Anyone else still shopping for Christmas presents? Yeah me too.
I figure that if you wait till the last minute, well, it’ll only take a minute 🙂
And because I am super-cheap, I was totally inspired to shop till I flopped by all the great finds at my local Goodwill store. That’s right. I am talking about discount second-hand Christmas gift shopping. And why not? Not only do thrift stores carry some discounted treasures but then you can save a buck during the most expensive time of the year. And don’t fret about the smell that you are sure to carry with you afterwards – it’ll wash right out.
Now let’s get to some of those wares that I discovered that would make DIVINE christmas pressies.
This punch set comes complete with 12 mini glasses and a serving bowl. And not only does the $9 price tag tug on my heart strings but the star design that adorns the sides of the slightly square sides really makes this find sparkle. No entertainer would regift this one!
And speaking of pretty dishes – don’t forget to look through the stacks at your store for favorite designs or even plates you can dress up with a bit of ribbon. I found these two (each under $1.50) and all you have to do is wash, slip some pretty Christmas ribbon through the holes, fill with cookies and give to your neighbor as a small token of your awesomeness.
And if you have more than one neighbor or a bunch of teachers or friends, sets of dishes or chargers can be a lifesaver…just assembly-line your gifts and make sure to include a pretty tag.
And what woman wouldn’t love to get a pair of glass hurricanes under the tree?
The correct answer is ‘a crazy woman’.
You can throw me in that boat with her because I am CRAZY about these candleholders. I found these for $3 each…not too shabby for the avid decorator in your life. Can’t you imagine them filled with candies and wrapped with pretty satin ribbon? Or how bout revealing these at the $10 limit Christmas party gift exchange? Yeah – you just became the life of that party.
Even unusual items can be sweet fits at Christmas time. A cheap birds house would be just the thing to snag for an electic sister-in-law or that globally inspired aunt. And for only $3 you can afford to stick a silk scarf inside and some European chocolate 🙂 Not only would it be a gift but a unique wrapping!
Kid’s would totally understand the meaning of Christmas with a hand wooden box – fill it up with matchbox cars, or jars of candy or even a barbie grooming kit – and I promise, this box will not leave their hand. Plus, it makes life a whole lot easier for mom – during pick up time, toys get thrown in the box and can be carried all at once to the playroom.
Sure, some cheap finds are perfect as-is, and some, well they need tweaking…sortof like Nancy Pelosi’s facial skin. Nancy – between you and me – lay off the lifts. Wrinkles are hot. Embrace the wrinkles. In fact, try to loosen up your forehead skin a little – your eyebrows are growing into your hair line. And honestly, it is kinda freakin me out.
Okay – enough woman to woman banter….let’s move back to Goodwill shopping. Now wouldn’t this little hanging bin look darling with a new coat of paint? I can see it stuffed full of bathroom goodies – perfect for slipping into the loo for guests or for bestowing upon a friend like a gardening goodie-tin or a spa kit or you could even paint it and stuff it with a poinsettia for a hostess gift.
And let’s not forget about those booklovers – Goodwill has TONS of great books that are not just affordable but some can even help you CREATE great presents. This one from Martha Stewart Living is like a gift that keeps on giving. It gives tips on how to make homemade napkins, create hostess gifts and even put together gift bags for the loved ones in your life.
And for those of you that are still working on getting the courage to visit your local thrift store – yes, cheap stuff can intimidate some people – I put together some $20 and under gift ideas that will be sure to get you a spot at the adult dinner table….no thrifting required.
For the cook
Cupcake tree $14.99
Blue foil bon bon baking cups $1.59 for 75
Peppermint crunch sprinkles $3.29
For the Musician
Itunes giftcard $10
Ludwig ms1 hickory marching wood tip drum sticks $7
For the Ladies
Geometric Garden Dessert Plate $4
For the Naturalist
Rattan Cone Tree $8.38
Garden Song Classic Bird Feeder $4.37
For the Fashionista
Cable-knit Scarf $10
So tell me friends, have you ever found the perfect gift at a thrift store? Or maybe you have other penny-pinching present purchasing tips up your sleeve? Anybody have any other ideas about the perfect Christmas gift? Tell me all about it.