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?

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.
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
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.
5 comments
It was an amazing night. You did a fabulous job, Tonya! SO happy to be a part of it.
You know how to host a party! Thanks again, it was a great night.
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!
Thank you hon, so glad you could make it and thank you for helping me clean up afterward.
Thank you Danielle,
And a huge thank you for bringing extra toys to pop into the bags, the kids will absolutely love them.