A friend I used to meet up one-on-one to read the bible with told me that her mother had a Gift Box and she had got her current wallet from there (She had to put $20 back in). I thought, "WOW! so organised" But now I realise you have No Choice when you have kids, because gone are the days when you just "Pop In" to the shops. This is good in many ways - you don't waste as much money! But it also means you have to be organised because you can't just duck out every time you need a present for an occasion.
When I have the opportunity, I jump on it and spend $$$ to stock up.
While it is not "Minimal" in that there are many things in there...it IS minimal in that it minimises Stress, Time and Hassle! Plus I try stocking up when sales are on.
What's in there:
1. Baby gifts - when people have babies. So there are bonds suits (about 20), plus books & crayons for the older siblings.
2. Lego - about 5 or 6 boxes. This sets up my 5 yr old son for friends' birthday parties for a couple of months.
3. Olive soap - beautiful, soft, non-toxic stuff. You can even wash your hair with it.
4. Books - mostly kids' books.
5. Art prints - from the Art Gallery of NSW. About $30.
6. Jewellery (not re-gifted!) - bangles, necklace, earrings. I recently took one out to keep for myself (oops!)
7. Stuff from the Art Scene in West Ryde - a lovely little art/framing shop with really cool things for kids e.g. fat crayons, vintage paper boats, water paints, colouring in books.
Here's a link to their website: Art Scene
8. Perfume - for men.
I have a gift drawer - mainly with new baby gifts and a couple of other things (mostly regifting stuff though).
ReplyDeleteI think as my kids get older and go to parties more your idea of having Lego etc is great! I'll have to upgrade to a box though - the drawer is full already. :)
hurray! someone else who thinks re-gifting is not a silly/absurd idea :)
ReplyDeleteWe had a gift box, but it exploded. It's now a gift box + shelf (over half of the top of our wardrobe...). I re-gift too, but only stuff that is still in its box. I am happy to give away stuff that is used, but I feel uncomfortable calling it a "gift".
ReplyDeleteI only give "used" things I find from vintage shops, op shops & markets if I know for certain that the friend is OK with it!!
ReplyDeleteI have one too, my neighbour put me onto this idea. I love the sales tables at Five Senses toy shop for kids books. I also have lego in there.
ReplyDeleteFive Senses at North Rocks? such a great shop :)
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