My niece was telling me that she often receives gifts of scented bubble baths, lotions, perfumes, shampoos and conditioners that she can't use because she doesn't care for the scent. Does anyone have ideas on how to put these to other uses? One that I thought of was to donate them to homeless shelters.
For bubble bath, shampoos, body washes, etc. I use them for hand washables and they work so well. Plus, they come out smelling so nice.
For body lotion, moisturizers, hair conditioners, etc. I use them to shave with instead of shave cream, which is so expensive. And they work so well for this purpose and leave the skin very silky and moisturized, too.
As far as perfume, I don't use it for anything if I don't like the scent. I just bring it to work and put a "free to anyone" label on it so that whoever likes it, can have it and that'll make someone else
happy. Hope this helps :)
- A.P.
Alot of food pantries would be happy to receive unwanted personal hygiene items and other non-food items such as bath tissue, baby items etc.. I know first hand about these items being very much needed by agencies that help people who although they work may not have enough money left to buy these necessities.
Nursing Homes would be another good place to donate such things. There are always elderly people with no families to get little extras like that, who would probably love a little pampering.
I usually save gifts like that to give away to someone else for a birthday or bridal shower gift, then I don't have to go shopping later
Most Children's Services are in desperate need of "overnight" bags or suitcases for children going into foster care. Most do not have anything of their own. They are taken with only clothes on their backs. There are several organizations that work on putting together overnight bags that come with a pillow or blanket (even if it is infant size, it is something to call their own), a toy and toiletry items.
Do not give to others anything you would not consider fit for yourself and your loved ones. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Having worked in shelters, a lot of stuff that is worthless or not fit is donated because some people think that homeless or poor people should be grateful to get your garbage.
Don't throw it out. I use mine for hand washing combs, hair and makeup brushes, lingerie and cashmere sweaters. Sometimes, as in the case of this bottle, if I see a really good deal I will buy it and save it for this purpose.
