I have 3 bins in basement that look like this:
Whenever I am out and see something on sale that I love and know would make a great birthday or shower gift, I get it. I go home and immediately put those items in one of the 3 boxes. The kid gifts box has to go high upon a shelf for obvious reasons. The Zhu Zhu pets would be ripped out of their boxes faster then you could blink.
Not only has this saved me money, but it has also saved me time and stress. That's actually more important then the money. Let's face it, once your kids get into preschool, the birthday party craziness begins. I remember at one time Brooklyn had a birthday party to go to every week for 5 straight weeks. I was so thankful that all she had to do was go down to the box and pick out a gift for her friend.
I also stock up on cards at the Factory Card outlet. I can get cards there from .49 cents to $1. I keep sympathy, baby shower, wedding, get well and birthday cards on hand so I can send one at a moments notice.
If you have this system at your house already, I would love to hear about it.
2 comments:
I do exactly the same thing with cards! I keep a variety of each of those categories on hand--more formal, cute, with Bible verses, etc. It certainly increases how many cards I can get sent, if I don't have to make a special trip to find one! I know when I have been in the hospital, lost my mom, or had a special birthday, cards have meant so much to me! I want to return the favor!
I do have some things I can use as gifts but I wish I was more advanced in that area like you. That idea definitely gives me something to put on my to-do list. Since I use coupons, I do have a huge metal five-shelf unit where I keep everything that was free or close to it (body wash, deodorants, lotions, candles, shampoo, etc.). I love to fix up gift bags for people (anonymously, of course) and give them to those in need or those who need a pick-me-up.
Karen in MD
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