As we gear up for the holidays (don’t shoot me! I’m just the messenger!) there are two things on our minds: gifts and holiday outfits.
I have an idea about how to get presents that thrill and outfits that kill while preserving the environment and your bank account: swaps!
A couple of Novembers ago some mom friends and I were standing outside the school complaining about needing to do the big Toy Purge before the Great Toy Influx the holiday season always brings. Several of us were also worrying about how to get a great outfit for company and friend holiday parties. I needed beautiful dresses for my girls’ Christmas portrait but hated to buy something for one or maybe two wears at most.
One friend suggested we check out each other’s closets to see if we could trade and share any clothes or accessories to give us more options. We all loved that idea and then it occurred to me: why not do the same for toys?
So the Toy Exchange was formed.
Our church lets us use the hall for no charge. We each bring toys that are unused or gently used, arrange them by age group and type on tables, then we ring the bell and start trading. Last Christmas I was able to fulfill a fair portion of my kids’ wish lists before I even began shopping. We donated the remainder to a local charity that runs a store for the holidays.
So consider a swap for clothes, toys, and anything else you can think of! And don’t forget resale shops!
Links to swap site where you can participate or get ideas:
Julie Pippert
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