KristenCO asked:
I am President of the Board of Directors for my local volunteer fire department. Every year we have a recognition holiday dinner, and the Board gives something useful to the firefighters as a Christmas gift. In the past we’ve done t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, Leatherman multi-tools, hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, jackets, etc. What would be a unique, useful gift to give the firefighters that costs between $18 and $25 each?
I am President of the Board of Directors for my local volunteer fire department. Every year we have a recognition holiday dinner, and the Board gives something useful to the firefighters as a Christmas gift. In the past we’ve done t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, Leatherman multi-tools, hoodies, sweatshirts, polos, jackets, etc. What would be a unique, useful gift to give the firefighters that costs between $18 and $25 each?
A Playboy, or in some cases playgirl magazine.
I’m a hospital volunteer, and some of the really useful things we’ve received as gifts are:
A flashlight that has a regular beam on the top end, a red flashing light along one side, and a strong magnet on the bottom end
A small travel clock/calendar/calculator that you press the corner of the cover and it slowly opens and swings around behind to become the stand for the piece
One of those flat, round, battery-powered lights you push the curved plastic white lens to turn on and off … it sits on a table or hangs on a wall – very useful by the bed at night, or in the bathroom when you need light but don’t want to turn on a bright overhead light!!
A lidded thermal cup that fits in the car’s cupholder
Passes for two to a local theatre
An Entertainment coupon book
A nifty combo sewing/first aid kit
A compact umbrella that opens up full size. Great for keeping under the front car seat in case of unexpected rain.
A fleece throw that rolls up and has a handle – logo on the flap that holds it when it’s rolled up.
A calendar for the upcoming year … made with photos of us in action … or you could have them submit photos, artwork, etc. for use on the calendar (If you wanted the calendar to be a surprise, you could have them submit such items for a contest.) I think they had them made at the local Office Max or Office Depot.
One of those emergency tools to keep in the car … you can use it to break glass or cut seatbelts in case of an accident … can be attached to the dashboard or door panel for quick access.
An insulated lunch bag with a drawstring pouch on the side for water bottle/beverage container
Everything that we’ve received has either had the organization’s logo, etc. printed on it, or else a specially-printed sticker with logo, date, and something like In appreciation for your time and service, etc.
Below are a couple of websites that have this kind of stuff. I know you can find something that will be just perfect!
How about a catered meal to each squad? I am sure you can find a personal chef or a local restaurant that would cut you a deal for such a good cause. You could have the squad pick the menu for there turn. Sounds like you are a great President and very thoughtful. I like her ideas too ^ . Especially the entertainment book-those are great and I am sure they would use them, plus you could probably find a student who is selling them to raise money for their school-you would make their year! Good luck!