I have a great idea for you for your Thanksgiving celebration!
When I spotted this cosmetic bag at the Dollar Tree, I instantly knew what I could use this bag for and I’m excited to share this idea with you. Since each bag is just $1.00, it’s a very affordable gift, and one that is surely not to be forgotten any time soon.
Read on to see how you can turn this simple $1.00 cosmetic bag into something memorable and very special.
The links in this post contain affiliate links. At no cost to you, I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link. I only write about things I love or personally own.
Thanksgiving Place Setting Gift
My idea is to create a Thanksgiving place setting gift for each of your guests using this cosmetic bag. Inside each bag are handwritten note cards (written by you) telling each person why you are thankful for them. Also included in each bag are small candies and other trinkets to show your guest how much you care about them. The bags have name tags attached, so each guest will know which bag is theirs.
Each bag is placed on top of a dinner plate before dinner is served. Your guests find their place setting and before dinner, your guests open their gift bags. There’s sure to be laughter, hugs, and maybe a few happy tears. Be prepared and have your camera ready!
After your dinner celebration, your guests have a special memento to take home with them. Your guests can continue to use their bags for a variety of things. For example, women can use the bag as a travel cosmetic bag. Children can use the bag to hold pencils, pens, small sketch pads and crayons (a fun travel activity for when they’re stuck in the car). Teens can use the bag to hold jewelry, concert tickets, and other mementos. Guys can use the bag in their glove box to hold small tools, such as a tire pressure gauge, screw drivers, and other small tools needed in a vehicle. So many clever uses!
To prepare your place setting gift, you’ll need a few things.
What You Will Need:
- Live Happy Cosmetic Bag (one for each guest)
- Gift Tag with String (one for each guest)
- Handwritten Note Cards (at least three per guest)
- Small Gifts (see ideas below)
- Camera (optional, but recommended)
What You Do:
- Tie a gift tag to the zipper pull with your guests name written on it.
- Using several note cards, write a brief (or long) note to each guest, letting them know why they are special to you, and why you are thankful for them.
Yes, I know. You might be writing a LOT of notes. But it’s an act of love and your friends and family are sure to appreciate your time and effort into making them feel special and loved. - Tuck the note cards into the bag, making sure to put the right notes for each guest into their marked bag. 😉
- Add several small gifts to the bags (see ideas below), then zip them shut.
- When you’re setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner, place one of these prepared bags at each place setting.
- Before dinner begins, have your guests find their seats at the table and when everyone is seated, allow your guests to open their bags. Make sure to have your camera ready!
Small Gift Ideas:
- Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses Chocolate Candies (3-6 per bag – sharing hugs and kisses with your friends)
- Andes Creme De Menthe Mints (after dinner mints – just like at fancy restaurants)
- LED Keychain Flashlight (with a note “you light up my life”)
- Small Notebook (a handy gift for anyone – tape a new penny to the cover with a note that says “penny for your thoughts”)
- Twig Pencil (1 per bag – a unique pencil to use with the notebook)
- Hazelnut Coffee Spoons (1 per bag – a delightful treat for Fall and Winter – or for using with their coffee after your meal)
- Stainless Steel Drinking Straw (1 per bag – fun to use for after dinner drinks)
- Old Fashioned Cinnamon Toothpicks (1 package per bag – a fun nostalgic gift for after dinner silliness)
- Special Metal Charm (1 or 2 per bag – find a charm that fits the personality of each guest)
- Natural Worry Stone (1 per bag – a gift for guests to keep in their pockets and rub it in their hands when they are worried)
Additional Notes:
- For Any Celebration – These “thankful” gift bags are not just for Thanksgiving! You could use this idea for ANY celebration – Christmas, birthdays, and even backyard bar-b-ques!
- Gifts for Friends – If you buy a case of these Live Happy bags, you’ll have plenty on hand for this Thanksgiving idea, as well as extras to use for stocking stuffer gifts (filled with special treats, of course), gifts for teachers, and neighbors. A gift bag that keeps on giving!
- Gifts for Delivery People – Use one of these bags as a gift bag for the delivery people (USPS, UPS, FedEx) who bring your packages and mail. Tuck a handwritten Thank You note inside, along with a gift card and a handful of candies. Your delivery people will thank you for it!
- Print Photos – If you want to add another take-home gift, buy yourself a Polaroid smartphone photo printer. Take photos of your guests during your celebration, print the photos, and gift them to your friends and family. The photo printer can be used over and over again at all your celebrations!
- Total Cost – I included all the things shown here. My total cost per gift bag was $8.77. Not a bad price for a priceless memory! Determine your budget per bag, then adjust the items you put in the bag to meet your budget. Your bag could contain hand written notes and a few candies for an even more affordable gift.
I hope you like this idea! If you try it, let me know how it went in a comment below.
Pin on Pinterest!
One Comment on “Create a Thanksgiving Place Setting “Card” That’s Also a Memorable Gift”