Birthday Bargain Gifts

[Chocolatechocolate]

Does anyone have a gift closet or drawer? I have started to look for bargains at Target, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, etc. that I can save to use for gifts. I found some wonderful books at Waldens, too. With two small children who are invited to a number of birthday parties I have really enjoyed having a stash of items to pick from to use as gifts. I also picked up gift bags at Big Lots for 99 cents each and had collected a bunch of tissue paper after Christmas.

The children enjoy going to the closet and picking out items for their friends. I enjoy not having to run to the store and in a hurry pay full price! The gifts have run approximately $5.00 to $6.00 and that is including the bag and tissue paper. I puchased a box of birthday cards at Hobby Lobby on sale with Veggie Tale characters which are very popular here. If I had paid full price for the gifts they would have run anywhere from $15 to $20!

[Sara Noel]

I haven't had a gift closet in a long time, but it's never too late to start. I was really behind on Christmas gift buying for the kids and should really start one this year.

[cmu]

I have a small box that has a few things I picked up on clearance at Eckards, there are only about 3 gifts in there right now but after we move into our new house I will probably be starting one.

[Michelle]

Originally posted by Chocolatechocolate
Does anyone have a gift closet or drawer? I have started to look for bargains at Target, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, etc. that I can save to use for gifts. I found some wonderful books at Waldens, too. With two small children who are invited to a number of birthday parties I have really enjoyed having a stash of items to pick from to use as gifts. I also picked up gift bags at Big Lots for 99 cents each and had collected a bunch of tissue paper after Christmas.

This is a great idea--can you give me some examples of things you give as gifts (other than the books you mention above)?

[homesteadmamma]

Michelle I was wondering the same thing but this thread is dated back in 2002 and I'm not sure the member is still around.

Hmmmm wonder what others do.

[Mom23boys]

Ikeep a gift closet year round. I stock it with games from Amazon that usually go on sale B1G1 free with FREE shipping! I also pick up bath sets for boys, girls and women and also prefume sets from after Christmas sales to keep in them. I just try to keep an eye open for anything that goes on the clearance shelf that I think any child would like....puzzles, books, board games. I also buy picture frames, videos, etc. for adults and teens.

[pip]

I like this idea. I have picked up clearance items at Target. My two oldest kids have started being more picky, but I think my youngest son would like to "shop" in the closet or drawer!

[PrairieRose]

I keep a gift closet too. I usually have plenty of things on hand for wedding showers, birthdays, etc.....for most people. This past year I bought the dk's gifts mostly in advance on clearance. I got 2 of the kids (that didn't already get one earlier) a home theater system for about $40. They are very nice and the kids were thrilled with them. They were reg. $120 each. I also look for personal items like lotions, shower gels, candles, etc.....to keep in there for last minute gifts. It's very, very handy to have on hand. (the gift closet that is)

[AmyMCGS]

I keep what I refer to as my gift closet-- although in reality, it's several huge rubbermaid tubs-- year-round.

In it, I put great deals I find and can use as gifts. Generally the things in it are found on clearance sales. Sometimes they have a specific person in mind, other times they are 'generic'.

Currently in my stash you'd find:
-- stationary sets (boxed sets for $1 from a Christian book store)
-- candles (bought off a coworker's child's fundraiser)
-- photo frames (Kohl's clearance)
-- a car vacuum (Target clearance, thought it would be a good guy gift)
-- yard ornaments (clearance- for DH's grandma, who loves those critters on sticks to put in her garden)
-- several small books on various topics
-- puzzle books
-- a few decorative items from the Christian book store
-- children's nursery rhyme cassette tapes
-- two baby sleepers (clearance deals at Kohls'-- I only paid $1.50 for one & it's made by Carter's!)

I'm sure there's a lot more in there, but that's all that's coming to mind right now.

I buy greeting cards in bulk and keep them in a divided organizer box. Wrapping paper, tissue, and gift bags are also purchased on clearance and I keep that supply in another Rubbermaid container.

[BlessedMommy]

I have a large rubbermaid tote that I use as my "gift closet." In it are books & toys I have found on clearance throughout the year. I try to pick up things that I think dks will need for a birthday party at some point or that I will even give to them for their birthdays or for a special treat. I have lego sets, craft kits, matchbox cars, puzzles and games, etc. I have a couple of board books to use as baby gifts. I have some Bath and Body Works lotions that I stocked up on at a great sale after Thanksgiving. I try to buy stuff that is not trendy just incase the trend moves on before I give the gift!

I've learned not to buy to far ahead and too much. When dd was in Kindergarten she was invited to all kinds of parties, but now that she is in 3rd grade that has really slowed down. On the other hand, ds is turning 5 tomorrow and in the past 4 months he's been invited to several parties. I think I'm seeing a trend here!

Somethings are in the box labeled for a specific person. For instance there is a bag in there for a neice who has a birthday in the spring. I found a cute pair of sock on clearance that had her initial on it and at a pre-Christmas sale I found a game that she loves to play when she is at our house. So now I am all set for a March birthday.

If there is something in the gift box that doesn't get used for a while, it gets donated to Angel Tree, etc.

It is so nice to have gifts on hand for invitations that come at a busy time. But one of the things I like the most is that I've hardly ever had to pay retail price for a gift!

[Jayne]

I've never done this, it sounds great!!!!!...I'm gonna start a gift closet too!!!!