By Michelle Wood of Sterilite Corporation
Every weekend this summer, there seems to be a party. Whether it’s a bridal or baby shower, birthday, housewarming, anniversary, baptism – you name it, I’ve gone to it! And in typical fashion, I never show up empty handed.
Most recently I’ve noticed a trend with some of these gatherings, especially with expectant mothers, and brides-to-be. They are throwing “green” (as in - environmentally green) parties and specifically asking guests to resist the urge to wrap up presents with beautiful, yet wasteful, gift wrap and gift bags. I get it, and I even like and endorse the green statement, but the crafty perfectionist in me who loves to make beautiful things just has a hard time putting a heap of stuff or a plain old box on the gift table.
So how do I grant the hostess’s wishes and satiate the craftista in me? I give the gift of housewares! I assure you, if you do this, your gift recipient will greatly appreciate the entirety of your present including its “wrapping!”
Last weekend’s event was a baby shower at a posh Boston venue. I purchased several bedtime and bath-time related baby items and one of my favorite Sterilite laundry baskets and loaded it up. I grabbed two ¼” wooden dowels, drilled a small hole at the top and ran a piece of fabric ribbon between the ends. Then I fastened them through the laundry basket handles via some more fabric ribbon. Voila – a laundry line of cute onesies suspended over a laundry basket of goodies. It was much better than an unwieldy present lump, and my gift received plenty of (gratifying) ooohs and aaahhhs.
I’ve given the gift of housewares half a dozen times this summer. My niece went to camp with a caddy full of her favorite sparkly lotions, body wash and hair accessories. My nephew will be heading into second grade with a spiffy pencil box full of the coolest new classroom necessities. For my parents’ anniversary, I compiled some old photos and other memorabilia into an airtight gasket box for safe keeping. Four stacking/nesting baskets full of home cleaning essentials was a big hit for my friends who just became new home owners. When attending parties, I usually bring (and leave behind) food storage containers full of cookies or cupcakes or a homemade cake in a cake server. It amazes me how many times I’ve heard friends exclaim “Oh I needed one of these!” To me, there is nothing better than giving a gift that is wanted and useful.
Whether the hostess made a request or not, in the future, consider being green and giving the gift of housewares. All of the plastic used in Sterilite products are 100% recyclable and all made in the good ol’ USA. So that should make you and your gift recipients feel pretty good too.
Have you given the gift of housewares? If so, tell us about it!
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