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

[Cassondra2009]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sita&Nate I think the drinks for dummies are a good idea... remember going to the all inclusive resorts and being clueless as what to order

I think thats a great idea! Does anyone know where to get these for a good price? Thx.

[kbackman]

After reading through 23 pages of great suggestions, I think I have a pretty good idea of what I will purchase. Thanks everyone!!

[SunPrncss85]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duchess I am sure this has been discussed but I ordered canvas bags and printed my monogram in reverse on transfer paper and then just ironed on. That way, people had a bag to use while there but it wouldnt matter if they tossed them when they got home. A lot of people spend a lot on the bag but I personally wouldnt use a bag with someone elses wedding logo outside of their wedding events, so this was a good way to accomplish both a beach bag for the trip without spending a lot. Pashminas were a huge hit. Old Navy online had flip flops for like 2 bucks, HUGE HIT. Everyone wore them to the wedding, and I got white ones. I ordered a bunch of womens size 7-8, 8-9, and then mens 11-12, 12-13 and that covered everyone, since Flip flops dont have to fit perfectly. Other hits: Playing Cards, Brochures of what was to expect (Vistaprint) Advil Dramamine (we had to take a boat to the wedding local) monogramed water bottles Things I would have done differently: The $2 spanish phrase book from amazon was cute, but it was really old, so the expressions were like "have you seen my tophat?" all the cutesy favors like candles and starfish, it was fine but it added up the cost and I don't know if people used them Other than that, we did little frames but used them as place cards for the wedding, and I dont know if people took those with them or what. I am sure i will think of more things that were in our bags as time goes on... Oh, and we had to pack 2 extra full size luggages to get it all there. I dont trust mailing to mexico, especially not bulk items because they will seize anything that looks like it is for commerce, ie to be sold. I was told that things can simply not make it there, with no recourse. Proceed with caution. So we each had 2 checked luggages and our carry ons. No biggie, it didnt cost us extra. HTH!

These are great suggestions. Thank you and everyone else who has been so informative on the concept of items in the OOT bags. It really helps in the planning of the bags. Is there an approximate amount that people are spending on these? Just to get an idea of how much to plan in my budget for the OOT bags?

[amee]

Our OOT bags - Although they took a fair amount of work, I'm still happy we did these. One thing I would stress is figure out a plan for how you're going to districute the bags, we had a bunch of snafus with this. Wouldn't have been a big deal except that we included the itinerary and schedule in the bags..and some people didn't get their bags until the day of the event..had I known it was going to be a problem I would have walked around distributing them...

 

Anyway, the contents -

 

I got random chapsticks with SPF at Target, hand sanitizer in various scents from bath and bodyworks ($1 each I think). Once we got to Jamaica I got plaintain chips in individual packages, small bottles of appleton, small bags of blue mountain coffee and candy. Beverly -from the Jamaica pages - organized a group of people to buy plastic color-changing cups in bulk - this was a fabulous idea on her part - the cups went in too.

 

For those who like coffee - the blue mountain coffee (I think we got Jablum) WAS a hit.

 

The bags - were from a charitable organization in India - handcrafted by children w/ autism. Brought over by my relatives - understandably not accessible to everyone, but I'm sure there are other organizations that may do this sort of thing. I gave one bag per couple, if it was a single guy I just used regular paper gift bags..

 

This is the link for our bags if anyone's interested.

 

Product Gallery

 

We had about 14 little kids at the wedding and I went a little overboard with their bags - mostly activity books, sand/pool toys, sunglasses - from Michael's, Target and $5 store- but they enjoyed so it was worth it.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed doing the OOT bags - it was "my" thing and those were the most fun shopping trips since I didn't have to try anything on, I was buying toys for kids and I could use it as an excuse for some alone time!

[amee]

I forgot - I didn't really personalize anything, but the person who made my invitations printed small square cards with our names and the date, and I tied them onto the bags w/ ribbon.

[finleys7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by allison&kevin Great ideas here! Has anyone done t-shirts? What are the thoughts on this one? I really like the mug idea from Dollar Tree.

We are doing the T-shirts. We have a friend who does the local sports team equipment and uniforms. So hopefully we are getting a good deal.

Although I did see a shirt maker and Michael's and they have been handing out 40% coupons on (1) item like it's their job. So for a $225 it may be worth it with 40% off...But it doesn't include the T-shirts.

We are doing our last names on the front.

Team Finley (me)
Team Chierchie (him)

[finleys7]

Although some airlines and customs may not check

 

But...for all traveling with these items in your luggage, it wouldn't hurt to bring receipts.

 

I have heard a horror story about the advil and mini liquor bottles were held up and they sat at customs for a few hours.

 

Even if you get stopped, you can show receipts for EVERYTHING.

 

Just a helpful hint.

 

Good luck shopping!!!

[Taghan]

Thanks for the great advice! These types of insider help is priceless!

[dana612]

Nice thanks for the info. I just put my bags together this weekend. I put a first aid kit (99 cents from target), 2 packs of Advil, 2 packs of shout wipes, tissues, personalized deck of cards, 2 travel size spf lotions and 1 spf lip balm. Wheww I hope people use this stuff.

[Shens02]

Love all the information.

 

Sorry I am a newbie - I think I understand the concept of OOT bag, but what does that exactly stand for?

 

And Wonderful info and tips on getting it there!!!!