My OOT Bags~ the big hits and the things that weren't used

[MarieSam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by boven I agree with everyone; knowing what worked well and not so well in the OOT bags is very helpful....I also think creating a DIY Spanish translation book/handout will be something we will attempt. I'm looking forward to hearing more from the veterans on this forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by calchik i was going to copy this and make it prettier to toss into mine for a spanish english thing Basic Travel Spanish Mexico : TravelYucatan.com

Hey gals if you're looking for FREE online mini Spanish booklets (or any other language for that matter) that you can just print out ready-made with all the important catch phrases -- check out my thread that I posted several months ago. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t25169

I used these booklets in Europe and they were perfect ~ but most importantly they were FREE!! You can even print them out on special paper or decorate them to make em cuter Hope this helps!

[LisGeo09]

Great threads girls! I just read through them all and I'm so happy to get all the helpful feedback.

In addition to the advil, welcome books, etc, we are putting 2 12 oz or 1 liter soda so people have mixers when they first arrive to the resort, since most people are packing liquor, etc. Plus, we are putting 2 cans of the beer of the island in there. Also, I think we are going to throw a couple packs of gum, pretzels, and/or granola bars in there as well. Hope that gives you all some more ideas.

I wasn't sure about the Soduku books, but just reading about what a hit they were I am definitely going to include them now.

Thanks!

[Cindy&London]

I just found this on ebay:

 

50 PERSONALIZED Wedding Party Bridal Shower FAVORS LOT - (eBay.ca item 350162836061 end time 12-Feb-09 16:58:39 EST)

 

Personalized steins for only $82-89..Not too bad!

[merocket59]

Those look cute & reasonably priced, good find!!

[BeautifulBridetoBe]

Making OOTS on a Budget:

 

All of these ideas are great...and I just had a thought that may give you more bang for your buck...

 

FI and I decided against putting anything into the OOTs that people would most likely bring for themselves...like sunscreen, hair spray,shampoo, etc. because they then become a waste. Some people are also particular about their brands. We chose to focus on the items they WOULDN'T bring. So for example, they may not bring their own travel mugs, hand sanitzer, room sprays, etc.

 

So think, what would they overlook/ forget to bring that would be great to have? This gave us a list of useful items.

 

Next, we decided that some things were gag gifts to get a laugh and add an element of vacation bliss....like the Spanish for Dummies and the beach balls. They are not entirely practical, but they are fun.

 

About the drugs and first aid kits- Motrin, Tylenol, Immodium, bandaids, etc. We decided to buy a bottle ourselves and suggest that people bring these in the packing list newsletter we will provide. Most people travel with this stuff already anyway. We will buy a big box of bandaids and bring them with us to distribute as needed. We want to foster a large family environment so we are encouraging sharing...no one needs a bottle of 70 Tylenol for themselves. If so, they don't need Tylenol...they need a doctor!

[Cindy&London]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarieSam Hey gals if you're looking for FREE online mini Spanish booklets (or any other language for that matter) that you can just print out ready-made with all the important catch phrases -- check out my thread that I posted several months ago. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t25169 I used these booklets in Europe and they were perfect ~ but most importantly they were FREE!! You can even print them out on special paper or decorate them to make em cuter Hope this helps!

I love this!! FI & I were just testing out our Spanish LOL! We are definately using this.. Thank you

[lexibride]

Ok, I'm feeling a bit silly, but very new to planning a destination wedding,,,,so I get the idea of the OOT bag, but is this in lieu of a favor or are you making these as the favors

 

Just wondering what the OOT etiquette is, lol!

[beachbride2009]

I too am wondering about the OOT bags and whether you are making one per person, or one per couple/single We have a lot of couples coming and don't think it's necessary to double up on everything.

 

I was then thinking of doing different ones for the guys than the girls...ladies would get a canvas or cotton beach tote whereas the guys would get a mini cooler bag...what are your opinions please ladies?!? THANKS!

[britsytoll]

I am doing one per couple and then one per person for my single friends. I think I will know more when people start booking as to who is in what room.

 

Question - did people use the totes/canvas bags or were they a waste. My mom thought that a nice gift bag would work just fine but I don't want them to look silly or super cheap. Any suggestions?

[merocket59]

I find it silly to double up a lot of things for couples/families too so I'm doing one per couple or family(with younger kids and having a few special things for kids), and one for singles... but it is more of a personal choice some people don't have too many people coming and find it easy to buy for 1 bag/person. I am adding a mini ladies bag in the OOT bag with things like nail polish and lip gloss and for the men I am putting a mini Nautica Voyage colagne sample... so even tho it is one bag there are seperate items for the different sexes and ages, but in the same bag because those people will probably carry their items to the pool and off the ship together anyway so there is no reason to give them multiple bags.

I am doing favors and OOT bags but it isn't necessary to.

Gift bags are fine and can be very cute, the idea of using a canvas bag is that it is an extra gift and people can use it to bring their stuff to the pool/beach depending on your destination but lots of people bring their own bags for that purpose so gift bags would work fine too.