| I listened to my husband, Jim lamenting the fact that he | | | | $5.00, that were originally $30 or $40. I have found a |
| needed another gift for his friend, Don. Yes, he had | | | | Passion by Elizabeth Taylor perfume sample set for |
| already shopped and bought a nice Christmas gift for | | | | $5.00. It was originally $20.00. The same thing for other |
| him, but just wanted another gift to give him. He | | | | name brand perfume or cologne sets. I have found big |
| wanted Don to have two presents to open, instead of | | | | colorful watches that are now in vogue for about |
| one. His eyes lit up when I told him to look in the goody | | | | $6.00. Also, my goody drawer consists of vases and |
| drawer. I followed him into the bedroom and showed | | | | picture frames that would serve as a nice gift. |
| him where I had reserved a drawer for my hidden | | | | This goody drawer is also a great time saver. How |
| treasures. Jim gleefully picked out a very nice knife set. | | | | many times have you had to make a trip to the mall |
| It was like having a store in our own home. I wrapped | | | | for a last minute gift. Chances are, you will spend more |
| the beautiful knife set with my five star wrapping | | | | money than you need to because your feet are tired |
| accessories, which is a whole other story and also a | | | | and you still have to go home and prepare dinner. |
| whole other drawer. In just a few minutes, Jim had a | | | | You may not agree with this next idea. I didn't |
| very nice gift wrapped as classy as any up scale | | | | embrace it until this last year. I read in an advice |
| department store. We were both happy. I have to say | | | | column that it is ok to 'regift' as long as you don't give |
| I was proud of my idea about the goody drawer. | | | | the gift back to someone in the same circle of friends |
| I am retired, but not really. My full time job now is | | | | or relatives and also if the gift is something that you |
| writing and keeping my web site fresh and updated. | | | | think the other person may really like. If someone gives |
| However, I do have more time that is my very own, | | | | you an object that you like but you already have, it |
| thus, this hobby of a goody drawer came about. | | | | would be fine to put it in your goody drawer. You may |
| It started one day when I was at JC Penneys. I just | | | | want to put a note on it telling who the gift is from so |
| happened to notice a sale on costume jewelry. As I | | | | that you don't give it back to them. Teachers, for |
| recall, it was marked down about 85%! As we all | | | | example probably get too many of the same items. |
| know, jewelry is a big mark-up. I found beautiful | | | | You may want to buy some all occasion greeting |
| necklaces and earrings marked down. If a necklace | | | | cards to have available,also. Pick out some clever, |
| was originally priced $40.00, it would now be $2.40! I | | | | witty ones and some serious. You know who you |
| kept looking and found many beautiful pieces. I didn't | | | | usually give gifts to and what kind of card you usually |
| know who I would give them to or if I would keep | | | | get. |
| some pieces for myself, but I couldn't let a bargain like | | | | I love my goody drawer! When I am shopping for my |
| that go by. When you have four daughters and lot of | | | | goody drawer, I can take my time and pick out lovely |
| friends, you just know you are going to be giving lovely | | | | quality gifts at a bargain price. |
| gifts. When I finished my purchase, the ticket showed I | | | | Buying gifts can wreck havoc to your checking |
| had saved over $200.00; I had actually spent | | | | account if something unexpected turns up like an |
| approximately $30.00. I was prepared for birthdays, | | | | invitation to a shower or anniversary party. There may |
| etc. or maybe a 'just because' gift. We mothers like to | | | | still be times when you will have to shop for a special |
| do that for encouragement and just plain love. | | | | present, but I think you will find, most of the time your |
| When I got home from shopping, I lovingly placed my | | | | goody drawer will serve you well. |
| jewelry in a drawer that I cleaned out. The clerk had | | | | I think of mine as hidden treasures. |
| put the jewelry in nice boxes. For the time being, I left | | | | In summary, I would like to say that a goody drawer |
| the original price tags on to remind myself what a nice | | | | saves you time, stress, and most of all money. It |
| gift it was and that it wasn't just a cheapy. | | | | makes you proud that you are organized and spending |
| From that point on, when I was out shopping or running | | | | wisely. Don't forget to buy yourself an unexpected |
| errands, I would always browse around for bargains | | | | treat with the money you save! |
| that were of good quality. I have found purses for | | | | ... |