August Hostess Gift Ideas, Part 2…..From Manitou Springs

Last week I shopped in Manitou for my $10 or less hostess gifts and there were so many great shops that I had to continue with more great finds I found this week.

THE QUACKER GIFT SHOP

738 Manitou Ave., (Manitou Springs) 719-685-999o

I had never been in the Quacker Gift Shop before and I sure wish I had! The store has rubber ducks starting at $2.00 for the smaller ones dressed for any occasion. They have rubber ducks for every major holiday, cheerleader and sports ducks, medical, public service, birthday….you name a profession or theme, and they have the duck for it! I actually found a little duck that looked like a chef that I put in my son’s birthday bag…he cooks for a profession. They also sell Delish Bodyworks products, which is where I spent most of my time looking.

A lot of the soaps are $5.00 or 3 for $12.00 and I LOVE these! (HAD to buy some for myself!) The loofah soaps…encased in a natural based soap with essential oil fragrances is a slice of loofah…cleans and exfoliates and they smell so good. They have other soaps made of natural vegan glycerin and essential oils that are simple but look really elegant. Lots of choices of colors and scents, these would make a fabulous hostess gift. They also have lotions, scrubs, bath fizzies, body butters and fragrances…all beautiful and fragrant and reasonably priced. I bought several for birthday and Christmas presents while I was there.

Back to the ducks….If you want to get an idea of all the ducks the Quacker has to offer, check out their website www.quackergiftshop.com  We have a big Halloween party every year and I always make some kind of “goody bag” for guests to take home. I saw the cutest Halloween themed ducks on their website, which I thought would be perfect for this year’s party favors. They have little werewolf ducks, mad scientist ducks and monster ducks for $1.00 AND if you order off their website you get a 10% discount if you order 6 or more ducks and a 25% discount if you order 12 or more….which is what I’ll do.

GOLDMINER’S CANDY AND FUDGE SHOP

110 Canon St., Suite B, 719-685-5302

If there is ANY type of nostalgic candy you’re looking for, chances are, you’ll find it here. They also have cool, vintage signs, lunch boxes and giant Pez dispensers…not to mention their homemade fudge and chocolates, nuts and of course, all the candy. A bag of candy or chocolate is sure to please a hostess (or anyone on your gift list)…just make sure they aren’t on a diet…you don’t want to tempt them!

I thought these chocolate covered pretzels would make a nice hostess gift, so I had to buy a couple to sample ($1.00 each) and this cinnamon, nut and chocolate concoction….it’s huge! And I love the touch of cinnamon ($3.50).

You could put them in any type of container to take to your next dinner or party or wrap them up in Saran wrap and tie a bow on.

*My husband was a bit “miffed” that I ate 90% of all the goodies….I said, “Research!”

THE TEN SPOT

742 Manitou Ave, 719-685-1545

I’ve shopped at The Ten Spot before and am always delighted with all their merchandise. Everything in the store is $10 (or less, they have a great sale corner). I have bought hostess gifts, birthday presents, Christmas presents and of course, a few things for me in the past. Here’s just a few examples of items that would make unique hostess gifts….all for $10 (which is what an inexpensive bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers would cost).

Love this bag…perfect for a farmers market outing, “green” grocery bagging, or for toting anything around.

They have a wide variety of scarves in different colors and designs….not the same old ones you find in the bigger stores.

This beaded bottle opener made me want to go and buy some bottles….of anything….just to use it!

As you can see, the store is packed (but not too tightly) with all types of unique and fun items that you could give as a hostess gift. And if you know your hostess and her tastes, you can really find something to “match” her here. Again, all for $10 (or less).

After this shopping trip, I planned my next visit to Manitou Springs with a girlfriend. We had a fabulous (and inexpensive) lunch at The Cliff House and then walked around and shopped….I’ll be sharing some of the deals I found at a few more stores and our lunch experience next week.

These are the stories and research I really enjoy! And my husband doesn’t mind when I’m doing “research” and HAVING to buy or taste or sip….because it’s all inexpensive! (Except for when I don’t share!)