"I've
been keeping a 'gift shelf' since we
bought our house 8 years ago. I currently
have 6 large Rubbermaid boxes full of gift
items. I like to shop for items at a deep
discount that are sort of generic.
We have 2 children and so I stock up
on boy and girl toys. After Christmas
time, I purchase all kinds of basket
stuffers. These can be used at
Christmas time for next year. Some items
can be use for gift baskets in a pinch. I
also try to buy baskets at garage sales
where they are 50 cents each. Often I
find items that I can gift from
garage sales as well.
It's difficult
to budget for gifts. But I like to
forecast a dollar item for each person and
I often go under. I have been tempted to
buy more for that person but I try to keep
that thought in the back of my mind to
resist the temptation.
Finally, aside
from kids toys, I try to gift items that
can be used up. We have way too much stuff
in this world of ours! I also like
to make items that can be used (for
example: bees wax candles. gifts in a jar
etc.)." ~ Christine
