One-Two Punch: Save Money, Make Money

If you’re like me – human, that is – you’ve still got some holiday shopping to do. Where did the time go? Blame it on global warming… in most places it doesn’t even seem cold enough for Christmas to be right around the corner.

Trouble is, money’s tight, and there are still quite a few names on your list without checkmarks next to them. What to do?

You’ve heard the adage “You’ve got to spend money to make money.” Here’s a modern twist: “You can save money first, and make money 10 days later.” On eBay, that is. Take a trip to your local warehouse store – Costco, Sam’s, BJ’s, Smart & Final – and get shopping! If you’ve been to a warehouse store, you know the kinds of deals that you can find. (By the way, most of these stores require a membership fee; ask around and see if your friends or neighbors have a membership and will take you along. If not, you can use the same wholesale buying principles at Wal-Mart.)

Look for one-size-fits all gifts: candles; napkin rings and cloth napkins; wine accessories (wine charms are fun); bud vases; photo albums; decorated storage boxes… you get the idea. I’m not talking about junky gifts – I’m thinking of the types of gifts that will be well-received and brighten up any home.

Just follow these three secrets:

1. Buy in bulk and save.
2. Buy items that you can “customize” for your recipients.
3. Buy items that are not too heavy or especially fragile.

OK, are you with me? The buying in bulk part is easy – a set of 24 cloth napkins and napkin rings can be magically turned into four gifts of six each. To customize your gift, get creative! If you’ve purchased a set of 12 bud vases, take three and fill them with sea glass (available at any craft store) and on the day you give them, add a few little flowers. No wrapping necessary – just set them gently in a gift bag and you have a perfect hostess gift or thoughtful present for the ladies on your list.

Now for the fun part: after the holidays, while your recipients are writing you heartfelt thank-you notes, you’ll be listing the balance of your bulk purchases on eBay. The best part is: you’ve got enough items on hand that if the bidding gets frenzied, you can issue “second-chance offers” and sell, sell, sell.

Everyone wins!