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Original poster

Those gift bags you get when you go on a hen do

197 replies

Poiuytrewqa · 15/05/2025 21:26

I’ve never wanted to appear ungrateful but I’ve always hated them. Full of rubbish no one needs and a pain in the arse to carry round.

But, planning a very good friend’s do and don’t want to skimp. Is there anything you’ve ever got in those bags which you’ve liked?

So far I’m planning:

Paracetamol
Energy gel
Haribo
Mugshot noodles
Vodka shot
Mask of the groom
Itinerary card
A condom

Please don’t comment to say you don’t like hen dos/the bags are a waste of time and unnecessary/the wedding industry is out of control.

I’m just wanting ideas from people who’ve actually liked something they’ve got in one of these bags.

OP posts:
bluebunnyjacket · 15/05/2025 21:28

Why the condom? I'd leave that out if I were you.

An eye mask
Pack of tissues
Bottle of water (you could print a personalised label)
Face wipes

ThePinkPonyClub · 15/05/2025 21:28

Nice coffee sachet
Mints/gum for hangover breath!

ThatBluntZebra · 15/05/2025 21:34

Depending on the location/theme - one handy thing we got once was individual wine glass charms so you could always identify your glass. Was a house share/Airbnb type hen so actually v handy

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Weddings
PoodlesRUs · 15/05/2025 21:35

A condom? Are y'all 14? It's only a gag gift if you think sex is funny and are all awkward about it. If it's a real gift then I'd expect anyone old enough to consent to sex to buy their own.

Since I don't want to be a total arse and you asked for ideas...a scrunchie or headband if doing any pampering and a face mask. But not one of those wasteful sheet ones ideally.

Original poster
Poiuytrewqa · 15/05/2025 21:36

bluebunnyjacket · 15/05/2025 21:28

Why the condom? I'd leave that out if I were you.

An eye mask
Pack of tissues
Bottle of water (you could print a personalised label)
Face wipes

Partly because it’s a hen do so a bit of a joke, but also in case anyone pulls and finds themselves without one, but that does seem sadly unlikely.

OP posts:
Eldermillennialmum · 15/05/2025 21:39

Do a little bag of things people might actually like

Sweets
chocolate
mini prosecco bottle or cocktail
something personalised like socks or a shot glass
face mask

EndlesslyDecluttering · 15/05/2025 21:42

I'd leave out the condom too, I've never been on a hen do when anyone's gone on the pull, everyone usually stays together.

Maybe one of those aluminium bottles of water, they are nicer and more eco friendly than plastic ones and can be kept. The glass charms is a nice idea, that's also something they can keep without being bulky. Perhaps a mini box of cereal for the morning after if you are staying in an airbnb rather than a hotel.

DappledThings · 15/05/2025 21:45

I've never heard of party bags for adults. I'd find it really odd to be handed one.

OP if you don't like them and think they are pointless (which they do sound) have you checked if the bride actually wants them? Maybe she thinks the same and you're just assuming.

I haven't been on a hen do for over a decade but I had no idea this was a thing. Very odd

Original poster
Poiuytrewqa · 15/05/2025 21:47

PoodlesRUs · 15/05/2025 21:35

A condom? Are y'all 14? It's only a gag gift if you think sex is funny and are all awkward about it. If it's a real gift then I'd expect anyone old enough to consent to sex to buy their own.

Since I don't want to be a total arse and you asked for ideas...a scrunchie or headband if doing any pampering and a face mask. But not one of those wasteful sheet ones ideally.

🙄 They could bring their own paracetamol and haribo too.

OP posts:
Original poster
Poiuytrewqa · 15/05/2025 21:49

DappledThings · 15/05/2025 21:45

I've never heard of party bags for adults. I'd find it really odd to be handed one.

OP if you don't like them and think they are pointless (which they do sound) have you checked if the bride actually wants them? Maybe she thinks the same and you're just assuming.

I haven't been on a hen do for over a decade but I had no idea this was a thing. Very odd

It’s very common.

OP posts:
SchoolDilemma17 · 15/05/2025 21:50

It really isn’t! It’s a bit naff

ItsCalledAConversation · 15/05/2025 21:51

Presuming you’re all sharing accommodation, earplugs (the proper wax ones) and a sleep mask.

AnniePavlova · 15/05/2025 21:52

Energy gel?? Yes i need a load of that please.

TY78910 · 15/05/2025 21:52

Willy straws are a must on a hen do!

SecretKeeper1 · 15/05/2025 21:54

Ear plugs
Paracetamol
Chocolate
Shot glass

Do not, as my friend did, pack party poppers and get stopped for carrying explosives.

Gowlett · 15/05/2025 21:59

Yes, I’ve always popped my Willy Straw into my handbag!
Gave me a laugh, whenever I had one in my kitchen drawer.

ISeeTrees · 15/05/2025 22:03

The last one I went on included those gel mask things that just go under your eyes, they were nice.
Willy straws are indeed compulsory (I'd probably ditch the condom and get these instead).
Paracetamol always useful and snack/sweet.

Other ideas from over the years if any of these sounds suitable:
Temporary tattoos
Pen & either "advice for the bride" or ad lib cards (Google & print)
Gum/mints
Rennie's 😅
Shot glass
Can include a game element e.g. one we had a different photo challenge in each bag.

Tbh I think most hen do things could probably be classed as cringe and unnecessary, I just embrace it!

McCartneyOnTheHeath · 15/05/2025 22:06

I've been to many hen dos, never once been given a bag of tat, thank god. OP if you don't like them don't do them.

Original poster
Poiuytrewqa · 15/05/2025 22:08

SchoolDilemma17 · 15/05/2025 21:50

It really isn’t! It’s a bit naff

Unable to read the OP?

OP posts:
NancyJoan · 15/05/2025 22:08

A pair of cheap sunglasses, paracetamol, some blister plasters and some chewing gum

CheeseWisely · 15/05/2025 22:08

if you are drinkers I’d just do a hangover recovery bag. Paracetamol, alka seltzer or berroca, water, a fizzy drink, bag of crisps, maybe some eye masks or a mini moisturiser.

Annascaul · 15/05/2025 22:09

Haribo? Noodles?
It all sounds quite odd. Who needs this shite?

Original poster
Poiuytrewqa · 15/05/2025 22:09

AnniePavlova · 15/05/2025 21:52

Energy gel?? Yes i need a load of that please.

You would the morning after 16 hours on the drink with another day and night to go.

OP posts:
Original poster
Poiuytrewqa · 15/05/2025 22:10

TY78910 · 15/05/2025 21:52

Willy straws are a must on a hen do!

These have been specifically banned by the bride, so yes, need to order some 😂.

OP posts:
ThisMustBeMyDream · 15/05/2025 22:10

Oh shit. It's my hen do this weekend and I didn't know this was a thing (never been on one). If I'd have known I'd have told my MOH to absolutely not do this! Very unnecessary. But if you are dead set, I like the suggestion by previous poster for the hangover kit. I don't drink, but I'd still use that stuff and it wouldn't go wasted.