How to make swag for your group vacation

Recent obsession: making custom swag bags for trips with friends or family.

When my two favorite travel girlfriends and I went on a cruise to celebrate Mary’s birthday, Kristina and I collaborated to make custom shirts, fanny packs, and sweatshirts for the occasion. It was so fun and pretty easy, so when Tim’s family accepted an invite to spend the Christmas holiday in California with my family, I knew I wanted to make “welcome bags” for us all.

It’s a real sickness. I want to make swag for EVERYTHING now.

First, I discovered a free design software online called Vectr. I was yearbook editor in high school so I kind of remembered how to use Adobe InDesign, and this was a decent and totally gratis dupe. I traced a map of the US to make the outline, then traced a cartoon cactus and lighthouse to add a little local flare. (My parents live in Palm Springs and Tim’s parents are Maine-based.)

It’s a little tricky to find affordable customized items for a small group (many items have minimum order quantities of 50 or 100) but after combing the internet, I found some amazing items. Here’s what I did for our group of 7 people:

+ KOOZIES

Tim’s folks are beer drinkers, so this was an immediate must-have. They were only a couple bucks each online and even with shipping these were my most affordable customized item. I used inkbrander.com. Think about what your group enjoys and create an item they’ll actually use.

+ TUMBLERS

This was the only tumbler available on Vistaprint’s swag site, Promotique. I used the same logo and it couldn’t be easier. This way we’d also have something fun to remind us to hydrate despite all the adult beverages we’d be consuming.

+ CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Since it was Christmas, this was my most favorite idea. I love the simple frosted glass and how packable it would be for the family who’d be flying back home. Look for something appropriate to your theme or occasion.

+ WAX FOOD WRAPS

Not customized, but I love those Trader Joe’s waxed cotton food wraps and wanted to share the goods. You might want to do a similar gift of something inexpensive that you really enjoy and use in your daily life. (Kind of like how Candice Zamporini bought her family blow pokes. Y’know?) (If you don’t get my reference just exit my page now.)

+ SWEETS

Obviously! Candy canes, Dove chocolates, and stroopwafels felt perfect for Christmas.

Making a custom logo is a game changer and makes it feel ultra exclusive and special, but in reality it’s just a little extra work up front and you can use it (or versions of it) for all your custom swag!

Right now I’m also planning a bachelorette party and I am loving the items we’ve chosen. Every time I do a new swag bag I learn more and get better at it.

Have you ever made swag? Or maybe you have an event coming up that you might consider making some custom gifts for? I love it so much, please let me know all the details!

Vacation without all the hotels

I’ve been on vacation since last Thursday. Now I see why people desperately need to be void of responsibility for brief periods of time. Let’s take a snapshot of my life right now so you can get real jealous.

WHO: my parents, some friends from high school, my cat, my cat’s favorite new toy, and me

 My dad and his friend Lenora (not my mother) who will dance with him

High school friend Mikal’s parents run the pickle booth that we worked last weekend. 

WHAT: the best several days ever, because I literally have done nothing of importance with the exception of paying a toll from when I recently crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. (Ps, did you know that it costs $7? Now there’s a #TrollToll.) I “worked” at Stagecoach country music festival, then went to Disneyland, then relaxed in the pool and watched Seinfeld reruns and went shopping at the best outlets near my parents’ place. Deals like WOAH. I got a pair of Joe’s Jeans that fit perfectly for VERY LITTLE MONEY. Bow down.


The only picture we took at Disneyland, because I have a million in front of the castle from yesteryear.  



For some reason I was genuinely terrified of Splash Mountain even though I can keep my eyes open and hands up on that massive California Screamin’ roller coaster they have. 

WHEN: Over a week, before I start my new job on Monday. Seriously excited.


He’s the most perfect specimen, and he loooooves his toys.  
WHERE: where not? The Palm Desert area, Disneyland, up and down California in my Ford Focus. (Try not to be jealous of my sweet ride.)

Gorgeous sunset in the desert during Stagecoach.  

This is Eric Burdon and a couple of the Animals. Totally killed “House of the Rising Sun.” Such a bucket list moment. 

This has been the best and most refreshing few days of my life. Something about being with your folks and just living life with no commitments has been the most restful time. I highly recommend booking a few weeks between the end of one job and the start of another — completely worth it.
The one thing lacking? Exercise. I have walked a TON but no running, no spinning, no barre/yoga/whatever. It’s just so hot and I don’t belong to a gym. But I have a half marathon, uh, next weekend. Straight up yikes.
I really want to join Equinox. It’s just SO EXPENSIVE. But I think it might be worth it, because I like to work out early and then shower and get ready at the gym before going to work.
Who has an Equinox membership? Is it worth it? What should I know?


Do you normally take a break between jobs?


What do you recommend to rejuvenate before going back to work?