Wednesday, February 11, 2009

WFMW: The Store In The Closet.

Ok, so this is a cop-out since I've already written this article for Grace and Honor, but I figured it will also work for me as a WFMW post . :)

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Have you ever been faced with an unexpected event and wished you had a gift to go with you? Perhaps it was a birthday party, a ladies’ gathering, or a family having you over for dinner. Rather than rushing around at the last minute and stopping at a store on the way to your destination, I offer you an alternative: the store in the closet.

The store in the closet has supplied me with countless gifts over the years and I was able to purchase them at a fraction of the cost! Let me explain how it works.

In my closet I have a rubber tote filled with gift bags, tissue paper, gift wrapping, and a variety of other items. The “variety of other items” is your actual store in the closet. As you go through department stores, grocery stores, consignment shops, antique stores, tea rooms, farmers markets, convenience stores, gift shops, yard sales, craft/fabric stores, community fundraisers, tourist shops, malls, specialty stores, flower shops, restaurants, estate sales, auctions, and flea markets, keep a lookout for items that can fill your store in the closet.

You probably have a very good idea of the things your friends and family collect and wear, so why not purchase an item that makes you think of so and so? Purchasing these items well before the event takes place means you’re not in a frenzied rush trying to buy an over-priced item for Aunt Sarah’s 80th birthday party.

Once you have your store in the closet set up, all you have to do is go shopping in your store for the appropriate item when the event comes up. Also, it’s always a good idea to keep pretty stationery, pens, ribbons, gift bags, wrapping paper, scissors, and tape on hand. Keeping it all in one place is the most efficient way to finish out your gift.

Remember Proverbs 31:27 ~ “She looketh well to the ways of her household.” Frugal gift-giving can be done… and you’ll probably save more than two cents along the way!

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Go check out
Shannon's blog for more ideas!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Great idea! I like it. I have to find a space for it though.hehe
I think I may start something similar though maybe and store it in a big tupper or box under the bed, as we live in a apartment.
thanks!

Anonymous said...

I try hard to think in advance for gifts... and always check clearance racks for anything that looks "just right for so-and-so." A significant portion of our gifts are purchased in advance at half the price it looks like they were. :)

Kaycee said...

This is a great idea. I'll have to watch clearance sales more closely.

Anonymous said...

Even better for your soul: Look through your closet for something of YOURS that you can give away, that the recipient will enjoy as much as or more than you did.

arbee said...

I do this and then keep stuff on hand for the "emergency" gift - for example, a coworker's farewell or a thank you gift for someone... I keep my eyes open for jewelry, candles, bath stuff, etc. on sale and add that to my stash too! :)

April said...

Oh my goodness! My mom has one of these and it has been a lifesaver many times. Especially those last minute parties or showers that you forget about. I really should start one all for me! A "Store-in-the-Closet" ...what a novel idea :)