Instagram Message: Aw, but Mama, he's only $20. She's already shopping for deals. Thoughtfulpinch.com
Back in the day, my mom and I would wake up at 6am the day after Christmas and wait for the Hallmark store to open so we could buy our half price Christmas cards and wrapping paper for the next year. Nowadays, the only half price holiday items I purposely run to the store for is Easter. Know any Greek friends who celebrate their Easter a week after we do? Well, now you know why I run to the store - otherwise all the good stuff is GONE!
I chose Spring Stickers instead of Bunnies so I could use all throughout spring this year or next and I picked up 6 packs of paper grass for next year's baskets or any type of gift bag or box.
In my opinion, the Easter items this year were limited and safe. The product buyers for the stores that started selling Easter items during Valentine's Day, made sure not to go nuts like in years past and I don't blame them. I'm just sayin' the pickings were slim. I still scored on my staples: treat bags, paper plates, grass for the baskets, stickers and a dye kit. But I did not find anything to give to the teachers next year. Shucks! So for the next few days, every store I go into, I will look for an Easter clearance aisle to see if there is anything worth scooping up. The unlikely stores I scope out are like Kinkos/FedEx for cards and stationery, beauty salons for holiday themed nail files or polish, kitchen stores like Sur La Table for fun holiday themed kitchen items and paper products (heck, those plates for .75/pack need cute napkins to go with them). Of course I'll hit the usual suspects like grocery stores and HomeGoods. Who doesn't? If you find stuff at Michaels or JoAnne Fabrics you're lucky because those stores are already onto Halloween (kinda exaggerating but not really). The point is, every store needs to get rid of that inventory.
Thoughtful pinches are small, inexpensive gifts that express your thoughts and your gratitude. With some planning and scouting skills you can find some great pinches that will save you time and money next year - which makes the effort now, so worth it. You may not celebrate Easter so apply this for all and any holiday(s). Where do you store all this %$#@* you ask? The post for that is in the works. For now, happy "days after" shopping!
Pinches,
Barb
