Urban altoid tin gift contents ideas?

N

newadventure

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Jul 24, 2006
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Howdy all. I hope this isn't too off topic, if so mods feel free to move or delete. Thinking though if anyone can help, you all can. There are a number of "regular" homeless folks I run into downtown on my may to/from work in the city. I wanted to put together some small gift things for the holidays that would be small, easy to carry, and useful. I also wanted to be able to wrap it so it would seem like a Christmas gift. Will be giving a half dozen, eight or so of these, and cant be too exepnsive. A lot of constraints, I know, but .......

I found some $3 single aaa rayovac keychain flashlights at big box store and have some TSA confiscated Vic classics that I cleaned up to add to the keychain. These fit in an altoids tin, so will wrap nicely as a "gift box". Anything else I could reasonably add? Thinking I want it to seem more like a gift than a survival kit, so wasnt planning on cramming all the usual altoids kit stuff in there, like safety pins, firesteel, bandaids, etc. An extra battery for light might be good. What else? Thoughts most welcome and appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Peace
Out
Fred
 
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newadventure said:
Howdy all. I hope this isn't too off topic, if so mods feel free to move or delete. Thinking though if anyone can help, you all can. There are a number of "regular" homeless folks I run into downtown on my may to/from work in the city. I wanted to put together some small gift things for the holidays that would be small, easy to carry, and useful. I also wanted to be able to wrap it so it would seem like a Christmas gift. Will be giving a half dozen, eight or so of these, and cant be too exepnsive. A lot of constraints, I know, but ....... I found some $3 single aaa rayovac keychain flashlights at big box store and have some TSA confiscated Vic classics that I cleaned up to add to the keychain. These fit in an altoids tin, so will wrap nicely as a "gift box". Anything else I could reasonably add? Thinking I want it to seem more like a gift than a survival kit, so wasnt planning on cramming all the usual altoids kit stuff in there, like safety pins, firesteel, bandaids, etc. An extra battery for light might be good. What else? Thoughts most welcome and appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Peace
Out
Fred
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newadventure, a very thoughtful gesture for some down on their luck people. The altoids tin is a great idea, but our two daughters have worked at a local food shelter every Thanksgiving for the last few years. Everyone in our family donates an "envelope" with whatever they can afford & they go to Wal-Mart, Walgreens, etc. & buy the travel sizes of deodarant, toothpaste, shampoo, toothbrushes, mouthwash, etc. & put them into the decorated gift bags & pass them out on Thanksgiving. We have also gathered clothes, coats, shoes, etc. & had them passed out as well. One thing we started doing last year was also buying the small individual first aid kits ($1.99-$2.29). Anything you come up with will be appreciated I'm sure. Kudos for your generous thoughts.
Be safe.
 
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To be brutally honest they would probably be happier with a 40 ouncer each.
 
Well, if you're sticking with the original idea, may I suggest a Mini Bic lighter?

They're very useful even if you don't spend time in the outdoors, you can get the ones with cool designs printed on them at a very good price.
 
Some good ideas - mini bic, travel size toiletries and supplies, toothbrush, etc. The gift bag idea is good, maybe the altoids kit, wrapped, will be one of the items in the gift bag. Cool guys, thanks!
 
how about when you wrap the altoids tin, use spray adhesive, so the decorations will stay on even after the holidays.
 
Not sure if this would fit or not, but "hand warmers"? I use em when working outside during the winter months---the kind in the little plastic wrap that activate when opened. I have a bunch and without looking would think one pack would fit:confused:

I know they're a once & done type of thing so they may not fit the bill.

Very nice gesture by the way:thumbup:

Paul
 
Another thing I find useful in a not-so-outdoorsy environment is a mini sewing kit, like the one you get for free in some hotels.

I have a couple that are the size of a matchbook and really come in handy, however I don't know where you can get those (mine are all from hotels).

Anyhow, in my local Wal-Mart I've seen little "travel" sewing kits in a flat plastic card (like a Swiss Card) they're about a dollar and they look nice.

Another option would be going to your closest Home Depot or Autozone (or even a Wal-Mart) and check the shelves near the register, they usually have small novelty items at very good prices and the quality is a little better than what you'd usually find on a "dollar store".

I've seen pens, mini screw driver kits, some small cheap knives and lights, keychains, tools and other not so useful stuff.
 
how about a couple of safety pins and/or paper clips. Both can be really useful. Though if you get the mini sewing kit TKM mentioned, it might come with a couple of safety pins.
 
The little two pill packets of advil or aspirin. A couple of bandaides. Don't forget some of those mints that the tin comes with in the first place. How about some bus tickets? Small pencil (golf pencil) and some sticky notes. A pair of shoelaces. A card with the printed address of the local soup kitchens, food distributors and homeless shelters.
 
i would have suggested an AA powered light instead of AAA, simply because the batteries are cheaper and will last longer.

buy a spool of heavy black upholstery thread and a pack of sewing needles. and just use a piece of cardboard to wind some thread on. will probably come out cheaper than buying a mini kit with multiple colors of thread.

don't know how many folks who are not into preparedness or bushcraft type skills will know how to use a firesteel without being shown. but everyone knows how to use a lighter. i'd probably get a bulk pack of full sized offbrand lighters from WM or a dollar store.

"full size" stuff from a dollar store may be a better value than "travel size"" stuff from WM, there's a slight premium for the smaller packs.

you can get 35mm film cans for free at any mini photo lab, fill those with asprin or ibuprofein from a generic jumbo bottle.

knit cap, gloves or a couple pairs of socks might be nice.
 
Lots of good ideas. You guys are making me re-think this a bit, but that is a good thing. We'll see how it turns out, fortunately still have a bit of time. Thanks all!
Fred
 
hopefully your rethinking, isn't discouragement. What you are thinking of doing, certainly, is a great thing. To be honest, there should be more people willing to do things such as donating/helping the homeless.
 
stealthchaser13 said:
hopefully your rethinking, isn't discouragement. What you are thinking of doing, certainly, is a great thing. To be honest, there should be more people willing to do things such as donating/helping the homeless.
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Amen . . . Great Idea !!!
Be safe.
 
The Vic Classics are a great idea as they're very handy & will last forever.
Disposable lighters would be usefull too.
A bandana would be good too.You might find some at a second hand store.
Maybe some of the hard coated type chewing gum for a sweet treet.
One of the brands that come in a container that can be reused perhaps.

Great gesture Fred.
 
How about some chap stick? If I was outdoors all the time in the winter I would need a ton of it.

Great service idea.:thumbup:
 
mistwalker said:
An inexpensive gift certificate to a place to get a hot meal comes to mind.
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That's what I was thinking....maybe an Arch card from McDonalds? Not only could they get a hot meal, they can hang there and warm up without getting hassled because they bought something. To be honest, I travel into Chicago for work as well and most of the homeless I see I don't think would really have a lot of interest in a SAK or a flashlight. There are two people in particular that I give money to each Friday. I can't help them all and I picked these two guys because I always see them and, after talking with them, they seem like good people that just made some bad choices. Kudos for trying to help others!
 
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