Q: For the last 9 years, we have held a rock'n St. Pat's party. This year is our 10th one. We'd like to do somthing cool for a 'keepsake', but we are on a limited budget. We thought about T-Shirts, but @ around $10 each for up to 50 people, we just can't swing it. Anyone have any ideas? THANKS!!!
A: If you're willing to do an edible keepsake -- how about some Irish candy bars? Something like the Cadbury Turkish Delight, Flake, Curly Wurly, etc. (check this website for the candy bars -- http://www.irishongrand.com/catprod/21. It's a store in St Paul MN. You can't buy from them on-line -- but it will give you an idea.) Or, along that same line -- Irish teas (Barry or Lyons) or biscuits or digestives (ie, cookies). Or, how about Irish car stickers or notepads with Irish sayings (http://www.irishongrand.com/products/64 -- there are some other items that are around $5 each). You might be able to get a discount on Guinness or Harp pint glasses -- especially if you buy 50 of them. The store I was looking at has them for about $9 each. If you do decide to spend in the $10 range -- I'd skip the t-shirt (it's a cute idea -- but doesn't everyone have a drawer full of t-shirts they never wear?) How about giving everyone a feadog (fah-dog) AKA a tin whistle? You should be able to find them for about $9-10 each. My last suggestion, is that you make a commemorative button and do a weird statement about the fact that this year St Patrick's Day isn't on St Patrick's Day. (This is true, St Patrick's Day was moved by the Pope to March 15 this year because March 17 is during Holy Week.)