Inexpensive Gifts #2

In the past I have urged people to use the dollar store for gifts and suggested ways to be imaginative about it. Well, it may be even more important in these tough economic times to use the dollar store.

You can get really good gifts by thinking about what can be put together. If someone likes to cook put together a couple of kitchen utensils, a jar or two of spices, a potholder and wrap it all in a dish towel or two and tuck in a recipe that would use the spices.

For someone whose life is harried (and whose isn't) put together a mug or two, some tea, a candle, some chocolate, maybe a CD and a few words about relaxing along with a favorite poem of yours.

Take some time to look at what is available and think about how you can put the combinations together. This is what makes a gift special and personal and gives the recipient the feeling that you cared about what you gave.

The dollar store can also be great for gift bags, wrapping paper and bows.

Survivng The Holidays #5 -- Inexpensive Gifts

A new dollar store recently opened in my area, in a somewhat upscale strip mall that also has a giant Whole Foods, among other stores. I went to see what it's like and in a way it's an upscale dollar store (upscale dollar store, there's a concept). Some of the things I'm used to seeing at dollar stores as well as some of the food items are not there but there are some wonderful holiday wraps and bows and great craft supplies (I like stickers), and stuffed toys along with the usual cleaning supplies, cereal, microwave food items, paper goods, picture frames, mugs, crossword puzzle books and dollar store stuff.





I was reminded once again that dollar stores are great places to go for inexpensive gifts. It just takes a little imagination to put something together from a few items that fits the recipient. If someone likes to cook get them a few kitchen items. A knife or spatula, a potholder, a trivet, a spice and wrap it all in a dishtowel. Put in a recipe (preferably using that particular spice) and you've got a nice gift. For someone who is always busy and could use a relaxing break in their routine put together a candle and a piece of nice candy (preferably chocolate, for most people) and a mug and some tea bags or hot chocolate mix and copy or write a poem about time to relax and watch the world go by.





By putting a few items together as a themed gift that fits the person you can have something they will enjoy and which will show your thoughtfulness.