Gift Giving: How to Always Be Prepared

A "gift box" is a box filled with miscellaneous items that can be given as gifts in a pinch. Most of these gift ideas are extremely inexpensive and yet are a good enough quality that you won't be embarrassed to give them. Also, there's no need to run to the store and buy them all at once, you can buy them here and there and before you know it, you'll have a box full of goodies! They're not only good for birthdays, anniversaries and such occasions, but are also good for putting aside for holidays such as Christmas and Hannukka.

For Babies, Toddlers and Young Children

Most children will be happy with any kind of toy you give them. No matter how cheap, a new toy will always make them happy. Any of your local dollar stores stock a large variety of toys for children, that you can usually pick up for a dollar or less per item. Reading/picture books, coloring books and crayons or markers are also good gifts, and can also usually be found at the dollar store as well. If you prefer a slightly better quality toy, stores like Wal-Mart often have great clearance isles loaded with marked down toys. Many times these toys are priced so low that you can get three or four toys for what you would normally pay for one!

Older Children and Teenagers

Older children and teenagers are often a little more picky about things than young children, but you can still find decently priced items that will make them happy. For boys, movies, video games and music cd's are great gifts, however these items can be tricky to buy and save for future use because they can go "out of style" quite quickly. Still, if buying these items as gifts appeals to you, there are ways to do it cheaply. One thing you can try is to check with a local video game store. Many of these stores sell used movies and video games at a fraction of their original cost. Wal-Mart is, yet again, another great place to check. Most Wal-Mart stores generally have a section of bargain priced movies that sell for around $5.00. Cologne and cologne scented body washes are another other good, cheap gift idea for young a man. These can also be found at a low price, and can be put together in a gift bag to be given, perhaps with a T-shirt of some kind.

Young girls are usually very easy to shop for, as most of them like the same things. I have one gift in particular that I often give to young girls. I start by buying a small purse (on clearance of course) and then fill it with a few small items. These items vary depending on what I have on hand, but I often use things like nail polish, makeup, body sprays and lotions and jewelry. Wal-Mart (of course) and most pharmacies carry cheaper brands of make up and nail polish suitable for young girls. At these stores you can also find jewelry on clearance that will make wonderful gifts. Perfumes are also great gifts for young girls, and can be found in small bottles for low prices. One of my favorites that I think is perfect for a young girl is Love's Baby Soft. It is a mild scented perfume great for younger ladies, and only costs about $3.00 a bottle.

Adults

Adults are definitely the hardest people to shop for. Adults know what their particular tastes are, so giving a pre-selected, generic gift can be difficult. There are some things though that you can get that would be sufficient if the need arose. Candles and candle holders are good as gifts. You can find these at the dollar store, craft stores and Wal-Mart on clearance. Make sure though that if you store the candles, to store them in a relatively cool place or they could melt. Picture frames, framed prints, knick knacks and many other household items can also be found on clearance and are entirely suitable to give as gifts. Inexpensive tools can be purchased and given as a great gift for a man.

Another idea that will work for almost anyone, age or gender, is to keep a box of various occasion cards, and in a real bind give them a card with an IOU or a few dollars in it.

Buying gifts does not have to be expensive and having a secret stash will make you prepared for any occasion that may arise. Then, you'll never again have to be the only guest without a gift at the party.