Roomie Swag

In a couple of weeks, I'll be hanging with some of the coolest bloggers in the blogosphere at Blissdom. This will be my second year and I feel so much more prepared than I did last year. Being a newbie at a blogging conference can be overwhelming, especially reading all the posts leading up to it about what to wear and what to bring.

Are you kidding? I just scraped up enough money to pay for the room and registration! Now I've got to get new clothes, new business cards, and all these other trinkets??

NO!!!

You don't. Of course, it's a good excuse if you're wanting new clothes and such, but not necessary.

I found that it's all about connecting and making an impression. For this simply somewhat shy gal, I kind of found myself fading into the background and just observing. So this year is a little bit more exciting because I have a slight idea of what to expect.

Ok...on to the point of the post.

I love to give gifts! Small and large, I love surprising someone with the unexpected. So I'm combining that love with what I learned at Blissdom last year about making impressions to come up with "Roomie Swag".

One of the unexpected perks of Blissdom was all the swag from all the sponsors...I mean, it was unbelievable! In following the #blissdom stream I noticed a lot of the attendees are rooming with people they've never met or people they've known their entire life. Regardless of the relationship, what better way to make an impression than have a little "welcome" gift?!

I know...ONE more thing to spend money on, pack, etc. But I'm gonna share TEN super simple and cheap ideas for "Roomie Swag".

*These little button cards are cute!  Even though they're for Valentine's Day, you could easily change it to say "Welcome to Blissdom!"

Photo courtesy of Thirty Handmade Days

*Everyone loves a little snack!

Photo courtesy of Baked Bree

*Another simple little snack. Since there are so many colors and shapes, you could personalize it more based on your roomies' interests.

 Photo courtesy of Hostess With The Mostess

*Coordinate this before hand and have each roommate bring their favorite candy or a candy that describes yourself.  What a fun surprise and a great way to get to know your roomies if you don't know them!

*Cute pencil/pen - You are at a conference, after all, so who wouldn't need a cute, new pencil.

*Fruit - Weird, I know...but not with a little note that says one of these brilliantly clever quips:

             "ORANGE, ya glad we're roomies?!" 

             "I've gone BANANAS that we're roomies!"

             "You're a GRAPE friend and I'm excited we're roomies!"

             "You're such a BERRY sweet roomie!"

*Bottle of water with a cute bow tied to it.

*Check out Target's Dollar spot and make little goodie bags.

*Cute little mirror.  You know, to check your teeth after all those snacks and yummy meals!

Photo courtesy of Piping Hot Papers

*Charm.  You could choose a symbol that matches your roomie's blog.

Photo courtesy of Amy Jo's Creations.

What are your ideas?

This post is linked to Oh Amanda's Top Ten Tuesday and One2One Network.