please note: things to give away (to me) is not little trinkets....

try making something, something that comes from you, from who you are, not spongebob square pants plastic figurines...

one year, someone gave me a post card, that they had painted themselves....that was cool and not expensive to make.

There are many good lists that people create and use for what to bring -- anyone????

we have bins....everything we need goes into the burning man bins...we also use them for clothing and food stuffs. at least three bins...

when you go to leave, you dont have to remember where you stashed all the cool stuff you wanted to bring and when you get home, you dont have to clean playa off the stuff....it may cost a little bit more at first; you have to buy a extra sun block and chapstick and garbage bags, but it can really save, time, effort and money when you cannot find the things you need and may buy double forgetting where you put them.

This will be our second time and last year we took way too much food. Also - remember to keep an entire set of clothes, from undies to shoes in zip lock so when you get away from playa dust you can get somethine clean on. More glow sticks, and extra chapstick.

Bikes,
Shade Structure
More comfortable bedding
more chairs
A table
Water Guns to give to the kids
Super Soaker for me
a watch
A Shower Tent

Cuticle cream
more kleenex
soda, because I went through withdrawals
sugar
more food than just tuna packs and peanut butter & honey sandwiches
gatorade
vitamins
multiple pairs of shoes, so that I have choices
little presents

the new bacon flavored vodka!
bloody marys will never be the same.

Less food
A watch
more second skin bandages - for blisters on feet
only heavy wool socks
less stuff in general

More whips, more rope and more chain.

Things to ADD this year:

Although in general I brought way too much food, what I would bring MORE of is hors d'oeuvres to share. Interesting munchies to put on a platter and serve in the shade structure.

Unique gifts relevant to me and my connection to Burning Man, to give out, especially to camp-mates. Ideally something individual, useful, memorable, and hopefully worth keeping.

More hot-weather clothes. I was heavy on stuff perfect for freezing nights, and light on tank tops. Because conditions vary from year to year, I think the best advice is be completely prepared for the full range with multi-layerable costumes.

A MOLLE vest where I can attach lots of pockets for everything I need frequently, rather than digging through a bag on my back.


Things to SUBTRACT this year:

I brought way more than I could possibly eat, so LESS food. Especially if it consumes valuable cargo space. I notice a lot of people recommending less food, and just as many saying bring more. If you're the type to plan three multi-course meals a day (like me), bring less. If you're inclined to rely on Ritz crackers, peanut butter, and one flavor of Tasty Bites, maybe bring more. There's a happy medium.

NO unfinished projects! Trying to make stuff while on the Playa just takes away from experiencing Burning Man. If it's not done, leave it at home, and save it for next year.

SOCKS!!!!!! seriously, 3 pairs a day. you feel like a new person when a new pair of socks hits your feet. A case of coconut water. There's a reason bacon's a joke at Burning Man, only it's not really a joke. Everyone really does love bacon, and other foods with serious substance. If I didn't have 3 square, protein rich meals last year (my first year), I would've had a difficult time. It's a taxing environment, and sandwiches just won't cut it.