The Bags

• Find inexpensive gift bags at your local hobby, craft or dollar store to use for your cheerleader gifts. For a special touch, tie ribbon around the bag handles. Write the cheerleader's name on the front of the gift with glitter glue or hologram stickers.
  
  There is no need to buy more expensive gift bags with fancy textures or glossy finishes. Regular paper bags in your school's colors will be durable enough.
  
  

Food Gifts

• Candy is a great item to include in cheerleader gift bags, as long as your coach allows you to eat candy in uniform. Most coaches do not allow chewing gum while in uniform, so it is best to avoid it in your gift bags. Mints, soft candies and bite-sized chocolates are good options.
  
  For a healthier alternative, put granola bars, decorated bottles of water, fruit strips or small sports drink bottles in your gift bags.
  
  

Functional Items

• There are many items that cheerleaders regularly use that are great in gift bags, such as hair ties, ribbons and scrunchies. Team-color nail polish, lip gloss, face and hair glitter, and travel-size toiletries are also good ideas.
  
  

Spirit Items

• Get creative when it comes to including spirit items in your cheerleader gift bags. Try giving mini-megaphones in your team's colors, mascot-themed earrings or small travel or makeup bags in your team's colors.
  
  Buy small plush bears from a hobby or craft store and tie team-colored ribbon around their necks for a cute, spirited gift bag item. Another option is to put a miniature sports ball (football, basketball, and so on depending on the season) into your gift bag. Purchase mini sports balls from dollar, craft and hobby supply stores.