7 Ideas for Handling an Overabundance of Bathroom Products (lotion, sanitizer, perfume, etc.)

Do you have a plethora of bathroom products?

A Reader Writes:

I'm looking for ideas to help my mother.  She is 65 years old and has a HUGE collection of personal products in her bathroom and linen closet.  Most of them are unopened and expensive (she got them as gifts) so she does not want to throw them out.  But, she will never use all of it and her space is filled to the brim.  Is there any place that would like this kind of stuff?
Thanks!
MaryAnne -- Jacksonville Florida USA

MaryAnne- Yes!  I've listed seven options and I bet my readers will have ideas too.

What do you get for a woman that has everything?  Why bath products, perfume, soaps and lotions of course!  Bath products are an easy gift to give - everyone could use some more lotion right?  I have to admit, I love Bath and Body works, but really, you can only have so many scented items. 

Have you ever received a bath item and thought, gee this is really nice and I know they spent good money on it, but I CANNOT STAND that scent!  I have!  I'm not a big fan of really floral smelling items and at least every other year I get something with that scent for a gift.  You don't want to throw it away... it is still good!  Here are ideas for what you can do with that stuff.

1 -- Local domestic violence (DV) shelters-- Many women who find themselves living in a DV home had to leave their homes quickly and often have nothing but the clothes on their backs.  Consider donating your items to women who would love to be able to have some luxuries in life.

2 -- Homeless shelters -- Basic necessities are not as common when you don't have a regular place to live.  Shelters are often looking for toiletries.  Check your local churches that help out homeless families too.

3 -- Our service men and women-- Organizations like VFW and Am-Vets frequently hold drives at this time of year to collect items to go overseas in holiday boxes for our troops.  My son's school collects items every year, so take a look in your local papers for opportunities.

4 -- Back-to-work programs like Dress For Success -- There are a number of great programs world wide that support women that are going back into the workforce.  The Dress for Success program in our area provides interview clothing, 2 work day outfits and a few other items to help care for the woman's appearance in addition to giving them work skills training.

5 -- Cosmetology/beauty schools -- Our local high-school has vocational training that teaches students the skills necessary to go into the salon field.  They love getting new products they can use in their classes.  (Note:  There are some cosmetology schools that focus on a specific product line.  Call and ask before you take the items.)

6 -- Food Banks/Food Pantries -- Many food banks/pantries collect non-food items too.  Check your local facility.

7 -- Nursing/Senior Care Facilities -- Many nursing homes would love these items for residents.  Sadly, there are many seniors that never get visitors or gifts for holidays or their birthday.  Check with the facility first, but consider wrapping the lotions, etc. and giving as gifts to those that would appreciate some self-care.

Comment and Share!

I know you have some great ideas for MaryAnne's mom too.  Please leave your comment below. Like what you've read?  I'd love it if you would click the Share-This link below and share this post with your social networking friends.

To your success!

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