Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Works For Me Wednesday: Removing Prices from Labels on Gifts

Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer hosts the phenomenal Works For Me Wednesdays ... a great place to go to get all kinds of tips!

Anyway, this little tip is probably something most of you already know about, but I thought I'd share it any way ... just in case you don't.

I HATE giving or receiving a gift that has the price on it, yet, realistically, taking price tags off of gifts can require a PhD. SERIOUSLY! What do manufacturers glue price tags on with ... cement? I have broken nails over peeling stickers off ... At the same time, coloring out the price with a black ball point pen or marker can leave a messy mess! Besides ... I like to leave the SKU numbers on most of the price tags -- just in case someone has to return my carefully thought out gift for some strange reason!

Well, here is a neat way to remove prices off of the tags and still leave the SKU numbers intact (see pictures below): Place part of a strip of scotch tape (not the removable kind) over the price part of the tag, and hold onto the other end of the tape. Smooth it out, and then tear it away. It will take the price off and leave everything else intact, including the plastic wrap on the item. This works on any label that is paper -- the "sticky" kind or the "hangy" kind. Good-bye to messy markers and broken nails!! The tape just peels off the very top layer of the paper, taking the price with it. I have, at times, also done this on the entire label (you know ... when you want the gift receiver to think you paid full price, even though the price has been slashed and re-slashed and there are red lines all over the sticker)!





















Also -- If you have a glass or ceramic item (like a votive cup, serving platter, glass bowl or washable item) and you want the entire sticky sticker off, then simply place the item in your sink, run hot water over it for a bit (or let it soak for a few minutes in a hot water bath), and most of the time, the sticker will come off on its own. You may have to use a bit of dishwashing detergent, but generally, hot water is enough to melt the sticky stuff right off. If THAT doesn't work, use a bit of olive oil on a paper towel and rub it over the sticky residue. Oil will remove most sticky residue (including bandaids). I NEVER use acetone, because it can damage the gift item.

If you need more explanations or clarifications, email me! After all -- I can tend to go on and on and on and never make sense to anyone except myself, if you know what I mean!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very clever! I never would have thought of that.

Anonymous said...

Hmm. I didn't know that. I should try this. Definitely better than my current way of rubbing price tags with fingernails and saliva.


Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com/

Grafted Branch said...

Ooooooh yes! What a fantastic tip! Thanks!

Shalee said...

This my friend is a very useful tip for throughout the year!

GiBee said...

Ummm ... Mike -- that's just gross! Imagine getting a pretty gift (okay -- cool, not pretty) with someone's saliva all over it ... but you didn't know it! Blech! Dude -- use the tape!

Overwhelmed! said...

I've never heard of this, but I'm sure going to try it this holiday season!

Thanks for sharing. :)

Anonymous said...

Great tip! I never would have thought of that, but I'll definitely be trying it.

Nancy said...

I love the tape idea... I use Goo Gone on labels that won't come off, it does a great job. Thanks for sharing!

Susanne said...

Very smart! I'm very impressed. This should make life easier!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea, and so simple -- why didn't I think of this or someone tell me this before?! :D

Frannie Farmer said...

That's great. Thanks for the tip!

Donnetta said...

I hadn't heard the part about the tape before. GREAT idea! Thanks!

Melanie @ This Ain't New York said...

I have used the tape idea a lot. Works great. I learned this while working retail and having to wrap gifts for customers. Easy and quick. Baby oil is good for some sticky things on a glass or ceramic surface too, and is non-toxic.

Carol said...

And GiBee is short for Genius, right?

I love it!

Anonymous said...

I bought one of those expensive bottles of 'take of the gunk' or whatever it's called. But of course whenever I need it, I can't find it!
Best wishes

Anonymous said...

You picked a great time of year to share this wonderful piece of information!

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