Do you purchase any "just in case" gifts?

[C.Ann]

Or perhaps have a stash of "re-gifts" ready to go at the holidays?

When us kids were getting married - and leaving home - our mom made a point of telling us we should always purchase at least a few "just in case" Chistmas gifts for people who might stop by unexpectedly and have a gift for us..

Didn't have to be anything elaborate: a tin of cookies with a red bow on top; one-size-fits all gloves; a box of pretty writing paper with matching envelopes; some homemade fudge wrapped in a festive way; a few puzzle books (for the crossword puzzle lovers); jigsaw puzzles in appropriate size pieces if needed for an adult or a child; coloring book and crayons; maybe a few pretty Christmas ornaments that could be wrapped separately; etc.. She always did this - and it never cost a lot (we had years during my childhood when times were pretty lean) - and I don't think we had a year go by that those gifts didn't come in handy..

It was good advice that I have followed all of my adult life.. I know that people don't "give" to "receive", but it can be an uncomfortable feeling when someone hands you an unexpected gift (which is also normally small and not terribly expensive) and you have nothing to give them in return..

Is this something you do - or perhaps wrap a few items from your re-gift stash?

Just curious if my mom was the only one who thought this way..

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

We do. We have a lot of pop-ins around the holidays, and most bring gifts. If someone pops in that we didn't expect, we have a number of choices, already wrapped, just add name tag.

ETA a few examples - We have two Deluxe Scrabble games, two girls journals, two travel kits for men, and a few other odds and ends. My wife also keeps gift cards on hand for gamestop and Target.

 

[Acklander]

Same here. Usually some bottles of wine and I have a stack of wine gift bags - that way, if I don't use them, they don't go to waste.

 

[Lionqueen2]

We do, too. I always try to keep a few extras on hand just in case.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I have a few now mostly gift cards, but when the kids were young we had quite a few. I also have items to quickly make a basket if needed. All the years volunteering for the Chinese Auctions and I can get a basket together before the second doorbell rings.

 

[C.Ann]

I also have items to quickly make a basket if needed. All the years volunteering for the Chinese Auctions and I can get a basket together before the second doorbell rings.

What would be a good day for me to drop by?

 

[pigletgirl]

I wish! I'm too poor for something like that.

 

[kirstenb1]

Yes, I do. Just very simple stuff like Yankee Candle, truffles, etc

 

[coolbeans]

i do!! i have a cedar chest my dad put together for my mom years ago. it's full of great after christmas bargains!! i love crate and barrel and they have awesome deals after christmas (wish they offered better shipping rates though).. plates, coffee cups to just add hot chocolate packets, bowls i can fill with candy, dishtowels i can tie ribbon and a cute bell or christmas ornament to, i have pancake molds and flippers to wrap together too... also kids games, puzzles (love the target bins in the christmas section after christmas when it's half off!)

 

[Micca]

I don't do this but it's a good idea. I believe DW may have a contingency stash.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

What would be a good day for me to drop by?

Any day you would like, just check the weather first.

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

Sure do.... and I look for deals... This year at the local Blockbuster, they had STACKS of G.I. Joe Monopoly games for $4.99, which is cheaper than regular Monopoly. I bought 10 of them. Some are planned to be given as gifts, but the rest will be for "just in case".

 

[Glynis]

Yes, and it's a good thing, too! 2 years ago, my mom died, and I had a baby all within a month of each other, right before Christmas. My mind was so scattered. On Christmas Eve, after I had put the kids to bed, I realized that I had forgotten one gift for my oldest daughter! I was mortified!!! Luckily, I pulled out something from my stash, and when she opened it the next day, she was thrilled with it! Whew!!!

 

[Handbag Lady]

I used to.

Now, we usually have the holidays at someone's house and I make sure I know who is going to be there ahead of time.

It is a great idea, however, and has saved me in the past.

 

[4nana]

Definitely! I usually stock up on pretty holiday tins/plates/boxes and have on hand: asst baked cookies, muffins/loaves of apple cinn/banana/pumpkin/cranberry breads, few boxes of good chocolate and a stash of xtra ornaments. Matter of fact used 2 yesterday for surprise company . BTW ~ nice to C U again!

 

[AnnaS]

I used to many years ago. It would be an extra bottle or two of wine or a box or two of chocolate/fancy cookies.

 

[fraggle551]

I don't at the moment, but i'm 23 without my own house yet. Once I do and have people that will drop by, I will most definitely do this. Right now if any of my friends drop by they want some food or cookies - which I generally have plenty of!

 

[MichelleVW]

Nope, I really don't do presents for anyone other than my kids or my mom.

 

[mjantz]

I have a stash that lives in our garage. The day after Christmas I hit up Pier One & Target & stock up on ornaments, candleholders and other goodies. Then when the holiday season hits & I'm busy with 50 billion things I can just grab something from the stash for the kids teachers, co-workers or whoever I need a gift for.

My only problem is that I am short on mens gifts. I can give stuff to 20 women but with guys I'm lost. Suggestions?

 

[scrapquitler]

My only problem is that I am short on mens gifts. I can give stuff to 20 women but with guys I'm lost. Suggestions?

Scratch lottery tickets, car stuff (air freshners, trash containers, window scrapers, jumper cables), gloves, hats. Kohls has some multi-tool swiss army knife type things in their ad for $9.99 that I plan to check out tomorrow, bottle of wine, desk top accessories, thumb drives.