DIY Network

All-Purpose Gifts to Have on Hand Stephanie shares ideas for all-purpose gifts to have on hand. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-127

We are all busy and at one time or another somebody's birthday sneaks up on you, or you get a last minute invitation to a party and don't want to go empty handed. Host Stephanie Lydecker has some great ideas for all-purpose gifts to have on hand.

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	Ideas for gifts to keep on hand for gift giving.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

All-Purpose Gifts to Have on Hand

• Health, wealth and wisdom bundle—For health, include a small package of vitamins, for wealth, a lottery ticket, and for wisdom, a little book of quotes. Put these items in a small gift bag or wrap in fabric.

• Pretty packaged paper goods—You can't wrong with some pretty paper cocktail napkins. Wrap them up with a small cheese knife or corkscrew or bar of soap (figure A). People can always use them, and don't necessarily buy anything but basic solid colored one for themselves.

• I scream, you scream!—This one is guaranteed to make you popular. Bundle up a really good ice cream scoop. Round out the gift with some gourmet sauces and sprinkles (figure B). Include a gift certificate for ice cream from a local store.

• Joker's wild—Card games are back—big time. Bundle up a deck of playing cards along with some fun snacks (figure C). Embellish with some poker chips.

• Tip: Stock up once or twice a year on greeting cards for every occasion. For safe keeping, store them in an acid free box. Arrange them according to occasion/holiday with the handy dividers. To be extra organized, keep some stamps, pens and address labels in this box.

• It is also a good idea to keep a few things on hand for the little ones and pets!