideas so far!! A few more ideas...seam ripper, needle threader, note pads. There are also tons of ideas here on the board, I pasted some links below (hope they all work!) if you want to make some of your favors, I like the idea of pin cushions, or coaster/mug rug, tissue holder (the little purse size ones), lanyards, boxes or bags...the list goes on!! Another thought...maybe a LQS will be willing to donate some small items for advertisement?

There are so many smart and talented people on the board so I'm sure you will find more ideas in these threads, (You might have to go through a couple of pages)

http://www.quiltingboard.com/links-r...l-t265836.html Very cute!
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...l-t259294.html These could be your goody bag! Link to a really cute lanyard in this one!
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...ps-t82879.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...r-t263417.html This is super cute!
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t262437.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...s-t263082.html there's a pinterest link with a really need sewing machine pincushion!
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...r-t107636.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t237022-2.html link for making stiletto's!

Good luck show us what you come up with!

ManiacQuilter2

How about making some tissue holders for their purse? They are a quick gift to make.

toverly

How about a travel coffee cup filled with little items. They usually have tight lids. The last retreat I went to someone spilt their coffee all over their work. Luckily their tablemate didn't get anything ruined.

imsewnso

Lots of good ideas here....thanks ladies. Dunster if you want to come to the retreat you are welcome. It is located in Canada 2.5 hours north of Spokane Washington. If anyone wants to come let me know and I will send more info. Cost is $60.00 for 5 days and you can stay in the camp for free....or if you are not into camping the hotel about a mile away is $65.00 a night and if you book for a week you can get a better deal. The camp has cots with mattress and if you want to stay there....some of the girls do....I will supply the bedding. Just let me know if you can come and I will send you all the info. Dates are Sept. 9-13 & 14-18 Few spots left, but will accommodate you if you are able to come Let me know ASAP

Dunster I know you were joking...but I am not.....Open invite for 3 more people.

imsewnso

Love the look of that phone/wallet.....going to order that. Some of the other things I have done over the years, but some are good repeaters. Thanks again Ladies and if anyone else has any more ideas....be happy to hear them.