Sweet Swag
Nothing puts the swagger in the grand-VIP’s like a carefully selected bag o’ swag!
Buckets, Bags, Backpacks, & Belt Packs
So many possibilities!
- Buckets. These can be very inexpensive, come in all kinds of sizes, have handles for easy carrying, and can be personalized with stickers, markers, paper, fabric, photos, and more. However, they can be bulky to take places, break easily, and hold limited contents if the bucket is child-size. If you choose buckets, look at dollar stores or discount stores for holiday buckets.
- Bags. With minimal sewing skills, bags could be made in any size, any fabric. They are easy to take along in the car or camping or other activities. If you buy bags, you can find whatever size and fabric that suits your camp, even waterproof or mesh bags. Most bags come with a drawstring closure to keep the swag in the bag! If you go with bags, check Amazon, party supply stores, craft supply stores, or retail stores that sell reusable shopping bags.
- Backpacks. I especially like drawstring backpacks, because they are lightweight, durable, come in so many colors, are easy for grandkids of all ages to carry, transport effortlessly, are easy to personalize with just a fat Sharpie pen, hold the right amount of goods, and are very multipurpose throughout Camp. You can find these on Amazon for a very reasonable price.
- Belt Packs. The best thing about belt packs (aka fanny packs) is easy access to the contents. One GK Camp, we went to an amusement park, which presented a challenge. There were a few items I wanted the grand-enthusiasts to have available all day: a mini misting fan, sunscreen, water, chapstick, and a whistle for safety. But, I didn’t want to be dragging around backpacks that couldn’t be taken on rides and had to be removed in order to be opened. The solution: belt packs! I found cute, child-sized, adjustable waist, zip closure belt packs on Amazon–and they were absolutely perfect! The grand-riders could wear their packs (around the waist or crossbody) as they walked, while they waited in lines, and even while they rode the rides. I added a few snacks and little toys to make waiting in line not so bad!
Swag, Sweets, Surprises & Stuff
Finding goods and goodies that enhance your Grandkids Camp theme and activities is fantastically fun! Great shopping places: Walmart, Dollar Stores, Amazon, Party Supply Stores (Zurchers), Craft Supply Stores (Hobby Lobby). And remember to put each grandchild’s name on every single item!
- Water Activities. If you have any water fun plans, consider these swag items: pool towels, sunscreen, sun hats or visors, sunglasses, water toys, flip flops, water bottles, goggles.
- Camping. Flashlights, headlamps, compasses, magnifying glasses, water bottles, toothbrush kits, first aid kits.
- Treats. Include fun and unusual things like gummy worms, bubble gum tape, candy necklaces, ring pops, fun dip, pop rocks, trail mix, dried fruit.
- Entertainment. If you have any travel time or other down time, it’s great to have some play things: puzzles, notebooks and pens, playdough, slime, binoculars, bubbles, fidget toys, disposable cameras, books
- Annual Items. I have found that a few items are essential to include every year: a water bottle, snacks, a whistle for safety. It’s worth taking a minute at the beginning of GK Camp to teach the grand-busybodies how to use a whistle in emergency situations.
