I love going to parties but some party invitations come without much notice. Whether it is a house warming, child’s birthday or dinner party invitation my mother always told me you should never show up empty handed. But then again my mother is a travel agent for guilt trips. I always keep a box of gifts on hand. I found this helps me enjoy going to the party rather than fretting over running out to buy a gift. Not to mention it helps keep my daughter out of the toy department which can become a time waster and battle of wills. Here are some ideas to keep your sanity and money:
Stop wasting money on wrapping paper and gift bags. I like to make the bag part of the gift. If it is a house warming, bridal or baby shower wrap the gift in a blanket or rug. Limited Too has some great bags for girls. The bags sell anywhere from $5.00 – $15.00. Add some inexpensive gifts to the bag and voila.
I have also replaced cards with books. My daughter’s school has a book fair now I can support the school and get some very inexpensive paperback books that double as a card. The Pampered Chef also has 1.00 seasonal cookbooks. It is always fun and creative for me and my daughter to add a heartfelt note that can be dated to the cover and cherished for years to come.
I watch for clearance prices on toys all year long. Art kits, paper, coloring books and sidewalk chalk to name a few can be very inexpensive and I see them on clearance at Toys R Us and Target quite often.
If I see a unique gift at a good price I will buy a few. If you visit an American girl shop they have special outfits that can be purchased for 14.00. That is an entire outfit including shoes and accessories in most cases and these are ALWAYS a hit.
The Dollar section at Target has some great items that can be tossed into your bag. I have bought state flashcards, picture frames and journals.
Never under estimate a bottle of wine. World Market has a great selection at the right price. And remember wine is better aged so you can keep it on hand for as long as you need, drink it yourself or offer to a guest at your home.
Bakery cookies are a sure hit if you are running short on time. Stop at your local bakery and purchase their specialty.
If money is something you don’t have but time is, give the gift of a play date. Include what you will be doing as part of the gift. For instance make the card explaining the gift on a colorful recipe card let your child decorate it and include a chef hat or child’s apron invite the birthday girl or boy over to make cookies and send them home with a dozen cookies. You can even give them the recipe.
My close friends and I stopped giving gifts and started giving the gift of time. Whoever is giving the gift of time plans what will be done. Whether it is dinner and a movie, a stroll through the park with an ice cream or out for a cup of coffee. I usually make the card myself and you can opt to pay for your friend or each of you pays your own tab. It’s up to you.
Remember when purchasing and giving a gift to select something you would like to receive and that you will be excited to give. Keeping this in mind is a sure fire way to ensure your gift will be a hit.
