How to Host a Blessing Bag Packing Party

by Tonya Staab
Published: Last Updated on

Host a blessing bag packing party with friends this holiday season to help those less fortunate. It’s a great activity for kids too.

I was recently asked by my friends at Fresh & Easy to host a local holiday party. Being so close to the holidays I asked if we could do something for a good cause. They suggested Project: We See You?

blessing bag packing party ideas

A local friend put me in touch with Bluewater Vacation Homes. After going through their listings I settled on a house that had the most magnificent views across the bay to San Diego.

view across san diego bay

Party food

All food items were provided by Fresh & Easy. I decided on finger foods for the event so that everyone could graze while packing bags and socializing.

  • Appetizer platter: assorted cheeses, meats, crackers, grapes, strawberries, dried apricots and nuts.
  • Hummus and Pita Chips
  • Elegant Mac & Cheese – dished into individual ramekins and baked
  • Mini Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cranberry & Brie tarts
  • Broccoli and Dried Cranberry Salad
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake
  • Pecan Pie
  • Caramel Cupcakes
  • Chocolate Marshmallows
  • Italian Pralines

Drinks

  • Spiced Apple Cider
  • Fresh & Easy water bottles
  • Louis Jadot Beaujolais
  • Winewrights Cabernet Savignon
  • Barefoot Moscato
  • Barefoot Pinot Grigio
  • Winewrights Chardonnay
  • Chocolate Shop
feather christmas trees and party food on a counter

While we ate, we listened to music, we chatted, and we packed bags for Project: We See You. In total, we made 78 bags – 30 for men, 30 for women, 9 for boys, and 9 for girls.

I used Allison’s suggestions for the bag contents but did find that they no longer sell bus tokens here in San Diego. With limited time to collect everything, I made a few variations. In hindsight, I wish I would have added laundry cards to each bag to be used at laundromats.

Blessing bag contents for men

  • Rain poncho
  • Knit hat
  • Socks
  • Water bottle
  • Hygiene items: toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, razor, shampoo, soap
  • Snacks: breakfast bar, granola bar, trail mix, candy cane, holiday candy
  • Tissues

Blessing bag contents for women

  • Rain poncho
  • Knit hat
  • Gloves
  • Water bottle
  • Hygiene items: toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, razor, shampoo, conditioner, soap, pads
  • Snacks: breakfast bar, granola bar, trail mix, candy cane, holiday candy
  • Tissues

Blessing bag contents for boys

  • Coloring book
  • Crayons
  • Disney Cars reading book
  • Playdough
  • Knit hat
  • 2 pairs of character socks
  • Rain poncho
  • Tissues
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Snacks: Penguin crackers, raisins, candy cane, apple sauce

Blessing bag contents for girls

  • Coloring book
  • Crayons
  • Fairy wings
  • Soft doll
  • Knit hat
  • 1 pair character socks
  • Rain poncho
  • Tissues
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Snacks: Penguin crackers, raisins, candy cane, apple sauce

A friend who attended the event brought toys that were placed into some of the kid’s bags too.

Note: All food and hygiene items were separated into separate ziplock bags before being placed in with the other blessing bag items.

The day after the event I delivered the bags to the San Diego Rescue Mission who were absolutely thrilled to receive them and will be handing them out over the holiday season. 

I want to send a big thank you out to the local bloggers and Fresh & Easy staff in attendance for helping to pack these bags. 

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5 comments

Danielle December 1, 2013 - 6:43 pm

It was an amazing night. You did a fabulous job, Tonya! SO happy to be a part of it.

Reply
Melanie @MelanieMedia December 1, 2013 - 8:55 pm

You know how to host a party! Thanks again, it was a great night.

Reply
Kate - Catching Up With Kate December 2, 2013 - 12:24 am

I am so sad I had to miss this event! This looked like such a fun party and what a great cause! I love the idea of blessing bags – Happy Holidays to you!

Reply
Tonya Staab December 2, 2013 - 8:44 am

Thank you hon, so glad you could make it and thank you for helping me clean up afterward.

Reply
Tonya Staab December 2, 2013 - 8:44 am

Thank you Danielle,

And a huge thank you for bringing extra toys to pop into the bags, the kids will absolutely love them.

Reply

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