A gift bag for an out-of-town guest can offer a welcoming touch.
Whether you are welcoming friends, relatives or new neighbors, out-of-towners often feel a little overwhelmed when visiting a new location. Presenting them with a bag of goodies upon arrival can help make their first few days more enjoyable. With a little planning, you're sure to find the perfect gift for your visiting friends.
Community Information
A goodie bag filled with information about your community is a great way for out-of-towners to become familiar with the area. A guidebook indicating tourist attractions and historical information, street maps, coupons to local businesses and a handwritten list of your favorite stores and restaurants will make everyone feel more comfortable when venturing out of the house. For new neighbors, include addresses and phone numbers for your favorite hairdresser, veterinarian and dry cleaner as well.
Toiletries
With rules and regulations regarding carry-ons in airline luggage and the cost of checked baggage, it is often difficult to determine what to bring along for out-of-town trips. Inform your guests before they come not to worry about basic toiletries, and present them with a goodie bag upon arrival. Include basic items such as shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, shaving cream and razor, soap and hairspray. You can pick up some samples of perfumes and colognes at your local department store to include as well. Add a nice aromatherapy candle and bath salts to complete the package.
Travel Mugs
Many of us enjoy our coffee and often don't leave home without it. Put together a bag with a nice travel mug for guests along with a container of their favorite coffee. Include a small cookbook that features coffee-related recipes, and make one or two together while your friend is visiting for a memorable experience.
Camera
In the hustle and bustle of planning for an out-of-town trip, one of the items we often leave behind is our camera. Putting together a gift bag with one of the new disposable digital cameras as well as a photo album and picture frame is sure to delight your guests. Include a few scrapbooking items that relate to your area, and help your guests make a couple of commemorative pages before they leave for a truly unique gift.
Reading Material
It is often nice to relax a bit in the evening with a good book or magazine. Pair a couple of magazines that may interest your guests along with a book by their favorite author. Consider including a book light for reading in bed.
Snacks
A gift bag filled with your guest's favorite snack foods will go a long way in making them feel at home. A bag of chips, pretzels and their favorite chocolate will keep them foraging for food in the wee hours of the night.
Tags: your guests, their favorite, along with, before they, filled with, guests along, guests along with