good enough?
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
United States
March 18, 2009 12:30pm CST
So my daughter has a meeting for girlscouts tonight where they are supposed to bring a small gift to exchange no more than $5. I found a cute make up kit (polish, gloss, shadow) with an adorable box on clearance for $3.
I wasn't sure if that would be "good enough" as we were told to spend $5 so I thought maybe I'll get this puzzle on clearance for $2.50 also. I dunno I'm undecided if the lil make-up kit is good enough for a gift for some girls ages 6-10ish. And no one has to know that I paid only $3 & not the full $5 right? I'm trying to count my pennies here (as so many of us are) and still let my daughter participate in things.
what do you think?
2 people like this
4 responses
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
18 Mar 09
I think that the makeup kit will be much appreciated. I know when I was a little girl I liked to wear make up, and it was fun. Although surprisingly I don't any more, lol!
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
18 Mar 09
True it does, but I assume your only going to be giving the gifts to one person so could you ask the mother of the child your child is going to be giving the presents too, or is it a random toss names in a hat thing?
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
18 Mar 09
I've caught my 6yo in my make up plenty. That's why I thought another lil girl in her troop would enjoy it too. Even if they aren't allowed to use the eye shadow there are 4 different nail polishes, 2 lip glosses, & 2 nutral shaded lipsticks and a cool case.
1 person likes this
@sbeauty (5865)
• United States
18 Mar 09
Don't worry about buying anything more. If you got the make-up kit on sale, it was obviously more than $3 to start with, so you're probably right in the ballpark as far as price goes. I'm sure whoever gets it will be thrilled, as most young girls like having make-up of their own. Don't spend any more of your money. You'll be fine having your daughter take the make-up kit as her gift.
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
18 Mar 09
Yeah I have no idea what the origional price was it was in the clearance section of the kids dept marked 2 for $6 but no orig price listed not even on the slip. I figured the case is adroable is's a hard case like you see some purses as with a lil poodle and it says beauty shop on it. Ya can't go wrong, if they are not allowed to use the makeup it's a great case for crayons, barbie clothes or whatever...
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
18 Mar 09
I think that you got a bargain and should just send her with the little makeup kit :) "No more than $5" means that spending $3 is fine! I'm like you, though... I get something on sale and then think I have to buy something more to spend the amount I originally intended to spend. It's not necessary. Also, you want to give a reasonable item at these exchanges because the idea is to try to keep things fair for each child.
My daughters have participated in many gift exchanges (at school, in Sparks, etc.) and they've received nail polish, hair accessories, bubble bath, lip gloss, temporary tattoos, etc. Parents of girls will often tend to buy more "girlie" items. My daughters weren't really "into" makeup at young ages but they were still thrilled with their gifts. Kids like to get presents... the cost and, often times, even the item itself is less important than the fun of learning to give and receive graciously. I hope she has fun at her meeting :)
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
18 Mar 09
EXACTLY! Thanks for your post!
I hope so too! It's funny the wrapping paper (as I don't usually wrap gifts) cost as much as the gift 
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
18 Mar 09
Oh man... I know what you mean! Cards and giftwrap are where the expense really adds up! I'm a HUGE fan of the dollar store for those things. I can't remember the last time that I paid full retail price for a card or wrapping supplies (including little gift bags, tissue paper, any of that).
One way I've economized was buying bulk packs of all-occasion greeting cards and "value-sized" rolls of wrap from those catalogues that the kids bring home for fundraisers. If you break it down to the "per item" cost, sometimes you can get a better deal (plus you always have them on hand so no extra shopping trips). I notice, around here anyway, a lot of families have the kids make a card (either by hand or on the computer). I also take advantage of after-Christmas sales on wrapping paper. This year, Walmart had rolls of solid color paper at half off after the holidays. So, I bought blue, red, green and gold... I figure there are no designs on them, I can add a bow or stickers and it definitely doesn't seem to be Christmas paper. Saved a bit of money there too. Gift giving is a nice thing to do but not always easy when you're on a budget!
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
19 Mar 09
Yep I usually get my wrapping items from the dollar store too but I forgot to look when I was there & WM was closer to home.
I've tried to buy paper after the holidays but w/ our basement situation it ends up wrecked. Typically I've had hubby bring home end rolls & have the kids color on them... hubby had not even bothered to remember for Christmas. As I usually have the kids take holiday stamps and markers all over the paper & we leave it for Santa to take on St. Nicks' night to wrap their gifts in.
1 person likes this
@snowneo (116)
• Canada
18 Mar 09
I would have to agree with the other poster, although some parents dont mind others do, but if that is the case, all they have to say is no to their child. They say a maximum of $5 as dont want people overdoing it, and for some familys they are struggling with cash.
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
18 Mar 09
Trust me I'm struggling on the cash department too. Even if they let them only have the box & nail polish that still worth more than $3.
1 person likes this
