Welcome/OOT bag item source(s) - please share!

dawnbperry

I'm wondering where you all found the items you are putting in your Welcome/OOT bags (if you are having them) for your guests.

We got the bags from conventiontotes.com and they are GREAT.  Highly recommend.  Spent $60 for 50 royal blue canvas totes that are 14" X 15" (I'll sell leftovers online).  Originally I was going to buy the hibiscus bags from Oriental Trading Co but I'm glad I didn't because these are well made, look a little classier, and I'm sure will be re-used by our guests (the hibiscus bags were festive but a little gaudy for everyday use back home).

What I'd like to put in there:

-Some tea bags (buying at local grocery store)
-Some instant coffee (grocery store)
-lip balm (???)
-bottled water (???)
-sunscreen (???)
-hand fans (Oriental Trading Co)
-maps/brochures (wrote to the USVI dept of tourism for some!)

What are you including in your OOT bags, and just as importantly, WHERE are you getting these items from? 

Thanks for sharing - I'm really hoping to find some places I can buy travel sized items at bulk prices.

- Dawn

beachybride10

Try the $1 section at target. Also, try the dollar store.

Another great option is Amazon, ebay, and Minimus Biz. Minimus Biz is where a LOT of girls order their items from.

Meghangh

You can get the starbucks via instant coffee from costco.  You get a whole box, but I'm not sure what the price is, but that's what I was going to do for my OOT bags.  I love starbucks via.

carrieoz_76

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-theme-boards_destination-weddings_welcomeoot-bag-item-sources-please-share?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Theme%20BoardsForum:54Discussion:4f2c3a72-0a71-4fd8-971e-7b5d8df17e35Post:884efc4b-3262-4090-8607-1a910c8e1889">Welcome/OOT bag item source(s) - please share!</a>:
[QUOTE] Originally I was going to buy the hibiscus bags from Oriental Trading Co but I'm glad I didn't because these are well made, look a little classier, and I'm sure will be re-used by our guests (the hibiscus bags were festive but a little gaudy for everyday use back home).
Posted by dawnbperry[/QUOTE]
I guess I like festive but gaudy.  *shrug*<div>
</div><div>Anyhoo, I second the Target $1 bin.  Also, <a href="http://www.minimus.biz/">http://www.minimus.biz/</a> has travel size everything.</div>

dawnbperry

carrieoz_76: I'm sorry "gaudy" was a really poor choice of words!  The hibiscus bags were what I was going to get originally and *I* love bright and colorful bold designs but not everyone does.  Since I wanted the bags to be something my guests will reuse I just figured plain single color bags would be better as they would be something no one would hestitate to use for groceries or an extra beach tote etc. etc.  I am proud to use my Trader Joe bags at Woodman's or other grocery stores, but my FI is emabarassed to use them because they are so bright and colorful (and say "Trader Joes" So I thought I would be better off toning them down if I wanted to have a greater chance they would be reused instead of packed away or thrown out.

Heck my wedding dress is royal blue and turquoise... now I know most will say that is gaudy ;-) 

FutureMrs.McC

I got a ton of my stuff from CVS. 
Let's see:
     Q-tips
     Sunscreen
     Tissues
     Tube Pool Floats
     Water Guns
     Bubbles
     Insulated "water" bottles
     Water proof case
     Flip Flops
     Tooth Brush
     Tooth Paste
     Tylonel
     Lip Balm
     Nail File
     Welcome Letter
     Burned Bob Marley CD
    Photo Share Cards

That's all I can remember.

dawnbperry

OOo, I love the idea of Off! insect repellant wipes as part of an OOT bag!  It can get buggy and since St John has a giant national park and people will be probably hiking around to see the ruins and such, they might want repellant!

carrieoz_76

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-theme-boards_destination-weddings_welcomeoot-bag-item-sources-please-share?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Theme%20BoardsForum:54Discussion:4f2c3a72-0a71-4fd8-971e-7b5d8df17e35Post:638b537c-b6ba-4b25-9e87-357e0b39fb66">Re: Welcome/OOT bag item source(s) - please share!</a>:
[QUOTE]carrieoz_76:  I'm sorry "gaudy" was a really poor choice of words!  
Posted by dawnbperry[/QUOTE]
<div>No worries.  Like most decisions, this is one is totally taste-specific.</div><div>
</div><div>It sounds like your bags fit your needs perfectly.</div>

[Deleted User]

If you watch Avon has many sales on travel size items and lip balm. Target also has mini sized sunscreen, q tip containers, and first aid kits and tylenol in the travel item aisle!