There’s nothing that puts a smile on someone’s face at a festival quite like receiving a sweet, unexpected gift! If you’re a sentimental person like me, you might even have a space in your home for all the little gifts you’ve collected at different events. Gifts are a great way to treasure a special interaction with someone. They’re also meaningful souvenirs to remember the event, afterwards. Next time you go to a fest, plan to bring some gifts with you into the crowd. Giving them away can create new friendships and meaningful moments!

A note on sustainable gifting:

Try to give gifts that won’t end up on the floor or in the trash. Yes, we all love glow sticks. But, they aren’t really the type of gift that would make it home with you after the event. Be thoughtful and intentional with your gifts to avoid unnecessary waste. Is this something someone can reuse? Is it sentimental? Will it make them smile?

Here are some gifting ideas to inspire you for your next festival:

Necklaces and bracelets - you can make kandi (to trade or gift), or try your hand at jewelry making with other types of beads and charms. Bonus points if it has something that lights up! Kandi perlers are always meaningful gifts because they take time and creativity to make.

Pins or patches

Flower crowns

Pendants

3D printed trinkets - pendants, rings, jewelry, figurines, etc.

Lanyards for keys - you can get these printed with custom designs for specific events!

Stickers

Mini flashlights - look for the UV blacklight ones!

If you have a polaroid camera, offer to snap a photo for someone and give them the polaroid to take home.

Lollipops or Jolly Ranchers - individually wrapped candies are best.

Chapstick

Tiny hands - if you know, you know.

Koozies

Diffraction glasses - paper ones are a more affordable option.

Temporary tattoos - offer to apply them for someone to avoid trash on the ground.

Bubble wands

Containers for cigarette butts - I’ve seen people transform old Altoids or Icebreakers containers for this. Keep litter off the ground!

Condoms

Mini water guns

Earplugs