Don’t underestimate the drugstore. Really. Have you wandered the aisles in your local Rite Aid, CVS or Walgreens? It’s a veritable winter wonderland in terms of gifts and toys. Here are some unexpected combos that are sure to be hits.
• Arts and Crafts. This is a universal classic. Most kids love to create, and when gifted with a set of paints, markers, crayons or anything else that produces big, bold color, they’ll be grateful. Make it a package deal: grab some crayons, markers, pre-packaged craft kits, paint and more. One example of a creative kit: a box of crayons, markers, colorful notebook,
pre-packaged craft kit (such as a “make your own stained glass ornament,” or something along those lines).
• Miscellaneous Treats. There are other super-cool drugstore finds, such as fake tattoos (sorry, Mom), packs of stickers, assorted candy, and a stuffed animal or action figurine.
• (Younger) Girl Stuff. For the favorite tween in your life who loves Beiber, Jonas Brothers and “girl stuff,” the drugstore is a minefield of teeny-bopper items. Think “Seventeen”
magazine, J-14, Tiger Beat and Bop. Add a makeup kit or two (some of the more trendy ones are shaped like iPhones), some nail polish or decals, perfume and a makeup case, and you’re good to go.
• (Older) Girl Stuff. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with anything in the beauty section. But instead of going only with makeup, toss together a basket with some face and body scrubs, lotion and hair and nail accessories for a spa day at home.
• Guy Stuff. If you’re looking to get a tween-ish boy a gift, toys might be too childish. Try a couple of dude-mags that focus on topics like video games or cars, paired with a nice
fragrance kit (Old Spice or Stetson are drugstore classics).
• Final Touches. Another great thing about drugstores: they have all of the festive trimmings to make the package complete. Get some gift bags, bows and ribbons to tie it all together — and no one will guess that you planned your gift in 15 minutes.
