Electric Forest is right around the corner and guests from all over the country are starting to make their packing list. One thing that new and returning guests have always questioned is what to bring to give as gifts in The Forest. EF is known for their communal vibes, so they have given the crowd an outlet to share personal gifts to fellow foresters.
The Giving Tree is one of Electric Forest’s best kept secrets. Tucked away behind the Reincarnation Village and the Silent Disco, The Giving Tree is set up for guests to give and take various gifts of your choosing. We have compiled a list of some of the gifts to bring to set under The Giving Tree to help your fellow forest family out.
Essential Gifts
Gum/Mints
Find someone in the crowd who doesn’t want a piece of gum or a mint to chew on during a performance. I personally took a packet of mints from The Giving Tree last year and still take it to all the festivals I attend. If anyone asks for gum or a mint, I whip these bad boys out to keep the kindness rolling. Bonus points if you bring organic or fair-trade gum and mints.
Lighters
The most annoying problem to deal with at a festival is forgetting, losing, or giving away a lighter. At the exact moment you need one, you remember that you don’t have your own and have to borrow one. Although striking up a conversation over a lighter is common and welcomed at The Forest, sometimes you just want your own.
Pocket Flashlights
Having a mini-flashlight can save your ass numerous times throughout the course of the festival. You won’t trip on tent stakes, you’ll stay (relatively) clean in the porta-potties, and you can successfully ground-score with a pocket flashlight. Give the gift of light!
Bubbles
Every festhead loves bubbles. Blow some positivity at your nearest neighbor for an instant friendship! Grab some scented or colored/UV reactive bubbles for an extra ounce of awe.
Earplugs
Earplugs save lives. The lives of your ears that is. If you want a fellow forester to be able to hear the next morning, grab some high quality earplugs for The Giving Tree. We recommend Etymotic, EarPeace, or Dubs. All hq plugs won’t diminish the sound or bass, but will leave your ears protected throughout the weekend.
Sunglasses/Prism Glasses
Throw some shade at a non-protected forester during the day and they’ll be thanking you all weekend. Make anyone’s night with some cheap prism glasses and watch them become entranced.
Bandanas
Bandanas have so many great uses. Use them to cool down by dipping them in some water and tying them around your neck, use it as a sleeping mask when the sun creeps through your tent, or use it as a dust repeller. Either way, a fellow forester will love you for your ingenious gift giving.
Fun Gifts
These gifts aren’t necessities, but they are still fun to give and receive!
Unique Jewelry
Everyone loves making statements with their jewelry at festivals. Kandi is so last season, so give the gift of cool and unique jewelry.
Buttons
Buttons are basically walking advertisements. Get your message across with the power of free exposure.
Stickers
Who doesn’t love stickers? Bring some cool ones so people are enticed to take them and stick ’em anywhere! RaverRafting will be bringing some of ours so be on the lookout!
Music USBs
We’re all here for the music, so why not give some more. Pack your favorite tracks onto a few USBs to put under The Giving Tree. If you’re an artist, put your own music into the mix for a surprise.
Pins
If you look on any Electric Forest fan page, you’ll see fan designed pins from everyone. Pins are like a type of currency in the festival world. Drop off some of your favorite pins to carry on the tradition.
Essential Oils
Most foresters are attuned to their surroundings and find mother nature a source of medicine. Essential oils are perfect for relieving some of the most popular festival woes. Leave a few viles of peppermint oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, or lemon oil for headache relief, mosquito repellant, dry or oily skin, and heat exposure.
Adult Coloring Books and Markers
Many of us foresters are very creative. Use your down time wisely by putting that noggin to use. Coloring and drawing helps the brain de-stress. Give the gift of drawing to someone waiting to unlock their inner Picaso.
Metallic Tattoos
Metallic tattoos are this year’s biggest festival trend. It’s hard to encounter a fan without a metallic tattoo. If you set these under The Giving Tree, they will be gone in a heartbeat. This is a less permanent way of expressing yourself.
If you plan to give a gift at The Giving Tree, give something that you would want to receive. Hand-made and personal items are always great and inexpensive things to give. Have fun and help make someone’s day. Remember to be a good forester and give if you’re going to take. See you all in The Forest!
Connect with Electric Forest:
https://www.facebook.com/ElectricForest
https://twitter.com/electric_forest
http://www.reddit.com/r/ElectricForest/
http://www.electricforestfestival.com/
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