Extras from Craft Show - how to get rid of it?

[tillyhead]

Extra "inventory" from Craft Show; I've posted mine on my blog in hopes that people that didn't make the show will be interested.

Has anyone else done this with any success or does anyone have any other suggestions on how to get rid of it, as I don't have any other fairs planned before Christmas???

[sprtchick]

Does your church have a bookstore or gift shop.? you could donate it there and let them sell it....would make some $$$ for your church.

[53queenbee]

Have you thought of going to a local school and seeing if any teachers are interested?

[momishappy]

Depending on the item you could donate to soldiers overseas, nursing homes, VA homes, daycare centers, or schools. I am sure that any one of these organizations would appreciate any donations.

[tillyhead]

Thanks for the good ideas girls.

I hope I don't get in trouble, but I don't have a church :( That's not to say that I couldn't donate it anyway.

I did think about taking it to my kids' school, but I'm a big chicken.

I do like the idea of donating to nursing homes, VA and day care centers. Gram was just in a nursing home and I would love to do something to make an older person happy! I think that whatever doesn't "go" in the next week or so, will be in a christmas care package for some Nursing home residents!

[laura6]

you can also send to a soldier.... go to ANYSOLDIER.COM and look for a name to send to. from what i understand, the guys give out extra goodies to their fellow troops.... could be a nice way to spread the joy overseas.
-laura s

[tillyhead]

Thanks Laura - that's a great idea too! No-one deserves a little happiness more than the soldiers

[hollylogic]

One other thought: double check your list of year-end appreciation gifts--the mailman, teachers, school bus driver, paper boy.

Your treasures could make a gift card presentation just that much nicer, and you may think of others you don't usually give a substantial gift to, but would like to give a small remembrance.

[laura6]

you could do a massive RAK.... put three or four in your purse when you go shopping. Anyone you see do a good deed you give them a little gift and tell them "Santa saw you were being good, so he sent me as an Undercover Elf"
of course, if you have storage, you can save them for next year (and have a jumpstart on next year's holidays)

[stamper1996]

See if a local animal shelter is having a craft fair and donate it there. Ours does a big one each year. Plus, you can get a tax write off!

[blueslady]

Thanks for asking this question...I was wondering the same thing. I think I like the RAK thing. I am going to keep some with me and give something whenever I encounter a nice person.

[p7eggyc]

I think it's pretty easy to set up a little Etsy shop if you are still interested in making some money off of the stuff.

[jansy]

Couple of things...I was left with a ton (first foray at one Christmas boutique). I sold about a third of them to the ladies at work...and the rest were donated to our local Festival of Trees that benefit the childrens' hospital.

So it depends. If you are looking to make money, try at work or among your circle of friends/neighbors. But donating to charity or to a local nursing/retirement home has its own reward. You would certainly be brightening the Christmas for someone who might get little this year.

[kimmieg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tillyhead

Thanks for the good ideas girls.
I do like the idea of donating to nursing homes, VA and day care centers. Gram was just in a nursing home and I would love to do something to make an older person happy! I think that whatever doesn't "go" in the next week or so, will be in a christmas care package for some Nursing home residents!

The folks at the nursing home my mom is in receive lots of things from outside groups during the holiday season. Have you considered donating to the staff there? The nurses and assistants at my mom's facility work so hard under trying circumstances and don't receive nearly the thanks they deserve. A token of appreciation would certainly brighten their day.

Kim/SC

[peebsmama]

There are lots of great places to donate holiday cards, but I think with your short time limit, some of those that first collect cards then send them along might get there too late for this year. I have donated cards to a nursing home one of my relatives is in. Many residents have no friends or family left to send them cards so it's always extra nice for them to get a card. Contact the Activities Director at the nursing home of your choice and ask them how to proceed.

[greetingsbydebra]

If you're going to do craft fairs next year, you could keep the non-perishable items. I did that and sold a lot the second time around.

[jazzytobi]

I just donated all of my un-sold cards to a nursing home and the managers said the residents LOVE to give cards and they would DEFINATELY be put to good use!!

[FallnPetal]

I'd say don't forget the staff at nursing homes, hospitals and the like. There are many well organized gift programs for seniors and such but often not for the wonderful staff that man the facilities and small gifts of the heart are always appreciated.

[stampwithjoanne]

Donate to any non-profit who might be able to use and take a tax write-off.

Everyone wins!

[tiggerificandi]

I keep a collection of things for my relatives. None of them make homemade items and my Mother in Law, a senior, loves to give the things I make away.

[Judyw]

I like to give little things to the ladies who work the front desk at my kids' schools. they are often overlooked and a lot of the tasks they do, they do ASAP for the rest of us who need them. They are definitely appreciative.