My only suggestion is that you encase the needles in something so that they can't come through the baggies. Otherwise, I think you could definitely make them very cheaply.

Annie

I think it's a good idea too.

I've been pondering the needle dilemma and I think you could fold business card stock in half and stick a few needles in each one. Even better would be to staple a bit of pinked flannel in each card and put the needles in that, but it would be more putzy and each kit would weigh a bit more.

Annie

Thanks for the ideas! I spoke with a few of my sewing friends and I think we are definitely going to try to do this. Do you know good places to find bulk items like needles, buttons, safety pins? I see a few places out on the web, but I don't really know if they are reputable.

Lisa

http://store.atlantathread.com/

When we were in girls scouts we made personal first aid kits in a film canister. We put needle and thread and a bandaid and I am not sure what else. We then heard that film canisters had a preservative in it. I would think a medicine bottle would work very good. I would think pharmacists would help you out and they should fit in your baggie. Maybe a cute label on it to indicate that it is not medicine. Deanna

Another thing that would work well for the needles would be small plastic vials like they use in laboratories.

Annie

The vials and canisters are a neat idea, but since we have to pack them in suitcases we need them to be as packable and light as possible.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I'm open for more if you think of anything else :)

Lisa