Reddit mentions: The best vase fillers

If you start with the Starter Set, you don't need anything other than the starter set. No DMG, no MM, no PHB. I'd recommend the PHB if your friends are the type who would be interested in creating their own haracters, but you don't need the rest.

The starting set comes with an adventure for you to play through, a copy of the basic rules that tells you how to play, the information for all the monsters in the adventure (and information on their personalities and how to play them), and blank character sheets as well.

You'll need sets of polyhedral gaming dice, and you can probably get a Chessex set from any gaming store or a lot of toy stores, but of course you can order online. Tip: try to make sure you and your friends all get your own sets, and try not to get the same colour.

And that's all you need. There are other things, which are optional, but they're also cheap so they're worth mentioning.

It is entirely optional to play on a grid; you can do "theatre of the mind" where you describe what happens and the players describe their actions and movement. It's also possible to play on a 1" grid; office supply stores will sell giant pads of grid paper with a 1" grid (I think mine is 28"x34" or somewhere in that ballpark). This is the same stuff you used in high school, but huge. Personally, I find this easier because I don't have to try to keep the whole battlefield in my head, but it's not necessary.

If you do go for the grid paper thing, you'll want tokens to represent your characters. We bought this set, they're close enough for most characters and you can order custom ones from Heroforge if you get really into it. You'll also need tokens to represent enemies; we use glass beads and it works fine. You'll want a pack of markers to draw on the grid paper too.

The other thing I'd recommend is a notebook, and 3"x5" index cards just come in super handy; for example, my players are fastidious about making notes when they get sent on a quest so I write down the salient details on a card so they don't have to (just to save time) until I've got the hang of things. Same with handing out magic items; write it all down on a card, hand it out when the player finds a card (after you tell them, narrative is important!).

Lastly, prep your session ahead of time. You don't have to do much prep, but if you're doing something like Lost Mine of Phandelver (from the starter set), read trough the next part to see what kinds of things are going to happen, what kinds of loot you'll find, etc. That will give you a chance to change things up (for example, to change a +1 longsword into something else if no one in your party uses a long sword). I've had a few sessions where I got tripped up because I got blindsided by The Adventure as a direct result of missing a paragraph in the adventure we were playing, which left me scrambling.

Hope this helps.

TL;DR don't buy the monster manual or DMG yet, maybe buy the PHB, but definitely buy the starter set and some dice.

So - apologies for the length on this. My wedding is in December, about 150 people, with 7 bridesmaids and groomsmen.

I couldn't capture how truly wonderful these came out. One of my bridesmaids got started on the smaller bouquets and then did my big waterfall bouquet. My fiance helped with the corsages and boutonnieres. The grand total for everything - welcome sign, flowers, centerpieces, all came in under $450 and I'm super proud of finishing it up. I'll try to detail what I can and post links to places where I got flowers if someone asks!

​

Bridal Bouquet

https://imgur.com/Oe1uzUJ

I cannot take any credit for this - one of my bridesmaids had the vision and rolled with it. We bought peonies ($36), eucalyptus ($40), calla lillies ($40), and roses ($60) on Amazon. The last little bit of wispy flower at the bottom was a last minute buy at Michael's using a 50% coupon for $2.50. The roses are incredibly realistic and the full stems helped fill out the holders.

A florist would have certainly charged more than $400 just for something this size with the peonies. Similarly sized arrangements on Etsy were about $300-$350. And the flowers I bought for this leftover made all of the bridesmaid bouquets and misc arrangements!

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Bridesmaids Bouquets

Detail: https://imgur.com/W74qjS0

Pre-Wrap: https://imgur.com/ofnivV4

Same flowers as the bridal bouquet! We also used a lot of floral tape ($3, coupon), ribbon ($5, after Christmas sale), and floral wire from the stems of roses that I used on the centerpieces.

​

Corsages and Boutonnieres

https://imgur.com/15aTilR

These were so easy! I took leaves from the rose a peony bundles, then ordered some extra baby's breath ($13, Amazon). Wrapped with floral tape and some ribbon I got on a 50% sale at Hobby Lobby. My fiance did most of the boutonnieres and he was pretty proud of himself.

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Welcome Sign

https://imgur.com/QF7I3lr

Got the mirror at a garage sale ($5, what a steal), had Mod Podge and glitter from the centerpieces. Exploring options of getting a friend with nice handwriting to write the welcome message, or buy a decal off of Etsy (<$25). My cat was needy today and wanted to be in every picture :)

​

Centerpieces

Top w/ Table Number: https://imgur.com/NpheC3j

Low Light: https://imgur.com/4MmfiIE

Detail: https://imgur.com/HygEhD7

This has a lot of details. I first bought the cheap 1-20 wood table numbers on Amazon ($20, I think), the Mod Podge ($8), Fine Glitter ($10, Michael's), and mod podged the crap out of the numbers and layered on the glitter. This took several hours between drying and doing.

We then stumbled upon a $40 deal on Facebook marketplace that included 20 8" vases, 200 Dinopure White Roses, 25 purple fairy lights, various glass stones and beads, and an LED candle set.

I built on this by buying 100 more roses ($40, Amazon), 24x 3" styrofoam balls ($30, Amazon), 2 packs water beads ($15, Amazon), and two colors of the vase mix of floating pearls (Etsy, $40).

I hot glues the roses to the styrofoam balls with enough room for it to still fit on top of the vase. I then wrapped the fairy lights around that, and hot glued the table number to the top.

The water beads and floating pearls are an easy set up. Let the beads swell for a couple hours, pour in the vase and in layers add the beads and stir. Topping off with water gives the floating effect.

​

This was all enough to make ~18 centerpieces, 1 bridal bouquet, 7 bridesmaids bouquets, 12 boutonnieres, 5 corsages, 1 welcome sign, and we're using leftover flowers, vases, plus running medals (my and my fiance's hobby) to round out the decorations. I already have frames ($35, Micheals on 75% off plus extra 20% off super sale) and shimmer paper that I will DIY print any other signs needed.

I like to avoid "stuff" for Secret Santas since many people already have too much of it.

Chocolate

With the description (purple/gold) given I'd try to import some nice Cadbury chocolates. Flake is a texture you won't commonly find in US candy, so might be extra neat.

My mother used to love Quality Street (Nestle), however, the recently made it more "modern" and less "cute".

Software

I like the idea of giving the gift of time. So recently I've been considering software subscriptions to cool services. It's free - but subscription has nice features. Remember the Milk - though you might be careful as the recipient might think you're sending a message.

Clothing

Super girly socks - Like these, or these (toe socks are awesome). I've done socks before; went over well - didn't send the wrong message (don't get anything sexy).

Slippers - I'm not providing any links because I didn't see any that were the right kind of silly.

Household

Nice soaps! - The kind of bar of soap you'd put out for guests. Maybe lavender. Nice soap is awesome.

Some left-field stuff right here purple marbles for vases. Maybe 2-3 pounds. But! Not for vases, but rather the bathroom sink. Want to go darker on this one. Here's the result: http://imgur.com/AlkIdCC

i used to have a desk that i use for a vanity and it only had one drawer so i would put the essentials in there (sigh i miss you, desk) but since i don't have a little drawer anymore i put my essentials in one of those basic cheap acrylic organizer that everyone uses: this one which i love cuz i can fit a viseart palette in each of the top tiny drawers (yay!)... i just sit that on top of the vanity

i also splurged a bit to get this brush penthouse, removed the little holder in the inside so that i can fit in more brushes and filled it with these colorful fillers so that they'd stand upright (thanks to this blogger's idea)

and then with everything else.. well, i got this bookcase from ikea cuz it was cheap. i didn't add the backwall part to it because i just plain didn't like it... but also to fit these in.. and i was able to put most of my unused makeup and backups in those, label the boxes, and put the book case next to my vanity for easy access. i also have one of these type of dressers for my clothes and what not.. but i use the small top drawers for fool-proof makeup that i use when i'm in a rush (tinted moisturizer, mascara, eyebrow gel, etc) and don't have time to sit at my desk

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edit: added bold to the links to make em more obvious x)

Awesome! That's how I play!

Here's a list of things I suggest as a DM:

Chessex Mat
or [Megamat](Chessex Role Playing Play Mat: MEGAMAT Double-Sided Reversible Mat for RPGs and Miniature Figure Games - 34 1/2in x 48in https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015IUAAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KvY4xbHM414K4)
[Vis-A-Vis Markers](Expo Vis-A-Vis Wet-Erase Overhead Transparency Markers, Fine Point, 8-Pack Pouch, Assorted Colors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IFGW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DwY4xbQVVNKTA) to write on the map
[Starter set of minis](D&D Icons of the Realms: Tyranny of Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LSZQXSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.EY4xbCF5B5AH)
Goblin Minis
Search Reaper Minis on Amazon and you'll find some fun stuff
I also use flat glass marbles as place holders for NPCs that I don't have minis for. They were super helpful when I was first starting.
A graphing notebook and drawing paper
Mechanical pencils and a set of his favorite pens

I can't think of anything else

There is a big rock painting and hunting hobby right now that is exactly how it sounds. People collect rocks of all sizes, paint some really beautiful scenes (or you know, toddler level) and then hide them for others to find.

You could order or paint them and depending on your level of patience and time send her on a nearby scavenger hunt (hide them right before or leave a note for NAME to find because others will take them) or put them all in a gift box and maybe hide them all in one spot (same thing, for NAME, DO NOT TAKE, ONLY PAINTED ROCKS).

-OR-

Buy her plain rocks and art supplies to paint herself. They actually sell rocks on Amazon and at craft stores. Yup.

Painted Rocks On Amazon

Just Rocks because $$ for Amazon

I recommend getting white because they are easier to paint

Three fancy animal rocks if you scroll down to buy all three

[One $50 rock, I also saw one for $166!](Italian Landscape Painted Rock Paperweight https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B079G9F21M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EpU8Bb1Z5WFFF)

Etsy has a lot more of a selection of course and there is a rockhunting sub around.

-AND-

My favorite bath bombs have the jewelry in them. This one was my very favorite and while not in the price range you are looking for, maybe you can make her a gift baksrt of her favorite things.

There are a lot of inexpensive Undertaker signed merch for like $20 or less.

I don't know what her makeup she likes but her favorite brand lip or eyeshadow palette is always nice.

A collectors edition of her favorite horror movie.

A Batman or other batman character funko pop.

All those together with one of the rock suggestions would be in your budget, a custom basket and you wouldn't have to hope strangers dont steal things.

🦄

It's these transparent gel beads I ordered off Amazon, they're pretty awesome :). They definitely stay suspended in there. the only issue is that they do float, so you can see them a bit at the top, but overall I'm really happy with them.

Hey! I've got a small little longboard company and have thought of a few solutions to this question. I've not found a way to make pressure sensitive adhesive yet, for the glue that connects the sheet of grip to the bottom of the board yet, but I've only done some googling, not any actual research.

However, I have come up with a couple ways to make clear or semi-transparent grip tape.

[For your grit, you will wanna crush up some sea glass.] (https://www.amazon.com/Koyal-Wholesale-Centerpiece-Filler-1-5-Pound/dp/B00JVGY6FY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484943090&sr=8-1&keywords=clear+sea+glass)

I would use a waterproof epoxy that dries flexibly. Urethane might work, but I feel like it would be a pain to find the correct durometer. Secondly, some softer more flexible urethane's rise a bit more than the harder duro's. Hope this helps a bit!

Thanks for hosting!

1/ [Blue Gems] (https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Blue-Glass-Gems-Lbs/dp/B01N099J9L/ref=sr_1_90?ie=UTF8&qid=1525073186&sr=8-90&keywords=Blue)

2/ [Summer Glau lifesize cut out] (https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Glau-Life-Size-Cutout/dp/B01GFTFZ7W/ref=sr_1_17_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1525073282&sr=8-17-spons&keywords=Summer+glau&psc=1)

3/ [Edible Black Scorpion] (https://www.amazon.com/Newport-Jerky-Company-Edible-Scorpion/dp/B01HBWI4Z2/ref=sr_1_30_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1525073506&sr=8-30&keywords=weird+food) You get to decide if you're going to eat the nippy end or the stabby end :(

4/ [The Crochet Bible] (https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Stitch-Bible-Illustrated-Contemporary/dp/0785830480/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1525073623&sr=8-12&keywords=crochet) to /u/AngryBirdWife because she is the nicest of left handed hookers!

5/ [Skull Session by Daniel Hect] (https://www.amazon.com/Skull-Session-Daniel-Hecht/dp/1582344965/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525073688&sr=1-1&keywords=skull+session&dpID=51DNFgSPgXL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch) Because it is the most awesome of thrillers and intrigue!

6/ [Japanese Lilac Seeds] (https://www.amazon.com/White-Japanese-Seeds-Extremely-Fragrant/dp/B00PCPCBVO/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1525074465&sr=1-4&keywords=seeds)

7/ [Doggy Nail clippers] (https://www.amazon.com/White-Japanese-Seeds-Extremely-Fragrant/dp/B00PCPCBVO/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1525074465&sr=1-4&keywords=seeds)

8/ [Life size Nicolas Cage cut out] (https://www.amazon.com/Nicolas-Cage-Cutout-Celebrity-Cutouts/dp/B01N00HSTN/ref=sr_1_6?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1525074752&sr=1-6&keywords=nicolas+cage+cut+out)

9/ [The Original Blade Runner] (https://www.amazon.com/Blade-Runner-Final-Cut-Blu-ray/dp/B073C1ZYW9/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1525074823&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Blade+Runner+original&psc=1) First version is alwys best version!

10/ [Survival shovel] (https://www.amazon.com/Military-Multitool-Backpacking-Entrenching-Emergency/dp/B01HM80KN4/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1525074876&sr=8-3&keywords=utility+shovel&dpID=4169CuQ8mzL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch) it digs! it defends! it fishes! its sturdy and light weight!

11/ [A new mattress] (https://www.amazon.com/Tuft-Needle-Supportive-Certi-PUR-Certified/dp/B00QBZ265U/ref=sr_1_4?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1525075016&sr=1-4&keywords=mattress&refinements=p_n_size_browse-bin%3A368699011%2Cp_n_feature_five_browse-bin%3A8517627011) The bed I sleep in is terrible and I'm pretty sure it doesn't help with the insomnia I have. If I could correct my sleep I'd actually probably start living a bit more instead of feeling so tired all the time and sleeping but not really resting.

12/ [Add on comb] (https://www.amazon.com/Conair-Anti-static-Detangling-Comb-Colors/dp/B002QF4UYY/ref=sr_1_63_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075158&sr=8-63&keywords=add%2Bon%2Bitems&th=1)

13/ [Seattle Seahawks pillow pet] (https://www.amazon.com/NFL-Seattle-Seahawks-Pillow-Pet/dp/B004V55SDE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075243&sr=8-7&keywords=seattle+seahawks&dpID=51XGGTKfIHL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch) - I'm an Australian native but have been told by my PNW friends that I am now an adopted fan.

14/ [$132,561.00 Chandelier] (https://www.amazon.com/1800-Primo-Collection-Chandelier-Swarovski%C2%A8/dp/B073HFBC15/ref=sr_1_1?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1525075345&sr=1-1&keywords=chandelier) - Totally going to put this in the bathroom above the toilet.

15/ [Why not BOTH] (https://www.amazon.com/Party-Unicorn-Funny-Shark-T-shirt/dp/B073YMP4YH/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075437&sr=8-8&keywords=shark+shirt&dpID=41ZeiRzEx-L&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)

17/ [Nickelodeon Blast Radio] (https://www.amazon.com/Nickelodeon-Blaster-Alarm-Clock-Radio/dp/B00488JUL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075490&sr=8-1&keywords=nickelodeon+clock&dpID=511IUhccNkL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)

18/ [Music for writers] (https://www.amazon.com/Music-for-Writers/dp/B074CM1Q8S/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075532&sr=8-9&keywords=writers+motivation)

19/ [I'll always be obsessed with green coloured things!] (https://www.amazon.com/wall26-Canvas-Wall-Art-Prints/dp/B00UVCFNGI/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075660&sr=8-20&keywords=green+wall+print)

20/ [ChamBONG] (https://www.amazon.com/Chambong-Glassware-rapid-Champagne-consumption/dp/B01916633G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075756&sr=8-3&keywords=chambong&dpID=315NnjGCZSL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch) Serriously wtf bahaha!

Water and sand are the main staples. You can change out the accessories to keep their interest renewed for a long time. Some things we have done:

Water:
Adding soap to make bubbles
Measuring cups, funnels, pipettes, etc.
Sea animals and seashells
Materials to test for sinking and floating
Sponges and dishes from dramatic play center

Sand:
Same measuring cups and funnels as above
Dinosaurs and/or dinosaur bones
Glass gems like these
Coins or other "treasure"

We also have used other materials like beans, rice, dried oats, etc. but they never seem to be as popular as water and sand.

Poker chips work quite well, or those flat glass bead things (these things: http://www.amazon.com/Vase-Filler-Confetti-Scatters-Approximately/dp/B00KHX0EXS/ref=sr_1_19?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1458547560&sr=1-19 But you can get a smaller bag of them for around a dollar, and 1 or 2 bags should be plenty).

I use both for assorted things around the table, currently use poker chips as inspiration, and an assortment of colors of the glass beads as monster tokens, and my players have taken to using some of my spare beads to mark consumable abilities such as ki points or superiority dice.

They make smaller versions of this for "floating" things in water. Makes for a neat optical illusion. YOu can see them here. My wife used them for centerpieces at my sister-in-laws wedding. They start out as tiny ~1mm beads. You soak them in water and they swell to about the size of a marble. Shoving your hand into a bucket of them feels really cool. Somewhat therapeutic.

You can pick up a small bag of vase gems at your local hobby store for next to nothing as well (cheaper than the Amazon link).

I have a set of black gems and a set of red gems and they work fantastic. The weight and tactile feel of a vase gem seems perfect. I use the black for player invokes and red for GM invokes (placed on NPCs and the like).

Along with all the stuff they need (resources like character sheets, rules, setting info, etc.), depending on your budget:

Currency to act as starting gp, sp, etc.

Mana and health "potions" to drink during play.
https://www.manapotions.com/

Colored bags to match the dice.

Maybe a mini that matches their character if they have one already planned out.

Plastic "treasure", like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014JUBGD6/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B014JUBGD6&pd_rd_wg=PmDwP&pd_rd_r=A838KM7QPRE8YXWHJTP1&pd_rd_w=g0Zlk

Pencils with...I dunno, dragons and stuff? Similar erasers?

Marbles, because why not.

Super Z Outlet 1 Pound Bag Clear Water Gel Beads Pearls Vase Filler, Candles, Wedding Centerpiece, Home Decoration, Plants, Toys, Education. Makes 12 Gallons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0134SQN4G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HogKBbWWB9YX4 I got these

Splendor is the opposite for me. Those poker chips are super nice, but they're being used to represent gems. It just doesn't help the theme. I bought these cheap acrylic gems to replace them. The Dollar Tree also has some of these, but the colors are too rich/dark when playing on a dark table.

Played the game once: is this it?

Red Acrylic Ice Rock Crystals Treasure Gems for Table Scatters, Vase Fillers, Wedding, Banquet, Party, Event, Birthday Decoration (Red, 150) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C36KGJG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ezPnDbK6GXBD2

FYI you can buy these at most stores for about a dollar, and yes they are ridiculously fun.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G2TGT58/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1411393665&sr=8-3&pi=SL75

Chicken fingers!

Uno

Dos

Tres

Shit, now I'm hungry!

Thanks for the contest! :D

I picked this up at a dollar store locally for $1.25, They are great.

https://www.amazon.com/Glow-Dark-Filler-Table-Scatter/dp/B07FXYB8BB

Have you heard of those water jelly things? I don't know exactly how they work but basically you have some jelly balls and they turn transparent when filled with water like [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Wholesale-Transparent-Vase-Floating-Separately/dp/B003D8O50C). I've never tried it myself but maybe the lemons would stay preserved longer?

You can just look up amazon for clear gel balls as others pointed out. I got this since you wanted to buy in bulk.

http://www.amazon.com/niceeshop-Mixed-Colors-Crystal-Water/dp/B00G2TGT58

Better Link

Nothing fancy. Just 3 different colored vase fillers. There is 500 blue ones for about $10.

Your local hobby stores or box stores probably have some in stock too. They work great. 500 was a bit much, but it was $10 at stores for 100...so whatever. I already had 2 other colors in the house :P

You can usually get them in flower or garden shops.

Here's an Amazon link
https://www.amazon.fr/gp/aw/d/B01LXKOW8Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?__mk_fr_FR=%C3%85M%C3%85Z%C3%95%C3%91&qid=1519212918&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=water+beads&dpPl=1&dpID=518k2W5T0fL&ref=plSrch

Get some clear glass beads (I got these). Put your flowers in the vase then pour the beads in there up to a few inches or when the flowers stop moving around. Helps the vase to not get top heavy or the flowers collapsing towards the sides.

http://www.amazon.com/niceeshop-Mixed-Colors-Crystal-Water/dp/B00G2TGT58

OP Plz...

closest I found was these

The beads are about 1% some kind of polymer (frustratingly non-specific, but there are a bunch of different ones and I don't know which is the common one) which absorbs a bunch of water and about 99% water. The liquid is water. You could also theoretically do it with various combinations of plastic or glass beads and oil (you just need to match the refractive index).

Example of the beads usually called water beads, jelly beads or hydrogel beads:
https://www.amazon.com/Overstuffed-Packets-JellyBeadZ-Beautiful-Bouncy/dp/B00A2UG7B4/

These are man-made. They are decorative glass stones. https://www.amazon.com/Dashington-Marbles-Pebbles-Scatter-Aquarium/dp/B0077BPDJ8

In my area, they are called 'flat marbles' and are frequently used in flower arrangements and other household décor.

Beginning with the odd title, this was a bit confusing.

Those aren't marbles, they are gardening gel beads, which are used to help retain moisture in potted plants (amongst other purposes). You add regular water to the gels.

You could try using these weird floaty things. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003D8O50C/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3I16RAX8RH3UR&colid=LOONHYQOWZC2