Gift Bag Ideas

[CathieM88]

My DH and our 2 closest friends will be sailing on the 1/20/07 Oosterdam Mexican cruise for my 50th birthday. I'm making up gift bags for us all as part of the festivities and to thank them for joining me on this very exciting day. I have already purchased a few of the items I am putting in them so as to spread out the expense. I was hoping if I listed what I am planning on putting in them, you all could either add to the list or tell me that I really don't need an item...Here goes:

Bag - I have duffle bags 12x8x8" (gold girls, blue boys)

All bags get:
$20 quarters - my plan is to play the slots at midnight when I turn 50
Champagne flute
Coffee Mug
Acrylic highball glass
Asprin, antacids, immodium AD, pepto bismal, Sunscreen, chapstick, travel tissues...did I miss anything?

Girls:
Pirate telescope (brass w/leather)
make up wipes
MAC lipgloss
One other item but just can't figure out what

Guys:
2 cigars w/silver travel case/flask
binoculars in a secret agent case
Not sure what else to get them...a couple of items

Then my last question is I am planning on putting a bow around bag and carrying them on with me in a box. Do you think if they Xray them they will still want me to open them?

Thanks in advance. I am so excited!!!! The planning is proving to be as much fun as I believe the cruise will be!!!

Cathie

[nanashirl]

Cathie,
Hope you are as lucky as I was on my last birthday. We went to Las Vegas and I normally don't play the slots. On the day of my birthday I felt lucky. Put in 1 $20 and hit $450 on first pull. Cashed out and went to breakfast. Later that evening hit a $1000 and another $250. Will probably never do that again. So hope you have great luck that day. I think the idea of the bags is great. We are going on the Westerdam on June 4 for our anniversary. Sounds like that would be a fun thing to do. Also that would be a neat idea for room steward, etc. only with different type items. Calling cards, etc.
Happy cruising,
Shirl

[JJPacer]

You can do a bag of laundry (all that can fit in the bag) for $12.00. I would have appreciated that as a gift. Also, spa services. We took massage lessons, practicing on each other, plus we got a bottle of massage oil for $50.00 total, per couple. It was a lot of fun and it's a gift that keeps on giving! We enjoy our massages at home. We can give each other very relaxing and exciting massages now!

We took binoculars, but didn't use them. The stars were spectacular on the sky deck at night. Didn't need binoculars.

I wish we had a hat that uses velcro or a buckle that you can adjust tightly on your head with a bill in front to shade your face. The hats I took kept blowing off and I couldn't use them.

Also you can buy a coke card for $18.75 for 20 cokes. That would be nice to give, too. We each had a coke at dinner.

Take the kind of wine you enjoy and take it to the dining room for a $15.00 uncorking fee. This would be especially nice on your birthday.

If you have children or close relatives you want to call on your birthday, use your cell phone. We have cingular service, and only paid $2.00 per minute roaming fee. It sure beat the ships $16.00 a minute ship to shore fee. Also you might give them some internet time from the ship to send e-mails to their families.

Our cruise critic group had t-shirts alike. On the front is said "Cruise Critic Extreme Cruisers" Below the line it names Holland America MS Volendam. On the back it says "Love Life Play Hard" There are 4 boxes under this line. One is a sun, one is a mountain, on is a palmtree with ocean waves and one is a beach umbrella with 2 beach chairs. Under the pictures it says "Nap when you are done. In samller print under that are the ports we stopped at. We got a lot of compliments on our shirts.

Just some ideas! You asked. We just got off the Volendam. These are things I remember from our cruise. Some of the items you are packing are things your friends will bring anyway, unless you tell them not to. The quarters are a good idea.

Whatever you do, will be fine. Happy 50th BD.

[CathieM88]

What great ideas, thank you! I hadn't even thought of the internet usage time, that is a definite! Our friends own their own business and have graciously taken time off from work to join us and will need to check email daily from the ship. My DH does web design and will also need some internet time.

I think I will check into having t-shirts made up for us too..."Cathie's 50 and Fabulous party...Oosterdam Jan 2007" can I fit all that on a t-shirt?

[ANSalberg]

How about a deck of cards? Sunscreen? A book of puzzles? Or a paperback book [ check a used book store-maybe you can find a "cruising-type" title] or just a GOOD mystery [or for the gals a romance] Breathmints. Guys; Postage stamps [ for postcards home from your cruise ports] Tums.
What FUN you are going to have! Anne

[kakalina]

Our cruise critic group had t-shirts alike. On the front is said "Cruise Critic Extreme Cruisers" Below the line it names Holland America MS Volendam. On the back it says "Love Life Play Hard" There are 4 boxes under this line. One is a sun, one is a mountain, on is a palmtree with ocean waves and one is a beach umbrella with 2 beach chairs. Under the pictures it says "Nap when you are done. In samller print under that are the ports we stopped at. We got a lot of compliments on our shirts.

Just some ideas! You asked. We just got off the Volendam. These are things I remember from our cruise. Some of the items you are packing are things your friends will bring anyway, unless you tell them not to. The quarters are a good idea.

Whatever you do, will be fine. Happy 50th BD.


Please, tell me where you got the shirts????

[shonuf]

Then my last question is I am planning on putting a bow around bag and carrying them on with me in a box. Do you think if they Xray them they will still want me to open them?

Thanks in advance. I am so excited!!!! The planning is proving to be as much fun as I believe the cruise will be!!!

Cathie

Why not just put a HAL luggage tag on the box and have it delivered to your room. That's what I did with a box of party supplies I didn't want to have to hand carry. Your TA can probably get you an extra one if you need it.

What a nice friend you are to do this for your cruise-mates. We will be travelling with friends on the Jan 13 '07 Zuiderdam to celebrate our 35th anniversary; maybe you've given me some ideas.

I'm still trying to decide how to celebrate my 60th this coming October. (Don't think I can swing another cruise for that!)

[RuthC]

A journal to record their memories. It's amazing how much better you remember all those delicious details when you write them down.

Underwater camera (disposable?).

[CathieM88]

CHOCOLATES!!! RuthC your post about the pillow chocolates reminded me! Thank you!!!

I had thought about having them delivered to our room but I want to hand them out at Sail Away and the champagne glasses while they will be packaged well and protected, are very fragile and I would rather kick myself if anything happened to them.

[SarahQ]

Thanks for posting this CathieM88 - I'm planning on doing the same sort of thing for our friends for our Westerdam cruise in December, so I'm also in need of some good ideas!

RuthC definitely has a good point about journals - that's the one thing I've already purchased, sea/beached themed small journals with matching notepads. They should definitely come in handy!

You may want to include a lanyard (so they can carry their cruise ID around easily) - I'm planning on making beaded ones for each person, but there are lots of cute cheap ones around!

Hope you have fun with it :D

[NoNoNanette]

I always bring a bottle of DOWNEY WRINKLE-RELEASE. Also sticky "post-it" notes if I can't ask my steward for something in person.

On a couple of cruises, I had a plastic "over the door" shoe organizer. It was great for shampoos, makeup, sunscreen, etc. Cut down on bathroom clutter. However, the last few cruises we didn't even need it.

If I think of anthing else, I'll post it.:)

[msraye]

How about a disposable camera to record the events? swim goggles or masks?

[DesertDiva]

How about making a pre-reservation for everyone at the Pinnacle Grill on the evening of your birthday? If you let them know ahead of time, they'll include a cake!

What a nice friend you are to make up gift bags for YOUR birthday!

[the2ofus]

Great ideas! You also might want to include a package of hand-wipes. Nice 'n Clean makes a slim pack of 20 that is easy to slip in a pocket or purse. I get mine at Wal-mart and always include them in gift bags for travel companions.

The wipes used to come in individual packets which are really convenient if you can find some. I haven't seen them for a while.

[stanford's girl]

Guys:
2 cigars w/silver travel case/flask

Since you're going to Mexico, just wait on the cigars until you get down there. The guys can then enjoy a good Cuban cigar instead. You could put a coupon in the travel cases to be redeemed by you in Mexico. :D

[trubey]

Just curious: Why do the "girls" get telescopes and the "boys" get binoculars? susana.

[PAHORNER]

A disposable camera for sure, you'll want as many pixs as possible of this trip.

[NoNoNanette]

How about a "trial size" hand sanitizer for everybody. Something small to stick in a pocket or purse?

[6Arabianhorses]

This wouldn't be an idea for your gift bag, but a fun way to build the anticipation of your trip is to get everyone a countdown clock. You can find them at www.countdowntime.com (http://www.countdowntime.com)

For us, we are counting the days until our July Alaska cruise on the O'dam! :p

[bepsf]

My Sister did a cruise totebag for her MinL's B'Day before her first cruise - I suggested these items:

Airbourne - to prevent illness
Kids Sunscreen (it's SPF 30 and comes out Purple so you can see where you've spread it so you won't miss any spots, but rubs in clear)
Small bottles of Aspirin, Tums and Motrin
3-1 Multi-Plug Outlets
Velcro Tabs
Post-It Notes
Sharpee Markers

BTW- If you need, additional luggage tags can be picked up at the pier before you board - just ask anyone there.
:)

[elmorejj]

You are a good friend, these bags must be costing you a small fortune!.......jean:cool:

[CathieM88]

Just curious: Why do the "girls" get telescopes and the "boys" get binoculars? susana.

Well to be honest, the girls were going to get Hello Kitty binoculars, but I decided to go a smidge more adult. I guess the reason is so we would each have different things. I like the telescope, it's more "sea...pirates" type feel.

Everyone has such fantastic ideas. My list is growing!! I may have to get larger bags :eek:

[JJPacer]

One very taleneted member of our cruise critic group designed them and had them made. There are t-shirt shops in the malls that will print t-shirts. Design your own, and find someone to screen it. If you live in a metroplolitan area, I'm sure you can find somebody.

You have some great ideas on this thread. I wish I could celebrate your 50th with you!!!!!

[6Arabianhorses]

You've had me thinking about your gift bags and I came up with a couple more suggestions:

A Tide Pen, for stains. These REALLY work!

A Ship charm and/or charm bracelet

..........I'll keep thinking! :p

[serendipity1499]

You can get Retractable Clip-0n Lanyards for the Ships ID. at Staples...They clip on a pocket or belt..Cost is around $12.00 for 5 of them..All we had to do when disembarking & reboarding the ship was pull out the retractable cord (24 inches long) & the crew was able to scan the ID card....The main desk will punch a hole in your ships ID cards..It's so much easier than trying to dig into a wallet or purse to find the card each time..

Highlighters Pink or yellow for the ladies & blue or green for the men..They can each highlight the functions that appeal to them in their daily programs..

Have fun planning your gift bags & enjoy your cruise..

P.S. If you wrap the flutes in bubble wrap, & then wrap the t-shirts around them, they should be in good shape if you decide to check the box..You can even put peanuts in the box to help cushion them..

[CathieM88]

P.S. If you wrap the flutes in bubble wrap, & then wrap the t-shirts around them, they should be in good shape if you decide to check the box..You can even put peanuts in the box to help cushion them..

I have been everywhere trying to find something to put around the flutes! I have the bubble wrap, but had almost settled on putting them in gift wrapped pringles cans because I could not find anything presentable to wrap them in. Wrapping them in the t-shirts is a fantastic idea!!!! Thank you!

Everyone has such awesome suggestions! I knew if I posted here you all would help me!!!

BTW - I'm almost ready to go get my 2nd cruise fund piggy bank. The first one is almost full and I can barely pick it up!

[majormomma]

I'm still trying to decide how to celebrate my 60th this coming October. (Don't think I can swing another cruise for that!)

Since you are a traveler, do you watch the Amazing Race when you are home? :confused: My DH and Daughter gave me an Amazing Race theme party for my 60th. It was a hoot!:D

Email me at home for details.

Fran
fjstachour@earthlink.net
_________________
3rd cruise in July 06; HAL Veendam, Seward to Vancouver
2nd cruise 01/02; Norwegian Dream around South America
1st cruise 11/99; Norwegian Majesty through the Panama Canal

[serendipity1499]

[quote=CathieM88]I have been everywhere trying to find something to put around the flutes! I have the bubble wrap, but had almost settled on putting them in gift wrapped pringles cans because I could not find anything presentable to wrap them in. Wrapping them in the t-shirts is a fantastic idea!!!! Thank you! quote]

Your very welcome & I think your idea of gift bags for your friends is so a wonderful idea & so nice of you to do that.:) ...You must be a special person to have all your friends join you for your Birthday cruise! I've downloaded all of the suggestions, just in case we ever make up gift bags for our friends..

Also assume you will be there when your friends open their packages..Be sure to tell them to be extra careful when opening their t-shirts as something breakable is inside;) ..You can even include small bottles of champagne in each of their bags along with the flutes..

Enjoy your cruise & have a wonderful Birthday:) ..Betty

P.S. Love your Pringles boxes idea too..You could paste gift wrap around the cans & tie a bow to them...

.

[serendipity1499]

You've had me thinking about your gift bags and I came up with a couple more suggestions:

A Tide Pen, for stains. These REALLY work!
A Ship charm and/or charm bracelet.....I'll keep thinking! :p

Never knew there was such a thing as a Tide Pen for stains....Looked for it today & found it in Wal-mart..Bought one for our upcoming cruise.. Thanks for the idea..:)

This is such a great thread & so many great ideas!:)

Happy cruising everyone..Betty

[6Arabianhorses]

[quote=serendipity1499]Never knew there was such a thing as a Tide Pen for stains....Looked for it today & found it in Wal-mart..Bought one for our upcoming cruise.. Thanks for the idea..:)

You're welcome! I buy them in the 3 packs because my DH is a stain magnet!! :D I keep one in the car, one in my purse, one in my office, etc. Make sure you press down on it to release the liquid and then rub it all around. They work best on fresh stains.........it's amazing, the stain comes right out!

Happy stain-free cruising! :p

[RuthC]

I buy them in the 3 packs because my DH is a stain magnet!! :D I keep one in the car, one in my purse, one in my office, etc.[/COLOR]
er, in that case shouldn't he be keeping one in the car, one in his pocket, and one in his office? ;)

[6Arabianhorses]

er, in that case shouldn't he be keeping one in the car, one in his pocket, and one in his office? ;)

What???? DH taking care of things himself???? Perish the thought! :p

[mim100]

They work best on fresh stains.........it's amazing, the stain comes right out!

Happy stain-free cruising! :p
I keep wondering...where the heck does the stain go??

[flsun]

Everyone needs a highlighter. We use them to mark up the daily "cruise news", daily activity/movie scchedule, and the must-visit shops on each island map.

The post-it notes are a good idea. You'll find so many uses for them (notes for the cabin attendant, etc.).

[debjo]

I know that a disposable camera was mentioned a couple times...but we always give a disposable UNDERWATER camera in our "Bon Voyage" bags...especially good at the beach, snorkeling, sailboating, etc.!

Your gift bags far out-weigh mine!

Debjo