Basket of stationery a great gift

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Mar 10, 2003 by Hints

Dear Heloise: I have a hint for you concerning sending condolences for deaths in families.

When my father-in-law passed away, we received a lot of floral arrangements and plants. The one arrangement that I remember the most was a basket of floral stationery, envelopes, thank-you cards and stamps -- all the items had a floral theme. The card read: "We thought that this basket of flowers would be more useful."

I have used this idea for baby showers, weddings and housewarmings. Just pick the appropriate theme for the occasion. I also added address labels that I printed on my computer.

These baskets are usually well-received and something that most people can never have enough of. -- Audrey Hayes, via e-mail

This is a blooming good hint! And with postage what it is, including stamps is a very nice gesture. -- Heloise

Send a great hint to:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 210-HELOISE

E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com

Dear Heloise: What can I do with dozens of extra hangers? -- Jim Conlan, Port Orange, Fla.

Here are some ideas sent in from my readers:

Take them to a coin-operated laundry.

Give them to a thrift store.

Ask a local tailor shop if it has a need for them.

Take them to a battered-women's or homeless shelter.

Return them to your dry cleaner -- call first to make sure they are wanted. -- Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I buy a new appliance, television or anything that has a model number or serial number that I might need later, this is what I do:

Before putting it in place, I take the owner's manual and write the numbers down on the front of it. Then I attach the sales slip.

This way, I have all the information I need and do not have to look in several different places if it needs repairs. -- Zelda Boyer, Cedar Hill, Texas

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