There’s a part of me that fantasises about being one of those people whose houses are consistently de-cluttered, and would reply to the question “bargain hunter or collector of investment pieces?” with “I believe in buying few investment pieces every season”, accompanied by a sophisticated flick of my shiny perfect hair (well manicured nails would also fit into this fantasy somewhere, as would my Victoria’s-Secret-Model body and Cara Delevingne eyebrows).
In reality, my house is filled with bargains, and I can never walk past a good deal without buying one (sometimes two. It’s always good to have backup – what if it breaks? What if someone “borrows” your small wooden robot to wear in their shirt pocket for a night out – true story).
So, readers and fellow bargain hunters, here I will share with you 5 fab home things that cost under $20
- These amazing pink flamingos.
I once went to the house of a (very lovely) lady with the most amazing gardens. As we walked past some pink flamingos she hung her head in shame and said “ah yes, these horrible things”. I had been just about to proudly announce I have 5 (to be fair, two of them were gifted to me) but somehow I figured it was best to just nod and say nothing at all. Don’t let that put you off though, a couple of these will jazz up any garden.
Cost: Varying prices, but I recommend keeping an eye on 1-day I got my 2 for $20 - This zebra print.
I was out shopping in Kmart (my new favourite shop – how did I neglect this utopia for so long, I’ve only rediscovered it in the last few months) with my mum when I came across this print. The look she gave me said it all, but once it was up (slightly wonkily; I have since discovered the level meter thing on my iPhone) even she had to admit that it looks pretty sweet.
Cost: This bad boy will set you back $15. - These mason jar glass mugs.
These were an Uncle Bill’s find while I was out buying Christmas costumes for my cat (don’t ask) and other important things like that. I recommend these highly, and if you’re from Wellington they come with the added bonus of being heavy enough not to blow over in the wind when using them outside. Win.
Cost: About $14 for 6 if I remember correctly - Mini glass milk bottles.
These. Are. Everywhere. With good reason, they’re very versatile and can be used as vases (I am planning on painting some with gold glitter for our upcoming wedding. All the glitter, all the time. That’s my motto) or for beverages (we used them for cocktails at our engagement party. And for wine, when the wine glasses ran out. Classy).
Cost: Little Ink sells them for $2 each, so you can get 10 for $20 (I can do maths good), but you can buy them from many many places on the interwebs - These lolly jars.
(Un)surprisingly, I found myself back at Kmart recently, and ended up taking these cuties home with me. These are adorable, be warned though, I take no responsibility for excessive lolly consumption. You could of course fill them with healthy treats, but that’s not as fun.
Cost: $15 for the set of 3 (excluding treats!)
