My little brother is getting married in about six weeks. He & his fiancee have never lived on their own, so not only are they getting married, but they are moving out of their parents' houses & into their first home. The ladies from her church threw her a kitchen shower to get all the pots, pans, dishes, and utensils they would need, along with plenty of cookbooks. Our church is throwing a linens shower next weekend for their sheets, towels, and other necessities.
Most of the big items that they will need have been covered by the two showers. I wanted to get them something that would be practical, but also get something that others might not think of. After talking with my mom and sister, we came up with the idea of getting them an "Apartment Starter Kit". The kit will contain all of the things that you need when you move into a new place, but might not realize at first. Hopefully this will be a practical/useful gift, and allow them to save their money & gift-cards to purchase some of the fun things they want (and not have to spend it on a toilet brush, LOL!).
Here are the things we are including - let me know if you have more ideas!
General
2 large plastic totes
2 small plastic totes (shoe-box sized)
Cleaning products - all purpose cleaner, dusters, air fresheners
Swiffer mop and cleaner (plus refil pads)
Batteries
Extension cords
Power strips
Pens & notepads
Kleenex
Lightbulbs
Picture hangers
Laundry
2 laundry baskets
Dryer sheets
Detergent (pods, since they have to schlep to the apartment laundry)
Hangers
Roll of quarters
Bathroom
Shower curtain liner
Curtain hooks
Bathroom trash can & bags
Toilet paper
Plunger
Toilet brush
Cleaning products - for shower, toilet, and sink
Kitchen
Large trash can & bags
Broom
Dishwashing detergent (they will have a dishwasher in the apartment)
Dish soap
Scrub brush
Cleaning products
Ziplocs & foil
Spices: salt, pepper, garlic, etc
Condiments: ketchup, mustard, relish, dressings
Giftcard to local grocery store
We are going to pack everything in the large plastic totes and wrap them with a large bow to give her at the shower. I am also typing up a contents list so they can quickly see what they have and what they still may need to get. While it won't cover everything, hopefully this gives them a good start. They might think the present is a bit odd until they start to move in....and then I think we will be considered geniuses ;)
2 comments:
Man, I wish my church would've had a moving out shower for me! :) That stuff seems like it is ridiculous to give as a present but BOY, will they be grateful!
Maybe a drying rack for items that can't be put in the dryer? i can't live without mine!
Great idea! That will help save on laundry costs too :) Organized Living has the best giant wooden drying racks. I can get almost an entire load on one if I hang it right.
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