I'm a big fan of re-gifting both for the environmental and financial benefits. I get several gifts throughout the year that just aren't "me" and have a special storage bin just for these items (it's the only one that isn't clear because I have nosy friends and relatives). The trick is that it be an "if only" gift.
Good:
I'd keep it "if only" it were the right color/size/shape/whatever (one of my aunts gave me flannel nighties w/matching bonnets (!!!) every year until I was in college). It gets cold in VA, but not THAT cold and I prefer PJs w/pants or shorts. Those would've been a good re-gift for my friend who lives in Ohio or for a friend learning to sew as scratch fabric.
Bad:
- "If only" it worked/didn't smell/didn't make me itch (one of my great aunts gave my parents a used dish drain for a wedding gift-EWWWW).
- Never re-gift anything used (unless it's a family heirloom like a tea set-which my mother will be getting this year, thanks to my great aunt Jeannette). All items should be clean and in their original (unopened) packaging if possible.
If you can cook and enjoy it, baked goods are always a hit for individuals, families, office parties, etc. Everyone loves my homemade pralines and peach cobbler and they can be made fairly quickly for little money. Baked goods are great for moms who are short on time. I haven't met one yet who isn't!
Ideas for simple and inexpensive handmade gifts:
1. A photo of a shared relative/experience or you and the recipient in a pretty or quirky frame
2. Homemade fudge- Mmmmmm...
3. Simple sewing, knitting, or crochet pattern made from a unique material- I'm currently knitting a giant grey "pouf"/ottoman for a co-worker's new apartment. (needs to ready for her birthday in August). Obvi, that gift isn't for Mother's Day, but I'll probably knit up a quick coffee cup cozy or two in her favorite color since she LOVES coffee and it keeps her sane. You could make the pouf if you have large chunks of time to knit or you could make a throw pillow (both projects are basically rectangles).
4. Cool thrift store finds- Depends on the person and their style, but don't overlook a thrift store in a nice area. They weren't gifts, but I bought a lamp that sells for $150 (I paid $25) and a Banana Republic Jacket for $5 with original tags on both pieces.
Some re-gifted and handmade items I've given over the years:
1. Jewelry- I don't wear yellow gold and like fairly simple jewelry, so I usually have a few pieces to give
2. Decadent fruit salad that I make for everyone's shower, graduation, party, whatever
3. Homemade pralines (my friends and family always place orders)
4. Art from my old house
5. Fuschia travel bag set w/gold zippers (for my bestie who is a wife/mom of 4 and never treats herself)
6. A scarf knit from ribbon went to a boyfriend's mom
7. Clothing- Several of my friends covet my wardrobe, so they really enjoy getting pieces that they've admired. My mother and I are BIG thrifters, and most of our gifts to each other are thrifted. These include a Missoni sweater w/original tags, a Prada purse, Coach sneakers, and BCBG sunglasses. Again, the condition of the item is more important than the cost or brand.
Confession:
Last year, my family (my mother, her parents, her sister, their brothers, my three cousins, and my Granny's bestie) saw the Alvin Ailey dance company (it was the 50th and final year that Judith Jamison led the company, handpicked by Mr. Ailey after being his principal dancer). My Gran has Alzheimer's and I wanted to do something memorable and fun. She has everything she needs (or can order from infomercials) and didn't need more "stuff". Working w/my aunts and cousins, using everyone's insurance, military and student discounts, 11 people went to the theater for about $200. The best part was, after an error w/our tickets, my grandparents and my Granny's bestie were moved to one of the front rows! I consider this to be a thrifty gift since we pooled our collective resources to spend only $18 per ticket. I paid for all of my
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