Gift bag ideas needed!

Last year, I worked very frugally to put together a little gift bag for my residents. I was able to give each unit a Christmas card, ornament, calendar, a small package each of cookies and crackers, and some candies. All for a grand total of 81 cents each.

This year, I've worked very hard not to spend my retention budget so I have about $3.50 to spend on each gift. I'm thinking about gift bags again, but maybe I can find small baskets I could afford. I'm considering small fruit basket or basket-like bags. I'm not sure I can afford that yet, and not sure I'd have the time to assemble them quickly enough.

In the past, I have used the retention money to host a party and buy prizes for a raffle but very few people come to the party so most residents just go on getting nothing in appreciation from me.

I'm looking for other ideas or suggestions that are in my price range.

Thanks!

The gift bags are a good idea and for the costs you could provide some chocolates, card, and perhaps some sort of promotional gift such as bottle openers, Chip clips, etc. I would not recommend providing Christmas Cards and ornaments in the bags. A card celebrating the Holiday's would be more appropriate.

GL..

Hi Rose. Here's an idea that might work for you, as it is easy to make several that are identical. Start by purchasing small natural color baskets; a handle is not necessary. Dollar store and thrift shops are good for these! Line each basket with poinsettia or snowman paper napkins. Add clear cello small bags with caramel popcorn, sugar cookies, chocolate covered peanuts, or other similar treats. Tie each bag closed with curly ribbon that matches the basket lining. Or you can use the wrapped Santa, snowman or other Christmas chocolate candy, small unbreakable ornaments, small scented candles, or a bunch of cinnamon sticks tied with red or green ribbon. Finally add a couple of twigs of greenery and several pine cones. If you can pick your own pine cones, after cleaning them, you can soak them in cinnamon water or add a few drops of cinnamon oil to them!

Awesome ideas! Thanks Gerry!

These are all wonderful ideas!!!!!!!!!! I have a 500 unit property and host a Xmas Open House but every year it's the same group that comes. I'd like to spread the joy to all the Residents and utilize my money for that. Any idea with such a large property? I only have a $500.00 budget.

If you are located in an area where snow and ice occur, you can put together a gift bag with an window ice scraper, a lock deicer and some candy or cookies for about $3 each.

This isn't a gift bag idea but it does have to do with Christmas and I know many properties have seen success with this type of party.

I worked with a property that had trouble getting residents to come to our parties. When we did get people there they were the same group. Last year we decided to have a wrapping party.

The party invitation said for residents to bring all their gifts they bought for their friends and family to the office during the party time. We purchased wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, and name tags. When the resident entered the party we ushered them to the food and drink area while we took their presents. While they ate, drank, and mingled with their neighbors we (the office staff) wrapped their presents for them!

Lets just say we had more males than females but there party ushered 2 to 3 times more residents than any other party we hosted that year.

Good luck to you!

A wrapping party is a fantastic idea! I know my residents really get a kick out of watching me do something just for them that is unrelated to their residency.

Last summer we had a car wash. I think people went out and drove in the mud just so they could watch me wash their cars! It was a huge hit (and I was exhausted!)

Thanks for sharing!