OOT contents - are we done?

I think so. I hope so. I can't possibly think about adding one more item to our already overloaded suitcase world. The latest (and possibly last) adds: individual packets of Motrin and chewable Pepto Bismol tablets. These items are a particularly useful addition to the OOT bags, and I definitely think they will be used by our guests. Got them on Amazon.com ($18 for 100 2-tablet packs of Motrin; $18 for 3 48-count chewable Pepto boxes; free shipping!).

The OOT continues

Our OTT bags have some fun new contents! I have read many postings around the web about how much guests of DWs enjoyed having a little pen and game book to bring to the pool, so I grabbed some fun brightly-colored pens at the Dollar Tree, along with some word search books from Target's dollar bin section.

And who doesn't love a little pack of Chiclets?

I also nabbed a few boxes of randomly-sized bandaids (Walgreens/Dollar Tree), along with some great individually-packaged antibacterial hand wipes (Dollar Tree) for the first aid kit (and hope to add little packets of pepto and advil in the near future). I'm surprised that I have thus far been able to spend relatively small amounts of money and come out with some really fun stuff that I hope our guests will enjoy. It can be done!

OOT Bags: Filling up

Our OOT Bags are coming along rather nicely! So far, we have travel-themed playing cards, Spanish for Dummies (the pocket guides), pillow boxes that will serve as first-aid kits, bandaids to go into the first aid kits, the waffle-weave aqua-colored bags , some decorative raffia, and will soon have the imprinted plastic travel drink cups (steins with handles) in the mail! It looks like we'll now just have to grab some Advil and Pepto packets, maybe some gum or mints, create the welcome letter and 'guest information packet', and the Sudoku books. I'm on the lookout for fun tropical pens to include too, but haven't been able to track them down anywhere for a reasonable cost. I'm also hoping that we can stop in Cancun or Playa del Carmen to grab some local snacks. Is there anything I'm forgetting??

= our Frosty Stein Mugs
= the OOT bag (a reusable shopping bag)
= I like this idea that I found on one of the boards - a couple took a silly picture of themselves, and had it printed on a postcard and placed in the OOT Bag. The purpose of the card was to encourage guests to post their photos from the trip on one website to share them among all of the guests - they gave them all the same username and password, so it was protected but still available to all guests. Pretty cool, right?

OOT progress

The OOT bags (or oooot bags, as the FI calls them) have begun to expand nicely in the past week. I was able to procure the most adorable playing cards (in their own little cases) at Michaels craft store for just $1 each, so for now, we have playing cards, and Spanish for Dummies. I am hoping that I will be able to order a few of the other items online soon.

Does anyone have ideas about items that we should consider including- that were not listed before? We have talked about having something in there that will surprise and make guests feel truly special and appreciated (not that the other stuff does not, but we are open to suggestion).

Oh! And I found an excellent template for covering rolls of Life Savers with a personalized label, so I think we'll do that instead of mint tins (far more cost-effective but just as cute).

OOT Bags: The List

<--Example OOT Bag Contents

So far, I have accumulated exactly 1 item for our OOT bags. Ugh. However, I have accumulated a variety of ideas for what WILL go into these things, and I may have even found the BAGS to put the stuff in!

IF you are coming to the wedding and wish to be completely surprised, do not read any further! (this list isn't final of course, but I don't want to deprive anyone of a surprising incident, hee hee)








First, the list of stuff:

• 1 Spanish for Dummies pocket edition
• 1 pack of playing cards (white with blue, red, green, yellow I think)
• 1 small bottle of aloe vera gel
• 1 book of Sudoku puzzles
• 1 mini beach ball (for the guys)
• 2 palm tree pens
• 1 first aid kit (bandaids, alcohol wipes, pepto bismol, advil)
• 2 tubes chapstick
• 2 tins DIY personalized wedding mints
• 2 Stamped post cards
• MAYBE 2 plastic personalized stadium cups (Mindy+Christopher, Mexico 08.08.09)
• MAYBE Some type of snack or candy item
• MAYBE Personalized Matchbooks
• MAYBE travel candle for romance (beach balls for single men?)
  
• DIY Welcome Letter/Thank you for coming
• DIY Wedding Itinerary
• DIY Things to Do On and Off the Resort guide

Next, the bag to put the stuff in - right now I'm torn between these two bags, and will likely go with a natural or blue color in the end:

http://www.papermart.com/templates/73-1-01.htm#GO_73101

http://www.papermart.com/templates/73-1-21.htm#GO_73121

My main wish is that all of the things that we give to guests are usable in some way and won't just be discarded or left in the room because they are too bulky or stupid to be brought home. Feedback? Ideas? Which bag do you like?