[offmymeds]

I need some opinions please.............We just had an unexpected $1300.00 plumbing disaster. I had 500.00 saved back for the party and well now it's all gone. So I really have to cut back on my prizes for the costume contest. We usually give out $25 gift cards or $20 scratch off tickets.

Would you be disappointed with a $10 scratch off or 10 gift card to Starbucks or Chick-fil-A? I've also considered a small bottle of crown or wine?

I bought some flashing skull mugs after Halloween last year to put something in so I thought maybe the card and a big candy bar?

Any other ideas?

Thanks

 

[PMTT]

What about a gc to a coffee shop and a basket of baked goodies?

 

[pumpkinpie]

First off, so sorry to hear about your troubles I know how those unexpected little boogers can be on a budget That being said....heck yeah I'd be happy with the gift card or scratcher, heck I'd b happy with just the cup or the candy bar...I think everyone will be happy with whatever you give them so don't stress over it.

 

[offmymeds]

Thanks PMTT, I'm not really a baker

Thanks pumpkinpie, I'm like that too. I would be like 'woohoo" I won something!! I wished I wouldn't stress but I worry about every little thing...I've already had the reoccurring nightmare dream where people are showing up for the party and NOTHING is ready! lol

 

[PMTT]

No worries! What you are planning is just fine! Its more than they came with so I know they'll be happy.
And I am sorry about your plumbing issues

 

[Paint It Black]

The light-up mugs sound fun. And the card and candy will be great. All are good ideas, I think.

 

[kittyvibe]

ew that sucks OMM, its always like this for me too, something comes up to drain the funds for something else. I would be happy with even a $5 gc or scratchoff but then again, I know how crafty you are, you could always make something as a prize instead. If your guests are all friends then they should understand that just attending the party is the best part, getting kewl handmade prizes should be secondary. Dont stress too much about it

 

[JamesButabi]

I would be happy with anything at all. Don't sweat it and have fun with it.

 

[printersdevil]

Wow, sorry about the plumbing problem and expense. Don't stress though. Those sound great to me.

 

[ichasiris]

Those are still good prizes!! I have to run out today to WalMart to get my last prize which is an oversized Rice Crispy Treat which will also come with a tiny bottle of liquor and a Pez dispenser.

I have a Starbucks prize package as well. It's a mug I got on sale for $3, a $5 gift card, Caramel Brulee Balls, Chocolate covered almonds and a tiny bottle of liquor. And my other prize is one I mostly got for free from work. I work in a gym and we have all these little things with the gym logo on them, so it's an Anytime Fitness package! It comes with a mini backpack, stress ball, coozie, fit magazine, PowerBars, and a mini bottle of liquor.

I always get stuff way in advance and space it out, but I think your ideas are good! People are grateful for any cool little prize! Just the glory of winning is sometimes good enough too!

 

[dbruner]

I think your prize ideas are great, I think most people are more interested in bragging rights than actual stuff.

 

[Download]

Yep, I agree! My prize winners will be getting cheap, tacky dollar store prizes and candy! Although I do love the idea of an oversized rice crispy treat with a tiny bottle of liquor. Just the fact that you've made the effort to do anything at all should be the part that's appreciated when you're already throwing a party for them Not to say that I wouldn't lose my mind at a gift card, I just would be extremely suprised if I won something like that because I'm there to have fun and celebrate with friends, not get free stuff! *chuckle*.

 

[texaslucky]

I think those sound like great prizes!

 

[offmymeds]

Thank you guys for all the replies!! I feel so much better now

 

[printersdevil]

Why not used the restraint jacket for a prop of a plumber with a sign about him going out of his mind after charging so much $$$ and having to be restrained. Might be worth a laugh for you

 

[offmymeds]

Hahahaahaaa!! Good idea printer!

 

[DexterSinister]

I assume that some of your guests will be aware of your troubles and word will get around to the rest. I expect that most will be sympathetic. Heck, it wouldn't be unreasonable for you to cancel the party. They'll be glad you made the best of it.

 

[offmymeds]

Some people know and everyone has been very supportive and offered to help with whatever I need. Great friends and family so on with the show!

 

[GodOfThunder]

Heck yeah, those prizes are fine. I don't usually go that crazy even when I can afford it.

I do $10 gift cards, bottles of wine for a few costume contest winners, liquor minis, lottery scratchers, and so on. I give prizes away for some of the Tempt Your Fate fates, costume contest winners, etc.

 

[nathancarter]

Yep, I agree! My prize winners will be getting cheap, tacky dollar store prizes and candy!

Most of our prizes this year were along those lines. A package of Chinese finger traps, a little "gone fishin" game, themed mugs and tumblers, etc. Some of our most popular prizes have been Halloween-themed photo frames, a Frankenstein punching pen (I think we got it at Party City), a hot sauce in a skull-shaped bottle, some themed costume jewelry, and a Chicken-n-Egg stress ball (this thing was hilarious and gross).

The grand prize was a bag containing a big bottle of Game of Thrones beer and some nice chocolate. We probably spent $30 all told on prizes this year... could have done it cheaper if we had gotten the same things from Amazon or Oriental Trading, but many of them were impulse buys at places like Cracker Barrel's store, where everything is double the price as found on Amazon.

Last year at our prize auction, we auctioned off the spot in the "good" bed in the guest room for those who were staying over, instead of having to crash on the floor for the night. This year we gave the good bed to the friends who watched our cats while we were on vacation.