A Tightwad's Guide to Shower Gift Giving

Spring and summer usually bring endless showers. No , not the kinds that need an umbrella but the kinds that require an umbrella full of money. It's that season where women everywhere will be inundated with shower invites and endless "wish lists". This means shopping for the perfect gift -one that is perfectly priced for your budget.

Most brides and moms to be are registered at expensive stores like Fortunoffs or Macy's. These places are great for finding what's needed however what's needed will also drain your bank account. Let mothers, grannies, aunts and even well to do cousins buy this high end gear. You don't have to follow suit. (and to be honest even close relatives can gift economically if they can't afford it) If you're shopping in the pricier stores, consider buying little gadgets. They're just as necessary as pots, blenders and food processors. Silicone spatulas are great and are usually $10.00 a pop. Buy two for a nice gift. A new silicone based product is the Spoonula -a combination of serving sppon and spatula. Surprisingly this is cheap - again only coming in at $10.00 For a bigger but still less expensive present think colander. This kitchen necessity is only $20.00 at Macy's and guaranteed for a long life. Really useful and frugal gifts are measuring cups. Again these can come under the $20 price range. If you feel giving this looks too thrifty, then add a chart of weights and measures with them. Basting brushes are another good present idea and usually are priced at under $8.00. For brides who love to bake, think about adding a cookie press to their arsenal. This is not only cheap, but will last for years along with making wonderful holiday creations. Remember that you don't have to shop where the bride is registered. You can easily visit Target, Wal-Mart K-Mart and any of your local supermarkets and dollar stores to pick up inexpensive kitchen gifts. Dollar stores often have beautiful glass and stemware that rival that of major department stores. You can buy a set of tumblers for under $10.00 along with knives, spatulas, and even cake pans all for much less than a Macy's or Nordstroms'.

Towels are another bargain gift. Most new couples demand them anyway and probably use them more than any other item. Just remember to pass up on the monogrammed ones and buy the everyday towels. Target has some good bargains ,especially their stack of face cloths. You get a neatly tied stack of twelve for $3.00 on sale. There are also specially marked clearance sets that start at $5.00. For really inexpensive ones consider IKEA. A set of bath towels sells for $1.99 there (the price was so unbelievable I had to double check it.) Shower curtains are another tightwad approved gifts. Even dollar stores sell them and there are so many patterns and colors to choose from. If you feel that a shower curtain is not enough, throw in some hooks and fancy soaps. Again Target has some lovely imported cakes for under $20.00. Also accessories like tooth brush holders and soap dishes make good gifts and can be bought for under $20.00

Bedding is another alternative that won't break your bank. Again, think IKEA for cheap gifts. Believe it or not, you can buy a quilt for under $20.00 Even Wal-Mart can't beat that price, with their line starting at $24.99. If you want to give something a bit more practical then go with sheets. These are always high ticket items so look for clearance sales in all the stores. You can save as much as $30.00 for an entire set. If you're on a really tight budget., then consider getting something for the closets. Shoe racks are perfect for the new couple. These organizers are long lasting and again surprisingly inexpensive. Bed, Bath and Beyond has them for only $20.00. Another tightwad choice are hangers. They are not only economical but durable. Wood hangers will probably last under the couple's ruby (fortieth) anniversary. Jazz them up with pretty sachets and they're good to go for the future Mr. And Mrs Clotheshorse.

Another invite that may find its' way into your mailbox is one for a baby shower. Don't panic. Finding inexpensive baby presents is just as easy as finding cheap bridal shower goodies. Knitters and crocheters have it the easiest. We can easily make an heirloom gifts such as christening sets, blankets and sweaters for pennies. Baby wool is inexpensive and you can find some really good bargains for under $10.00. Same theory is true for embroidered gifts. A set of stamped bibs with embroidery floss and needle can cost $10 to $15.00 at your local craft store. If you're not handy that way, don't despair. Baby clothing can be had for remarkably low prices. Think gift sets that contain onesies, booties, receiving blanket and sweater. Some even have a cute toy or picture frame as well . Also look at the previous season's sales rack. You can always buy bigger sizes to accommodate the little one as he or she grows. In that sense the little one will be prepared for the year and the mother won't have to run out to buy seasonal togs. If you are pressed into working off the mother-to-be's wish list., then consider dish sets or towels for the little one. IKEA has some nifty dish sets complete with utensils for the little one to be and prices start at $6.99. It also has some nice towel sets as well, starting at under $5.00. K-Mart has a wide array of the Play-tex bottle kits for as low as $11.99. The store also has the Munchkin baby food grinder for only $6.99 and is a perfect gift for parents wanting to go the all natural organic food route. Throw in an inexpensive bottle brush and you have a nice gift for any future mom.

Don't let bridal and baby showers soak you . You can find great gifts at great prices. Not only will your finds last through shower season but you can even save for your own rainy day.