I get A LOT of people that equate “gifting” with “bartering” and that is not correct! This is one of my favorite myths to dispel when educating people on festivals. Think of gifting as PAYING IT FORWARD. You’re not trading for something you need/want.
Example: you are out away from your campsite and the sun is setting fast. A complete stranger stops you because they notice you don’t have a light on you. You watch them open a pack of LED glow necklaces and ceremoniously bestow one you. Fast forward through the hugs hello and small talk about it getting dark to you walking off into the last beams of light with blinking neon around your neck. That feeling of sparkle magic from those glow necklaces will radiate past that one person in a ripple effect that creates the overall experience of awesome that is a festival.
In certain events, such as Burning Man, where gifting is one of the main principles, there are sayings like “the playa provides” that very accurately sums up the concept. One such scenario is you are out waiting for the sunrise at the trash fence. You think to yourself “I wish I had something to eat” as you hear your tummy rumble. Two minutes later, some guy walks up and introduces himself as Scotty Biscotti. He asks you if you would like one as he holds out a Tupperware full of the Italian coffee cookie. Yes…the universe just read your mind and fucking DELIVERED (*True Story: BM 2014) Coincidence, probably, but still magical all the same!!!
Typically, I bring a set “gift” where ever I go, including the default world, which is a sticker. Also, I end up gifting random items as needed. Other classic gifts include: cigarettes, LED finger lights, something cold to drink. Asking people I know that are deep in their party, “when is the last time you had water?” as I’m handing them my full Nalgene bottle. Sometimes it’s random things like a safety pin, nail file, hand sanitizer, Advil, Gum…the list goes on! Some people have a particular craft that they can gift, like jewelry they made, painting people’s faces, fire dancing or even giving massages. The point of gifting is that it feels good and in the end the best things in life are free.
Gift Ideas For Festivals & Events
Here is a handy dandy list of things that are easy to gift and perhaps some fun ideas you had not thought of yet. Click on the links to see the items on Amazon and easily put them in your cart for your next event. #affiliate
Kandi: Go old school and bust out those perlers and pony beads and make some bracelets. Don’t forget to trade with the PLUR handshake. Want to know more, check out the post on all things KANDI.
Candy: Everything from edibles to breath mints. Hard candy holds up the best. Some of my favorites are Dum Dum suckers, Jolly Ranchers, Werther’s Original, classic butterscotch and those melt in your mouth peppermint stripes. I also find that fun size bags of M&Ms are also a big hit since they can tolerate heat the best of all the chocolates.
Flash Tattoos: Add a bit of sparkle to your skin with metallic flash tattoos. Temporary and great conversation starter and fun way to express yourself.
Carabiners: Great for securing things on your person, even better to gift out to a fellow festie friend in need.
Stickers: I’ve done a whole post on this, that’s how much I love giving and receiving stickers at events!
Sprouts: This is a new trend that has really taken off in the las couple years. Little clips that you can clip onto hats, bags, whatever.
Lighter Leash: A clutch accessory. Never have your lighter lost or pocketed again. I load these up with lighters and gift these to anyone who asks to borrow a bit of fire. Next level functional gift that can be used everyday.
Mio Water Enhancer: These drink squirts are one hell of a flavor enhancer. Perfect to mix up the H2O from the water stations and they double as an instant mixer for any boozy drink that is a bit too strong. Bonus points if you get the ones with Electrolytes.
Soda Can Covers: Multi functional. Keep insects away from your beverage, ensures no one accidently mistakes your unfinished can for an ashtray, and makes sure it wont spill if knocked over. These usually come in a multipack, so they make a good impromptu gift.
Travel Size Sunscreen: Some events only allow non aerosol sunscreens, and these little tubes are great to make sure you always have some for yourself, and some to share. Sunburn can really ruin the fun.
Fun Sunglasses: Sometimes sunnies get lost/broken. Other times, someone’s pupils are the size of quarters…help ’em out with a fresh pair of shades.
Handwarmers: Temps can drop quickly, make sure you can bring the heat. These take up little room and come in a 2 in a pack, one for you, one for a friend.
Chapstick: Lips get dry and sunburnt and it’s one of the worst feelings. These are great gifts to hand out and are cherished well passed the event.
Bandanas: These can be covers for your head, used as a cooling scarf and double as a dust mask.
Enamel Pins: cool pieces of flare that are great for making little statements and lasting impressions. Buy in bulk or create your own!
Rubber Customized Bracelets: Not into making Kandi cuffs? No worries, customizes some rubber bracelets (that glow in the dark!) and spread the love.
The ART of FUN! 