It’s that time of year again! Where we get to collect bags filled with practical and pretty items for those in need. I know I’ve said it before, but what I love about Share the Dignity is that it’s practical, critical items, going directly to those who need it. My kinda charity.
If you’d like even more inspiration for what to put in your bag, you can have a look at the bags I put together for this drive in 2016 and 2017.
I’ve detailed below what I purchased and where. Hopefully it will give you some ideas for what you can put in your bag. If you don’t think you have the time to purchase all the items for your own bag, you can purchase a pre-made bag here for only $29.99.
If you have a bag all made up – good news! Once again, Bunnings have come on board to be a donation point. Please drop off your bags between 16th November and 2nd December to ensure that they are sent on to those who need it before Christmas.
2018 #ItsInTheBag For Share The Dignity
Firstly, the all important bag!! I had been looking for ages and didn’t want to get something generic because blergh to generic. I finally came across this bag, in perfect condition, in an op shop for $4 and thought it was perfect for Its In The Bag. Sorry to go corny on you but I hope it is a ray of sunshine for those receiving a bag.
Kmart
Water bottle $2 or $3 (I can’t remember!)
Make up (these were marked down to about $2 total):
Priceline
Toothbrush $1.49, Mouthwash $1.99, Toothpaste $1.39.
The above shower gel/lip balm gift back also came from Priceline and was $5, but I had a $5 voucher so it was free for me.
Supermarkets
$2.80 deodorant:
Tampons $2.50
Shampoo & Conditioner $2.25 each:
Pads $3
Variety store
Diary $4
Hairbrush $3
Soap $1
Face Wipes $2
Samples
Throughout the year I take up on the offer of samples when I come across them and save them for ItsInTheBag.
All up I spent about $35 to make this bag:
Tips To Make A Great ItsInTheBag
Essential items to include:
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Sanitary Items
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Soap/deodorant
Other great things you can include:
- Notepads/diary/pen
- Hairbrush/hair tie
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Umbrella
- Water bottle
- Poncho
- Jewellery
- Scarf
- Book
- Nail polish
- Coffee voucher (note, you will require access to a printer)
Do NOT include (for the safety of recipients and volunteers who check & distribute bags):
- Sharps (nail files, nail scissors etc)
- Food (including gum)
- Medicine (eg paracetamol, condoms)
You can also make a nappy bag and teen bag. See below for suggested items:
Are you making an #ItsInTheBag in 2018?
Hi Ness – such a great initiative. A lot of my local friends join this too .
I love it how it’s personal and goes directly to someone who needs it. Simple & effective.
I have the bag – one of my faves. Almost 9 years old and still in lovely condition. Time for me to share it with someone else now. Hope it can make someone else as happy as it’s made me. Now I just need to fill it
Oh that’s a good sign! I was so pleased to find it in an op shop in perfect condition – I was inspecting it worried that I’d find stitching coming apart or something that meant I couldn’t use it for this!
Hi Ness, I did this last year and intend to do so again this year. It is a wonderful way to help women and you’ve given me a couple of extra ideas. Thanks!
I love how simple and really effective it is.
I love this charity and am a volunteer for them. I will be away for most of the collection this year so only doing limited but it is such a worthy cause.
I’ve only put myself down for one pick up this year but I’m so curious to see how many there will be!
Totally awesome! Thanks for the reminder! I’ve been a bit on the back foot being overseas but I’m going to get on to this stat! I LOVE that bag and it’s thoughtfully curated contents!
The bag was literally the perfect op shop find.
Love the bag you put together and love the Share the Dignity initiative! =)
So good – I love direct and practical (and funky!) support.
I love how you remind us all to get onto it every year. I did two bags in 2016 and it was over the top in terms of cost …so in 2017 I did one and it went OK but I thought the people at Bunnings were rude. They had no idea. So in 2018 I am going to do the one via Chemist Warehouse and thank you for sharing that..in my head it was Priceline!!
Denyse
Oh yes I spent a LOT last year. Cut back this year but I’m surprised how much I got in for $35. It’s a shame you had a bad experience with Bunnings – must be hard for them to communicate a “random” charity thing to every single staff member. I think the Chemist Warehouse bag is a good alternative.
I just did it this afternoon via Chemist Warehouse. In the past I wanted to buy so much for ‘the person’ and that is why my total went up. This time I know I took an easier option but it helped our household budget.
Thank you for joining in #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is “Best Cake I Have Eaten”. P.S. I think mine will have several entries!! Denyse
I think this initiative is such an awesome one!