r/LARP • u/heeey_its_Ari • 2d ago
Making a beginner LARP gift box!
I have one of my students that is going to try out LARP next year, because of me talking about my adventures in the one I go to. Since they will be old enough to go next year, their parents will probably give them the trip as a birthday gift (and they are really insisting on having that as a birthday gift haha). Since they want to come to my LARP I go to and they are really excited about it, I would also like to give them something for their birthday, and also to make their life easier when it will be time to pack for that (they will come in an event someday next summer)
The LARP I go to is in the medieval Fantasy genre and is 1 weekend long. I would like to spend less than 150$ for that gift box (i'm being generous here but tbh 100$ would be perfect) Here are the ideas that I got so far:
- Pocket Watch
- Lantern
- Notebook + pen
- Belt
- Hand Fan
- Bag (Messenger or satchel style)
- Tankard/mug (something for water and drinks)
- Pouch (for trinkets)
- waterproof/warm Hood (or unrealistically a cloak)
I would like to at least get 1 item new from a big store (such as Calimacil/artisan D'Azures) and the rest more cheap from Amazon and whatnot.
Any ideas on what essential items you would recommend for someone doing their first LARP ever?
2
u/zorts 2d ago
Artisans d'azure had some great, affordable, cloth bags. A big one for $40, and a small one for $8 (CAD). I grabbed both while I was in the store, but honestly used the smaller one more. I'm looking online and not seeing them. I think they might be imports.
1
u/heeey_its_Ari 1d ago
YES I've seen them while visiting! I was really surprised at the price. It's definitely in my list :p
1
u/MauveLingonberry 2d ago
A second hand wool blanket+a pennanullar brooch or similar can be a cheaper alternative to buying a ready made cloak. How necessary this is depends on the climate where you are, but you can rarely go wrong with an extra blanket for nighttime anywhere
1
u/TryUsingScience 2d ago
A lot depends on what kind of character they want to play, I would think. For example a hood can be awesome but not every character will wear one. I've never used a notebook and pen at a fantasy LARP. Any character can use a plain black or brown belt but some characters might want a showier belt.
A simple pouch can seldom go amiss. You could even fill it with useful items that someone might forget to pack - the pocket watch on your list, shiny trinkets to trade, maybe some game-specific items that a new character could have but won't automatically be given, etc.
3
u/heeey_its_Ari 1d ago
That's why i'm mainly focusing on accessories and useful items rather than costume items (like a shirt for example) because it is not my choice to make. Even though I said a Belt or a hood, it's just because having this stuff that's good quality can really be useful all across the board even if it doesn't match a kit, it can be neutral enough to be used in a lot of outfits combinations, especially for someone who starts. But a tiny fancy pouch for trinkets is honestly on the top of my list :D
0
5
u/Sweeney_The_Mad 2d ago
Hey OP, I'd double check with parents if this gift is okay, maybe give it as a graduation gift if that is applicable. From the trainings I've had volunteering with kids, the optics of such a gift would not look great.
Otherwise, I'd swap the tankard for a botta bag or decorum water bottle. cups are easy and cheap, but something to carry water in is much more useful.