Go through drawers, closets and jewelry boxes, etc. Find things that are clean, in great condition and give them as gifts.
Decorate paper bags, boxes with homemade designs or get gift boxes at dollar store.
We have had similar parties like this for years. We call them White Elephant Auctions. No money changes hands, but we all vie for the best (or worst) of the items and have a lot of laughs and a great time! The really awful ones are frequently displayed like trophies or recycled as gag gifts. One memorable one - a stuffed bird - has been gifted back and forth for years - to gales of laughter.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I work at an elementary school in the lunch room. I don't have much $$ this holiday season and would like ideas on what to get the school Principal (female), Janitor, and Office Secretary. Most important is the gal I work with. She is a great person and would like ideas for her. I thought about filled jar things but don't know where to begin.
I was doing a long term sub commitment in a school office a few years back and even though I wasn't a regular employee I got several nice things...gift cards from Starbuck's, Blockbuster and Olive Garden. I got a potted miniature rose. The principal's secretary gave everyone a jar of blackberry preserves she had made.
Someone last year gave me "bean soup in a jar" with layers of different colored and sized beans and then spices on top with the recipe printed and tied to the top of the jar. Really looked pretty and was very useful, too.
I read about a good idea, on this website as a matter of fact, about getting some small canning jars and some hot cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. You can put a ribbon around the neck of the jar, tie a candy cane, etc.. I thought it was a great idea and I am going to try it myself. Tim Horton's has a huge can of hot cocoa mix for $4. It is really good too. Layer the chocolate chips next, then the marshmallows.
Whoever originally posted this idea, I am sorry I couldn't give you credit, but I can't remember who you are!!
Last year I purchased wire whisks at the dollar store and put hershey's kisses in them. I then wrapped them in colored plastic wrap, tied a bow on them and added a little tag that said, "I whisk you a Merry Kissmas". The ladies loved them
I need an idea on what I could buy for a man or woman coworker.
By Neal F. from Flora, IL
Photo frames are nice and who doesn't have a favorite photo that needs to be displayed and enjoyed?
Candles are nice too. I would find candles that can fit inside votives so they are safer.
We just went through this where I work and fortunately, our boss had all of us fill out a quick questionnaire regarding our likes, dislikes, favorite color, hobbies, etc. Then we put those questionnaires in a hat and each of us chose one. The name I chose, the lady liked movies. I made up a gift basket with a movie that I purchased on sale from Meijer that I thought she would like.
To the basket I added a box of hot chocolate mix; a box of popcorn, a bag of peanut M & M's (her favorite) and a bag of strawberry licorice twists (also her favorite.). Wrapped all in shrink wrap (or you could just buy a large decorate bag from the dollar store) and gave it to her. She loved it.
