Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have been hired by hundreds of brides all over the world. Let’s talk about Outer Banks Bachelorette Party Ideas.
We’ve all been there. You’re in Nashville (or Vegas, or Miami), it’s 9 AM, the sun is too bright, and you are frantically searching for a pharmacy because you remembered the matching t-shirts but forgot the ibuprofen. I learned this lesson the hard way a few years ago. I ended up paying hotel gift shop prices for Advil while wearing pajamas in a lobby full of strangers. Not my best look.
A well-planned kit isn’t just a cute gift; it’s basically an insurance policy for the weekend. While sites like WeddingWire have great packing lists, the reality of what you actually need usually hits you about two drinks in. This guide covers everything you need to build a survival pack that your crew will actually thank you for—balancing the fun stuff with the functional stuff.
Quick Resources:
Plan kits, schedules, and group needs with the Bachelorette Party Planner
Explore packing, games, and planning help in all bachelorette party tools
If you’re feeling lost on how to put together a bridesmaid survival kit that covers every possible disaster, check out our detailed breakdown.
If you are standing in the aisle of Target right now and need the quick facts, here is what matters. Don’t waste money on bags that get left behind in the hotel room.
Budget Check: Can you afford to buy this for everyone if the guest list grows?
Utility Check: Will they use this after this weekend, or is it going in the trash on Sunday?
TSA Check: If you’re flying, keep liquids under 3.4oz. Don’t be the reason security holds up the line.
Vibe Check: Does this match the trip? Don’t bring club gear to a yoga retreat.
|
Criteria |
Hard Pass (Waste of Money) |
Hell Yes (High Value) |
|---|---|---|
|
Budget |
$50+ per bag on niche items |
$15–$25 per bag on bulk essentials |
|
Utility |
Plastic “Bride Tribe” sunglasses |
High-quality hair claws or scrunchies |
|
Portability |
Full-size champagne bottles |
Mini liquor nips or powder mixers |
|
Sustainability |
Single-use plastic sashes |
Canvas totes or reusable tumblers |
Before you fill your online cart, you have to look at the logistics. A bachelorette kit should make the trip better, not become a burden to carry or a drain on your bank account. I always run items through these four filters:
Organize kit budgets and headcounts with the Bachelorette Party Planner
Costs spiral out of control fast. You need to decide early on if you are doing a high-end luxury box or a budget-friendly token. I always ask myself: “Can I afford to buy this for 12 people?”
The Scaling Trap: You find adorable personalized tumblers for $15 each. For a group of 4, that’s $60. Doable. But if the guest list suddenly expands to 12 people (as these parties often do), you are suddenly looking at $180 just for one item in the bag. Always calculate the “Total Group Cost” before falling in love with a specific item.
Track per-person costs easily using the Bachelorette Party Planner
Let’s be honest: guests are tired of “throwaway” items. The best kits contain things people actually use. I try to avoid cheap plastic fillers that end up in the trash immediately and focus on items that have a life span beyond Sunday morning.
If the party involves a flight, bulky items are a nightmare. I ensure every liquid is under 3.4oz and that the entire kit fits easily into a carry-on. If the kit is huge, I plan to assemble it at the Airbnb rather than forcing guests to check a bag just to transport their party favors.
The kit sets the tone. A wellness retreat demands a completely different vibe than a Las Vegas club weekend. Use the kit to signal to the guests exactly what kind of energy we are aiming for.
These are the functional lifesavers. Whether we are dealing with a late night out or a long day in the sun, these items keep the squad functioning. I prioritize these over aesthetic gifts because nobody cares about a cute sticker when they have a splitting headache. A solid survival kit focuses on biology first, aesthetics second.
Plan recovery kits by day and activity with the Bachelorette Party Planner
The holy grail. I include electrolyte powder (like Liquid IV), ibuprofen, an under-eye mask, breath mints, and a vitamin patch. It is low budget, fits in a purse, and is absolutely essential. If you buy nothing else, buy this.
This pack handles the wardrobe malfunctions. I pack fashion tape, safety pins, a Tide pen, blister bandages, hair ties, and a mini sewing kit. It’s a cheap way to save an outfit—or a night out—when a strap breaks or someone spills red wine.
See our full checklist for an emergency kit for a bachelorette party so you don’t miss the small stuff.
Focus purely on water. This kit includes a reusable water bottle (branded or color-coordinated) filled with different flavors of hydration packets and a reusable straw. It’s eco-friendly and perfect for active summer trips.
A step up from standard recovery, focusing on looking alive the next day. I include cooling eye gels, a jade roller, face mist, and travel-size dry shampoo. It costs a bit more, but it’s perfect for glam-focused trips where you need to be camera-ready by brunch.
For beach destinations, you need specific protection. Aloe vera gel, SPF lip balm, hair texturizing spray, and a detangling brush. While standard kits focus on headaches, this one focuses on sunburns and salty hair.
These bags are the first impression when guests arrive. I love using welcome bags to ground everyone in the location immediately. Whether you leave them at the hotel front desk or on the beds in the Airbnb, they set the stage.
When assembling bachelorette party gift bags for a specific destination, always check if your hotel allows you to leave them at the front desk—some charge a fee!
|
Destination Type |
Essential Item |
“Nice to Have” Add-on |
|---|---|---|
|
Urban (NYC/Chicago) |
Blister bandaids & portable charger |
Uber/Lyft gift card ($10) |
|
Beach (Miami/Cabo) |
SPF Lip Balm & Wet Bag |
Waterproof phone pouch |
|
Mountain (Aspen/Poconos) |
Hand warmers & Lip moisturizer |
Enamel camp mug |
|
Vineyard (Napa/Sonoma) |
Wine wipes (for teeth stains) |
Cheese/Charcuterie snack box |
Match kits to destinations using the Bachelorette Party Planner
For urban trips like NYC or Nashville, I pack a subway or Uber gift card, a map of local hotspots, a portable phone charger, and comfortable insoles. It’s a pricier option, but it saves guests from dead batteries and sore feet.
Heading to a mountain or lake house? Focus on warmth. Fuzzy socks, a personalized mug, hot cocoa or cider mix, and a beanie. These get used immediately upon arrival.
A waterproof wet bag containing a Turkish towel, sunglasses, and a floating drink holder. Towels are heavy to pack, so providing them is a huge flex. A medium-to-high budget option, but one people keep for years.
For vineyard trips, use a jute tote with a lidded wine tumbler, wine wipes (for those purple teeth), cheese crackers, and a wine key. Fits the theme perfectly and is easy to carry around comfortably.
Curate items strictly from the destination city—local taffy, a postcard, a magnet, and a locally brewed beverage. It’s a great way to embrace the travel theme.
The Glass Hazard: I once made a “Taste of the South” bag for a Charleston trip that included small glass jars of local honey. Two of them shattered in a bridesmaid’s carry-on, ruining her clothes. Learn from my mistake: stick to soft-packaged goods like taffy, pralines, or spice mixes.
For the bride who prefers a detox over a re-tox. These bags work best for smaller, more intimate groups where the goal is recharging, not raging.
A sheet mask, a foot peel, a goofy headband for washing faces, and a scented travel candle. Low cost, high relaxation. Everyone loves a little pampering.
Pack a grip towel for yoga mats, an essential oil roll-on (like lavender), and an affirmation card deck. Niche, but perfect for a wellness theme.
Sleep is vital, especially when sharing rooms with snorers. I include a silk sleep mask, earplugs, melatonin gummies, and a satin pillowcase. This is the ultimate survival kit for light sleepers.
Simple and effective. A selection of high-end herbal teas, a tea infuser, and Vitamin C packs. Easy to pack, cheap to buy, and feels very “clean girl aesthetic.”
Edible kits are often the most appreciated because they don’t create clutter. Once the contents are eaten, the guest doesn’t have to carry anything home. Win-win.
A mini shaker, a nip of spirit (or non-alcoholic alternative), syrup mixer, and a dried fruit garnish. It gets the party started immediately.
Individual boxes with cured meat, cheese, crackers, nuts, and honey sticks. Fantastic for arrival snacking when everyone is “hangry” from travel.
Macarons, gourmet chocolates, or nostalgic 90s candy (Ring Pops, anyone?). It’s a crowd-pleaser that works with any budget.
For the morning crew. A bag of premium ground coffee, a collapsing travel cup, and biscotti. This saves the morning, especially in rentals with terrible coffee situations.
When looking for merch, aim for subtle designs. Steer clear of loud “BRIDE SQUAD” text that guests will never wear again after Sunday.
|
Item Type |
Longevity Score (1-10) |
Verdict |
|---|---|---|
|
“Bride Squad” T-Shirt |
2/10 |
Avoid (One-time use) |
|
Plastic Sash |
1/10 |
Avoid (Trash immediately) |
|
Subtle Embroidered Hat |
8/10 |
Buy (High re-wear value) |
|
Quality Sweat Shorts |
9/10 |
Buy (Great for sleep/gym) |
High-quality sweat shorts or a tank top with subtle embroidery, like the date or a small icon. It’s an investment, but if the quality is good, your friends will actually wear them to the gym later.
Heart-shaped sunglasses, temporary tattoos, and a sash for the bride. Low budget and strictly for one-time use, but hey, do it for the ‘Gram.
A small velvet or leather pouch customized with the guest’s initials, containing a simple gold-plated bracelet or ring. Feels luxe, easy to carry, and very personal.
Hitting a music festival? Pack a stadium-approved clear fanny pack, glitter gel, and a bandana. Highly useful for getting through security quickly.
These kits provide entertainment and help bond the group. Essential when you’re bringing together high school friends, college friends, and work friends who have never met.
Schedule games and kit distribution with the Bachelorette Party Planner
A printed list of challenges, a pen, and a funny prize for the winner. Low budget, high engagement, and encourages a little adventure.
A card game like “Never Have I Ever,” dice, and snacks. Perfect for a night in to break the ice without spending a fortune.
The Ice Breaker: At a recent party in Austin, half the group were college friends and the other half were work colleagues. It was stiff. We broke out a customized trivia game about the bride, forcing the two groups to team up to answer questions. It instantly killed the awkwardness before we even left for dinner.
A disposable film camera or a mini Polaroid frame for each guest. Sentimental, fun, and gives everyone a physical memento to take home. In a digital world, film hits different.
Researching kit ideas is the fun part. The actual planning? That’s where the stress kicks in. Between managing different personalities, chasing people for Venmo payments, and executing the itinerary, the Maid of Honor often ends up exhausted before the first bottle of champagne is popped.
Take the mental load off with the Bachelorette Party Planner
If you are feeling overwhelmed, or if your bridal party is chaotic and you need a “calming force,” consider Bridesmaid for Hire. Jen Glantz started this business over a decade ago after realizing that brides and bridal parties often lack professional, unbiased support. Whether you need access to the Bridesmaid for Hire Bachelorette Party Planning Tool to streamline the process, or you literally need to hire a professional bridesmaid to handle the drama, we have a solution. Don’t just plan a hangover kit; plan for your own peace of mind.
If the logistics are getting too heavy, read our best tips for planning a bachelorette party to get organized quickly.
Check out Bridesmaid for Hire to see how we can take the pressure off, so you can actually enjoy the party.
Building these kits should be fun, not a chore. Remember that your friends will appreciate the thought behind the items more than the price tag. Focus on what will make them feel comfortable and cared for, and you can’t go wrong. Whether you go for a simple tote or a fully stocked survival box, the effort you put in sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
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