second hand Christmas

a second hand Christmas – a warning for those who are too hard to buy for …

The thing about a second hand Chritmas is that novelty gifts are cheap and can be bought by the dozen at op shops.  Because op shops are the resting place of all unwanted novelty gifts, aren’t they?  

Op shops invariably have good collections of jumpsuits that say ‘daddies little angel’ and cups with ‘i❤️mum’ printed on the side.

And they also have some unique crackers in the way of novelty presents.  Like this ripper that Mezzy’s picked up recently.    

An eye massager.  It has batteries and sits quite firmly on the bridge of one’s nose (ouch) and vibrates so that it makes your nose itch terribly.  

Any benefits to the eyes are more than outweighed by the irritation to the nose.

I wonder who will be the ‘lucky’ recipient this Christmas …

I’m guessing it’ll be the person for whom it is impossible to find any other suitable gift … And it won’t (fingers crossed) be me!  I am starting a list right now to ensure Mez (and everyone else) knows all the things I’d like (more).

when Kmart is at the op shop

I usually don’t buy Kmart at the op shop.  But I found this cushion at The Brotherhood in Brunswick for $2.  And it’s pretty cute.  And I’m sure it would cost at least $3 at Kmart.  So I bought it.  

 
I had Mietta in mind.  I think a 3 year old would like it.  What do you think Mezzy?  Would Mietta’s mummy like it?

At the minute I’m just practising with it/admiring it on India’s bed.

Oh, and Jemima wants it.  So Mezzy if it’s not your thing let me know …

But unless I get a nay I am going to hold out on Jemima’s requests because Art4All is over and fete season is nearly upon us (I saw the sign up for North Fitzroy Primary School fete yesterday) and I am now officially getting organised for our second hand Christmas.  

I love a second hand Christmas …

Five fun things (still) at Vinnies in Kew

I have finished my second hand Christmas shopping. But I went to the op shop yesterday with Elise – just for moral support. I am such a kind sister!  She needed more presents. We have our family Christmas party the weekend before Christmas so that Mezzy can come down from Cavendish. That’s this weekend.

Anyway, while she shopped I mainly browsed (although I might have bought something*).

And here are some of the treasures I admired. If you rush down to Vinnies in Kew today, you never know your luck, these things might still be there …

1. How cool is this dinner set. $245. All the stuff on the table, and some larger tureens and platters on the sideboard. 28 pieces in total. How super would a dinner table look with this setting and my fab. tapestry on the wall above. So wiggy and wonderful! Not to everyone’s taste, I appreciate this, but still … so romantic …

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2. Check out these four canisters. $25 is a bit rich I reckon. But you’ve gotta laugh at the label. Soup mix. Do you think that is referring to packets of dehydrated cream of chicken soup or to some sort of soup bean mix. If I had only four canisters I doubt that either of these would be my priority.

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3. Lovely box. Lovely coasters. They are larger than drink coasters, smaller than placemats – ideal to put under platters when serving. I was truly tempted. $15.

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4. A plastic fake wood grain cutlery tray. How fun! Only a few dollars. It’d go nicely with Lu’s concertina door, don’t you think?

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5. This lovely copper fondue set. $6. I’d love it. And copper is so 2014. But I don’t have any room left in my kitchen. And really, I need a hot tub first. I am sure a hot tub is a prerequisite to a successful fondue night.  Don’t you think?

I hope you’re inspired.

* A striped singlet top and a great knee length denim skirt (for me). Less than $8 for the two.