What's In My Bag- SDCC Edition (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

Its that time, people! No more counting down the months until San Diego Comic Con, its now just days away! Today I'm sharing what I plan on taking to SDCC with  me, what I recommend you bring with you, and....there's a tiny, non St Jude related giveaway at the bottom of all this :) So lets get started.

1. You will need something to haul your goodies. Yes, you get that free bag when you come into the convention, but I find them not at all practical for my hauling needs and usually just fold it up and put it in my backpack. Backpacks or messenger bags are my bags of choice for conventions, but everyone has a preference. I just like them because you can distribute weight evenly across your back (backpack) or switch shoulders accordingly (messenger bag).

2. Cash or Credit Cards. Nobody fools with checks anymore, just don't do it. And sometimes, people don't mess with credit or debit cards either, so cash is always a good idea. Large amounts are not recommended, if it gets lost or stolen, well, you're out a lot of money. I say, bring $50-100 cash per day, and leave your cards for the rest.

3. Pens, pens and more pens! Or at least enough that if you lose one (or two), you will have another for those impromptu "Can I have your autograph!?" moments. I like Sharpies because they don't usually smear, but again, its really your preference. Also, the scrapbooker in my says to chose something acid and lignin free, so they will last as long as you need it too.

4. Notebook, sketchbook or other writing surface. This goes along with the pens. If you run into a celebrity, you need to be prepared. I like to carry a Moleskin or Mini Smashbook with me for just that occasion. They also make really awesome mini scrapbooks. Wristbands, ticket stubs, stickers, etc can all be put into it at random, and you come away with a fun souvenir at the end of the con.

5. Medication and bandages. I have carried a mini pharmacy with me ever since jr high (maybe that's why I chose it as my career path lol). The Girl Scout in me lives by that Boy Scout motto of Alway Be Prepared. I'm not suggesting bringing prescription meds into the convention (unless you absolutely need them), because they run the risk of getting stolen. I'm talking the travel size painkillers, anti-diarrheals, Dramamine (random nausea is an issue for me), those types of medications. You don't want to miss out on anything because of an upset tummy or a raging headache. I also carry a travel size first aid kit with me, because I'm clumsy and nobody wants me bleeding all over their merchandise.

6. Personal care items, whatever that means to you. I like to bring hand sanitizer (usually more than one bottle) with me, because I'm a little germophobic. I think that comes with being a mom. I wasn't as obsessive about germs until I had kids. I also carry flushable wipes, because sometimes you have to use that stall without toilet paper. Some people bring toothbrushes and things to the convention for touchups throughout the day, I just bring a lot of gum.

7. Electronics. (Cell phone, camera, iPod, Nintendo DS, etc) Bring at your own risk, but if you want a way to unwind or to capture those "OMG I can't believe that just happened/that's so cool/WTF moments", you will need to bring at least one of those items. That also entails bringing the proper accoutrements. Extra batteries, charging wires, whatever. I personally bring my phone and camera, and then hope they don't die. I am notorious for leaving my charging wires at the hotel or even at home, meaning I usually have to go out and buy some aftermarket wire.

8. Snacks. Convention food is way overpriced and not that great, so I like to bring in my own snacks. Dried fruit, fruit snacks, 100 calorie packs of anything are usually good enough to hold me over until we can find a restaurant to go to, and they are small enough that they don't add a lot of bulk to my bag. My husband will usually bring his Camelback with him, so we just drink from there as needed.

9. A deck of cards. Or any other small, portable game. I haven't had the pleasure of waiting in that Hall H line, but I've heard its a doozy. What better way to bond with your fellow con goers and choke back the boredom than with a game? Cards Against Humanity is great for those with a twisted sense of humor, Uno is nice for those who might be a little more timid. Or just bring a regular deck of cards. You can play countless games with it, and they double as a nice writing surface should you run into a celebrity and you don't have anything else for them to sign.

10. Poster tube. This is not a bag item, but you will definitely need one. We bought one at WonderCon this year for $10 and it was a good investment. Our posters came home in one piece; I can't say the same for other years when we just rolled them and put them in the bag.

So those are my SDCC must haves. Did I miss anything? And since I rely on these items so much, I thought I'd share some of them with one lucky winner! I know its not as cool as The Nerd Fu's Comic Con Survival Pack giveaway, but its my way of sharing my SDCC excitement with all of you! Also, you can enter this even if you're not attending a convention any time soon, I seriously carry most of this in my car/purse at all times.

Prize includes:
*1 Smash journal
*1 Smash gluestick/pen combo
*1 roll of Scotch comic washi tape
*2 black Sharpies
*1 Bandaid travel first aid kit
*1 travel pack of Cottonelle flushable wipes
*1 pack of  Doublemint gum
*1 Dial hand sanitizer
*1 travel sized Advil
*2 sheets of stomach relief tablets

Rules are in the Rafflecopter Terms of Service, but the basics are that this is open to US addresses only. No giveaway accounts allowed, you will be disqualified. None of these options are mandatory, enter as many or as few ways as you like. Contest ends on July 17, 2014 at 12am Pacific Time. Good Luck!




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