Retreat "welcome" package
 

I'm looking for ideas to include in our retreat "welcome" package that are cute, inexpensive and don't take much time to put together.
So far I have a bandaid & candy bar. I'm also throwing in one of those neck cooler things cuz one or more of us have hot flashes.
Thank you,
Joan

I forgot to mention that there will be 25 of us.
Thanks

How about a small square of chocolate like Ghiradelli
instead of putting the goodies in a bag put them in a very small bucket or tin from the .99 store that can be used for threads or pins for traveling. Or if you can get a deal on small seam rippers, or small tape measures.

At our Dollar Tree they sell these small round (about 5 inches) rubbery drawer-liners-material thingies that are sold 4 to the pack for helping to open jars. I find them on the kitchen implement wall.

They are perfect machine-side mats for me to place my scissors/seam ripper/awl on while I sew. They won't roll or slip away from me. Great for a retreat treat. :)

Try the Dollar store for other cute ideas. :)

Jan in VA

What about scissor lanyards, they are fairly cheap at Oriental Trading or the party store. You can also make a tool necklace from those cheap bead necklaces and a big safety pin or loop of ribbon.

Great idea

Individually wrapped Eyeglass wipes. You can buy them by the box at Walmart in their prescription eyeglass dept at the front of the store. I clean my glasses daily and then i wipe down my Ipad and Iphone. Indispensable! I carry them in my car, purse, suitcase, etc.

Sandy

Purse size kleenex, I never have one when I need it!

Purse size tissue holders with tissues in them. Fast & easy to make. Always welcome

How about a pencil and a notepad to write down things that they would want to remember.

Checkbook covers, homemade scissor lanyards (one jelly roll strip and a clip), dollar store door stops to tilt your machine forward, granola bar, scissor charms, name tags to write their name on, coasters for a drink, mug rug,...lots of great small projects, needle case, etc.

Thank you so much for all the great ideas!
I haven't decided exactly what to do yet, but since it's the first weekend of May, I'm thinking a little flower pot with the round thingy to keep things from rolling around, my neck cooler things since they're already made, a seed pack of flowers with a pen dressed up as a flower, a little paper, some eyeglass cleaners & maybe the water idea. Anyway, your ideas got me thinking and I appreciate it so much!
Joan

These are all great ideas! I love the one from Jan - I use those round "things" on my lap tray when I am eating in my recliner to keep the dishes from sliding. I never thought to put one by my machine. Thanks, Jan.

Get one of the rubbery/grip shelf liners. Cut into pieces that are about 4" X 4". they can be used to put between your ruler and the cutting mat to prevent the ruler from sliding. These were in the goodie bags given away by our guild this year when we hosted Quilter's Day Out. :c)

Donna

Great ideas! I'll be keeping these in mind for our small group retreat!

One thing I've made for my group are criss-cross coasters. They're quick and easy. Don't know if you have time to make 25 though...maybe if you had help with the cutting.

How do you make the neck cooler things? Have several friends that are plagued with hot flashes:eek: