By and large, one of the most common questions retreat leaders ask is “What the heck do I put in the gift bags?” And it’s not just a newbie question, either. We hear it from first-time leaders, and we hear it just as much from seasoned facilitators looking to elevate their guest experience. That’s because they understand something crucial: a well-curated gift bag isn’t just a nice extra. It’s a gesture. A message. A moment of care.
Done right, it says: You’re safe here. I’ve thought of you. This space was made with you in mind.
Done wrong…it’s just more stuff to cram into a suitcase on the way home.
So let’s talk about how to do it right. Here’s our advice on building a bag that’s beautiful, practical, and rooted in your retreat’s purpose.
Why Gift Bags Matter
Yes, they’re cute. But they’re also strategic. A thoughtful gift bag can:
- Set the tone from the moment your guests arrive
- Reinforce the energy and intention of your retreat
- Reflect your professionalism and level of care
- Give guests something they’ll want to take home (and maybe post on Instagram)
- Remind them of the experience long after they’ve gotten back home
What Should Your Gift Bag Budget Be?
At OMNoire, we generally recommend budgeting around $50 - $100 per person for gift bags. $50 is a solid number if you’re budget-conscious or hosting a large retreat. If you’re curating an intimate, luxury experience at a higher price point, you may end up closer to $100 (especially when including local artisan goods or personalized touches). That being said, it’s not about the price tag. It’s about the intention behind each item.
What to Include in Every Retreat Gift Bag
The best gift bags meet your guests at the intersection of useful, beautiful, and meaningful. Here’s my go-to framework:
1. A Travel Essential
Something that makes the journey smoother. Think: a luggage tag, packable duffle, or TSA-compliant toiletry bag. When we went to Europe last year, I included international charging adapters –– a lifesaver for the attendees who had forgotten theirs at home (and someone always forgets their adapter at home).
2. A Practical Care Item
A mini first-aid kit. Hydration packets. A few individually wrapped meds for headaches or upset stomachs. These little lifesavers say: I planned for your comfort.
My list typically includes antacids, eyedrops, a couple of band-aids, both ibuprofen & acetaminophen, allergy medication, and a tiny bottle of peppermint oil for nausea.
3. A Personalized Touch
I’m adamant about this –– I include something personalized in every single bag. I love to give toiletry bags, passport covers, luggage tags, pens, or water bottles with people’s names in a beautiful font. Many people of color grew up having their names repeatedly misspelled, mispronounced, or completely missing from kiosks full of “personalized” merchandise. Giving attendees something with their name on it can be deeply healing.
4. Something Local
A snack from a nearby maker. A handmade bracelet from the local market. A scent or flavor that ties them to the land. This isn’t just a gift — it’s a bridge to the culture you’re immersed in. Oh, and in my experience, locally made self-care products (especially bug sprays) are a popular and practical favorite. If you know it’s something you’ll all be familiar with by the end of the trip, give your attendees an early introduction!
5. A Thematic Item
What’s the core vibe of your retreat? Rest? Expansion? Joy? Include something that anchors your guests in that energy: a candle, an affirmation card, a grounding crystal, a luxe sleep mask. These items both help tie in the theme and expand the experience past the farewell dinner.
6. Your Signature “I’ve Been Here Before” Item
I think you have to throw at least one thing in the bag that’s a subtle flex – this is where your host intuition shines. If I know we’re taking a boat, I’ll include sunglass straps. If we’re headed to a place with plastic bans, it’s reusable straws or foldable totes. These items show you’ve anticipated their needs — and that you’re not new to this. Having the right item at the right time helps to boost both your confidence and theirs.
7. A Gift From You
A playlist. A quote card. A QR code to a meditation you recorded just for them. Something that carries your energy, even when you’re not in the room. A little something personal creates the container as a personal, curated experience (and you as the expert)! The retreat then becomes a moment in time, instead of “just a trip” (although a vacation can be great, too).
8. A Use-It-Here Item
Include at least one item they’ll actually use during the retreat. A journal for workshops. A yoga block. A bottle of massage oil. This brings the gift bag into the flow of the experience — not just the beginning of it.
TL:DR: What Makes a Gift Bag Great (Not Just Good)
When in doubt, I ask myself:
- Is it useful? Or will it get tossed before checkout?
- Is it thoughtful? Does it feel like I chose it for them?
- Is it intentional? Does it support the energy of this retreat?
- Is it expert? Does it show I’ve done this before, and that they're in good hands?
- Is it packable? Will they want to make space for it in their bag home?
Final Thoughts: Go Personal, Not Pinterest
You don’t need to overstuff your gift bags or chase the trendiest items. The best ones feel like an extension of the space you’re holding.
If your guests feel welcomed, cared for, and considered — before the opening circle even begins and while they’re packing to head home — you’ve nailed the experience.
So go thoughtful. Go useful. Go intentional.
And trust: they’ll feel the love in every detail.
