Small gifts?

Question

I"m planning a somewhat formal event, & I need to give about
25 small gifts to 25 teenage guys (ages 14-16). I'm on a real tight budget, so these "thank u gifts" need to cost about $3-$5. I was thinking those little colgne bottles (mini/sample bottles) but I don't know which ones are the most appealing.I'll take any suggetions,plz.

Answer 1

Other than the cologne idea I dont really agree with any of those ideas you are looking for gifts for 14-16 yr old boys! Give them food or a way to get food a gift card for mcdonalds is not too bad of an idea only because they have cool little pics on the front but that means you have to spend $5 each because what teenage boy can fill himself up at mcdonalds for $3 (besides $3 makes you sound CHEAP)

The cologne idea is much more classy although I am having a hard time finding the samplers or minis or even trial size name brands. Now there is a line that I buy for my boys at Walmart it is called BOD-there are 3 sprays per pack and the scent is really good. There is also a spray called Axe it is another body spray. My BILs wear it and they are early 20's

What sounds cute to me, these are teenagers mind you, is to buy them each a match box car and wrap them in a nice little box add a "set of keys" so the keys jingle when you shake the box(you are looking at 1.00 to 1.50 per car and a buck or two for a set of keys). Get the boys all together so that you can give them their gifts. Tell them how much they mean to you etc make it really big then tell them you got them each a car! As they are opening them say something like "but this is all we could do on a limited budget and some of you are not old enough to drive" have fun with it.

Answer 2

I work at Marshalls and we do get the gift boxes in with 4 sample-size bottles of perfume or cologne, but our stock is so irregular that there's no guarantee that we would have them. I imagine it's a similar situation at other discount retailers (Kohls, Value City, etc.).


How about a picture frame? At Michael's/Hobby Lobby/craft stores, you can get the smaller silver metallic picture frames for about $2-$5 a pop.

Or, if you are short on cash but you have time, consider making a gift.

Answer 3

If you were from the south-west, I'd suggest some of the spices you can get there, or the wonderful Mexican chocolate. Those are impossible to source here, and if your Irish friends like cooking, they'll love those. I agree with the other answerer, American cheese is not very nice - and anyway, we can get all kinds of European cheeses here no problem. Books by American writers are also nice - yes, I know they can be got in Ireland, but if you want the American editions, you could bring them. Just a note: you cannot bring any plants or seeds here, or anything with soil in or on it. I'm not sure if you can bring meat products either. You could bring something that symbolises your home state, a friend from Texas brought stuff with a design of the state flower on it, which was nice, and that went down well. You could also bring things like calendars with nice photos, drink coasters, placemats ..... Fridge magnets are also fun.

Answer 4

I agree with Suzzie, the personalized gift if best. It's a momento from the event. Gift cards and such are used then forgotten. How about a keyring, they'll all soon be of driving age. The matchbox is a nice idea too, except it does sound as if it's promoting smoking.

Answer 5

You can get a sample pack of all the "designer" colognes at places like TJMaxx and Marshall's (discount stores that sell brand name items). I got a pack from TJ's last year for Christmas, as "extra" gifts. They cost between $5-$15 for samples of 4 or 5 different kinds. You can open the package and give each kid one sample. Good stuff, too, like Curve and CK1. My brother, at that age, was all about the name. If it wasn't "designer" he wouldn't wear it, period. Whether it was cologne or clothes or deodorant!

Answer 6

Check out orientaltrading.com They have lots of things you can buy in bulk (like a dozen) and they are really affordable.

I would also DEFINATELY check out www.lakeside.com They sell a lot of stuff, and you can definately find something under five bucks.

The bottom left hand corner of the website has a search by price option. Click 9.99 and under and it will pull up a list of things.

Here is a set of camoflage flip flops 4 pairs for $4.95
http://www.lakeside.com/details.asp?I=F2F&N=36+315&Nao=32&R=779

Here are really cute Jelly Belly pails filled with jelly belly beans for 4.95 a piece.
http://www.lakeside.com/details.asp?I=JJE&N=36+315&Nao=48&R=7093&Ns=p%5Fpage%5Fprice%7C0

Just a few ideas! Also, look above your price limit, because a lot of things come in a set, like the flip flops... they were 5.95 for 4 pairs so it is like 1.25 a pair!

Answer 7

If you are going to go the cologne route, boys today like Chrome, Burberry, Nautica, anything that smells fresh. If you don't want to do the cologne thing, why not get them all a money clip or a nice key ring (they either are now, or will be driving soon).

Answer 8

Give them $5 gift cards to Best Buy.

Answer 9

you could try poker chips! they're trendy and a nice momento. nice chips are expensive in a set! 500 could cost alot of money, if they're high quality! PAULSON chips run around a dollar a piece. very good quality! 25 chips might cost $30 dollars after shipping. let me suggest (5stardeal.com).

Answer 10

Give the match boxes, ok I know smoking is disgusting, but the personalised matchboxes with names and dates of the wedding is so personel and special (and cheap) it will be worth it. Good luck.