Lavande, Savon de Marseille Soap
Dr.Bronner's "Magic Soap" Citrus Orange
lovely porcelains from Middle Kingdom Porcelain.
A dear friend recently completed a wonderful bathroom renovation and I gave her some "savon de marseille" which she remarked, you always seem to have time to do everything with such ease, such grace and style. You really have such "a gift for" giving.Question; How do you find time to do it all and to give?
My answer; I keep a cabinet of small gifts so that I am prepared to meet any occasion.
The above porcelains along with the packaging are devine. A small colorful bowl for collecting jewelry, sea glass or dip! A bar of delightful smelling soap is always such a small luxury. Many of the discount shops have them for as low a *three dollars for a box of three. A "hard milled" soap can last a really long time. A jar of good mustard or "cornichon" for the condiment connoisseur in your life. Something from the thrift store, cleaned up, polished and artfully presented. A candle. A bouquet of flowers artfully arranged in a small container or pretty pot. (Just a few ideas for your own secret stash) A wee small sketch or a personalized card accompanies each item to add a personalized touch.
* Mind you nothing is over $20. I try to keep the gifts under $10.
Tell me, do you keep a secret stash of gifts at the ready? It sure is like having my own personal shop. Do you have the perfect gift for giving? Love to know!
24 comments:
I was brought up by 2 hoarders - so I don't have a present drawer. But I do love giving presents - Marseille soap is always fabulous in large chunks or liquid, Linda Bloomfield's wonderful art pottery and sometimes I give handmade items by me too. I love your drawer goodies!
I do have a cupboard and a drawer in which I keep small gifts. When out and about I often find little things that would make nice hostess, b'day or 'thinking-of-you' gifts. Or if I find something that remeinds me of a certain friend, I'll pick it up and save it for the right time. Happy weekend Patricia.
two hippos,
oh, I can imagine living with hoarders must have left an impression, that would change my giving attitude.
I do know some hoarders, always buying, always filling a void.
love the quilts today -
happy weekend.
pve
I always keep thing like soap, lotions, and candles for small gifts for friends. You can never go wrong with things like these. In this busy life, it's nice to go to my storage room to shop. Carla
Oh course, I have to drop things in from time to time-running out to get a little treasure for someone is impossible here- so I store up little notebooks, papers, journals, candles- that will take care of just about anyone I know. pgt
A secret stash is a great idea.
Yes, as a child my parents had an entire chest of drawers full of things like this (mostly regifted!) and I've carried on the tradition (albeit on a smaller scale). Scented candles top the list but pretty vases that I fill with flowers as hostess gifts come next!
I love the idea. Have a wonderful weekend.
Sometimes I have an item that can be used but I have never set out to have some special things on hand. I will copy your excellent idea.
I make cards from time to time and it is always nice to have a special few on hand. Once you start giving home made cards recipients expect them and at times they do not come together in a way I am happy with or I just do not have the time it takes to make one.
Your drawings are always a delight and I know they are very appreciated.
I have a gift box, too - you just never know when it will come in handy!
Love your gift ideas! My favorite low cost gifts are my small framed paintings, and/or inexpensive books. I will go to the book stores, where there is always a discount/sale table, and find incredible bargains, on beautiful art books, inspirational books, everything. I will drop in on these stores from time to time, and if I see books that look interesting, buy several copies, and keep them on hand! Who doesn't love a gorgeous art book, or an inspirational book of quotations, or uplifting thoughts! Many of these book can be found for under $20!
Can't keep a gift long enough...must share asap...lol
I think you are wonderful, Ms. PVE. Great heart. Great style. Way to go.
I do, I do my friend! I have shelves of gifts for the last minute hostess gift, just because I love it so much and for the friend who just might need a pick me up. I have a small container for wee ones too. I really try to suport artists, so most of my stash is made by another's love and passion. Even though my area is ready to shop. I pick each token carefully for that special moment.
Hugs my friend! xo
I don't keep a secret stash...but what a great idea! I do however, love to keep plain large white gift tags that I personalize for on top of a gift. I love to use this little bird stamp that I have. Really comes out cute!
Have a nice weekend~
jamilyn
Home before dark, I really wish you would start a blog, how frustrating not to reciprocate when you are always giving such kind comments. You have a gift! Do not hide it under a bushel basket dear one.
pve
Love to give gifts of scented candles. I think everyone loves a nice aromatic candle when entering a room!
I have a shelf in my closet of candles, napkins and some small Lilly goodies I buy from the Preppy Princess. Good to feel prepared for any last minute gift reason.
I adore Cavallini treats, so keep a few tins of their lovely Gift Tags & small notebook/journals tucked away ready to give when needed. Low cost items that still have such pizazz. Your collection sounds just delightful dear Patricia.
Millie ^_^
What a lovely idea, I do not have such a stash, but I can imagine one...Love those little vases.....
especially the coral coloured!
Love ~ v.
Victoria,
now you know the vase source for all your budding blossoms!
Gifting is such an art.
Love my tea and little glass pot.
pve
I, too, have a gift closet. It's actually just a shelf in my son's room. I buy things that I know family members will love and keep them there for birthdays & Christmas. I try to buy things on sale so that I can give more. I also keep gifts at the ready for children's birthday parties. We never cease to have one!
I totally have a gift closet too! My mom taught me that little trick, she always has the best housewarming, birthday, or dinner party gifts ready in a snap. And now I do too because she taught me to never arrive empty handed, she is a stickler for manners and I thank her everyday for raising me that way.
Oh I do have a little stash! I have a hard time passing up potters at craft fairs and since I can't keep it all I add to my "to be gifted collection." And now that I sew I have two baby quilts tucked away -- even I can't believe that one!!
Hope you're well -- are you still getting to the mountains?? What snow they got this year!
Post a Comment