Holiday shopping tips from the happy hippo

Many of you know that I am mildly OCD about shopping. The last few holiday seasons, I have really been trying to stress the core importance of our celebrations be focused on our good fortune at having each other and being able to enoy that. But I also like to gift well. As much as my kids would love to get everything they see on TV, but that ain't happening (I know, ain't isnt a word).

My goal this year is to give the little crustaceans gifts that really mean something. Ebay is a very useful tool. One of the best ideas this year has been bulk lots of books. Cory and Daniel love to read. They can read them all, keep their favorites and donate the rest to the library. The best part is I get 400% more stuff for .01% of the cost in a store. WOO HOO.

Thrift stores are good too. Going in with an open mind and a general idea really help. I was looking for dress up clothes and costume jewelry and instead found an old school desk (the one piece deal from the '80s) for under 10$. Since Daniel doesn't have a desk in his room it came home with me. The unpredictable nature of the thrift store inventory may necessitate frequent stops to peruse new items, but you never know when you may find just what you didn't know you were looking for.

Big Lots is also a good source. They also have unpredictable stock, but several finds were found yesterday. They were quality, inexpensive, and NOT PLASTIC CRAP FROM CHINA. If there is anything in this world I do not need more of, it is small piece toys and things that just never get played with.

So prepare yourselves, shoppers. Go out with hearts full of love, minds full of creativity, and you may return with a pocket still full of dough.

Shop well.