The heart-shaped tins I bought on deep discount after Valentine's Day many, many years ago. (I bought several of them at about 75 cents each.) Here's what I put inside:
- Brightly-colored wool socks -- from a set of 5 pairs, each knit in a different selection of colors, that I bought from Amazon -- about 2.79 each pair.
- Body Shop bath bombs -- Dec. 26, the Body Shop had their annual sale online, with bath bombs offered for 75 cents each very briefly. I also had a coupon plus free shipping -- I paid 66 cents each. I put 4 into each tin.
- Bath & Body Works shower gel -- in early December, B&BW had a one-day sale on all travel-size products (shower gel, hand cream, body lotion, fragrance spray) for $1.95 each, limit 15. I also had a coupon, bringing my cost down to $1.55 each. (These items are regularly priced at $5 to $6 each.) I put 2 in each tin.
- Total cost for each tin -- $9.28, including the tin.
How I shop is as important as what I buy, in order to put together gifts for under $10. I watch for special sales before and after major holidays. When I come across a spectacular deal, I think through the recipients for all of the upcoming gift-giving occasions.
With the B&BW products, since there was a limit of 15, I thought through all of the women on my list and the appropriate upcoming occasions. I made a written list of what types of products and fragrances I wanted for each woman and what occasion I could use each for. Since these are travel-size products, some of them will be good as stocking (or gift tin) fillers, others will be good in a gift basket of related spa items, and a group of others will be bundled together in a fabric pouch or cosmetic bag like a gift set.
With the bath bombs, I knew from last year's experience that the Body Shop has a pretty great sale the day after Christmas. The bath bombs are regularly priced at $2 each. They often go on sale for $1 or $1.25 each. When I saw them priced at 75 cents each (and I knew I had a coupon code I could use to save even more), I grabbed a whole bunch of these and will be able to use them for gifts throughout the year.
I sometimes buy a set of like items to break up into individual gifts, such as the set of 5 pairs of socks. The patterns and colors of these socks are fun, making them appropriate as a gift. I have several women on my list who I know wear wool socks. The other 3 pairs will be gifted in this next year. (Okay, only 2 pairs will be gifted. One pair is for me!!)
I sometimes change my mind about who is getting what. That's okay. It all works out in the end. Other times, I find myself with an abundance of giftables. When that happens, I stop shopping for a few holidays, or until I have given all of the items away. That's okay, too, and even saves me some money for a short time. And periodically, I simply give items away. It's a way to bring cheer to others when they most need it.
Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! I hope your day is filled with love and joy.
