Checking Our List #38: Collections Etc. {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Darcey!}

Years and years ago I was invited to a holiday party at a coworker's house, a fun gathering where everyone brought their family and hung out enjoying snacks and punch in her beautifully-decorated home.

And when I say decorated, I don't just mean lights and I don't just mean that she put out a hand towel with Santa on it and called it a day; this house was amazing. Every single thing that could possibly be changed for the holidays, from the toothbrush holder in the bathroom to the oven mitts in the kitchen to the throw pillows in the living room to each and every knick-knack throughout the entire rest of the house was Christmas-themed.

You'd think that it would be a bit much to look at, but really it wasn't, it all looked incredible. From that day on I've wondered where in the world she could have found all of that cute decor... and then I was introduced to Collections Etc. and it just might be the answer.

One of the fastest growing and highly successful giftware catalog companies out there, Collections Etc. provides its customers with unique gifts, home essentials and garden accessories that are almost all, get this, $19.99 or less. As they have their own merchandising team to design many of their decorative and fun products, you end up with a one-of-a-kind item that is sure to bring a smile to your family and friends.

Browsing through the Christmas decorations and gift ideas, there were so many things that were just plain fun... not to mention affordable. From the Holiday Imprint Cookie Presses to the Snowman Chair Back Cover Set, there were more than a few things that I knew Big Sister E and Little Sister B would enjoy seeing pulled out every year when the holidays roll around.

However, as I'm having Big Sister E help and learn more about the act of gift-giving, I knew that she would enjoy distributing small tokens of appreciation in the Santa Pants Gift and Treat Bags... and who wouldn't get a laugh out of receiving one of these?
This set of six red felt gift bags come complete with all of the cute details that are sure to cause our recipients to have a double-take when they receive them. From the faux fur cuffs to the black belt and buckle to the suspenders for handles... as I pulled these out of the box, I couldn't help but smile.

The first thing I noticed was the 9" x 11½" size, which is just right for filling with a small gift box, holiday candy, some homemade cookies or just about anything else that we decide on. Taking a closer look, I found that these Santa Pants really are just as adorable in person as they were in the Collections Etc. catalog and that they are much higher quality that I expected - every seam is actually sewn, not just glued together.
Grabbing some brightly-colored tissue paper, Big Sister E and I tried a few different options for ways that she wants these bags to look to give to her teachers at school.

Now all we have to do is make sure we have some sweets and a gift card tucked inside and we'll be ready to bring these with us to surprise our two favorite teachers. Big Sister E is just slightly excited about being able to do that...

For thousands of one-of-a-kind items that are sure to leave your friends and family wondering, "Where in the world did you find that?" Collections Etc. has something fun for your home or to give as a great gift. Also, even though we are more than happy with these cute Santa Pants Gift and Treat Bags, it is also great to know that all of the merchandise that Collections Etc. offers is covered by their 100% Satisfaction Guarantee so that you don't have to worry.

From seasonal to baking to gardening, Collections Etc. has items that you're sure to enjoy all year long. And if their already-low prices aren't enough (these six Santa Pants Bags are only $12.99, making them the same price as a plain paper gift bag you'll find in the store!) you can join their Green & Gold Savings Club for extra savings... or just enter the promo code 3JPRMB from now until December 29 at checkout and receive an extra 10% off!

And, thanks to the generosity of Collections Etc., one person will be able to choose their favorite unique items for any season, whether they be fun and whimsical or classic and practical, because...

One lucky person will win a $20 gift certificate to Collections Etc.!

To enter to win: Visit Collections Etc. and tell me one of the great items that you might purchase with this gift certificate.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you head over to A Mom's Balancing Act and enter to win a $20 gift certificate to Collections Etc. over there as well!
1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Collections Etc. on Twitter, sign up to receive great deals through their email newsletter (found in the upper and lower right of their homepage) and/or Like them on Facebook. 1 more Extra Entry if you fill in the blank and leave the following message on their wall: Collections Etc. has so many fun and unique holiday products - my favorite is the ________! I just entered to win a $20 gift certificate at Thanks, Mail Carrier! http://bit.ly/gz5QLF
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the Holiday Gift Guide giveaways (Checking Our List giveaways ONLY) running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Checking Our List 38: #WIN a $20 GC from @CollectionsEtc for unique decor, gifts and more! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/gz5QLF #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you have our Checking Our List {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Collections Etc. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on January 7th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Collections Etc. for providing Santa Pants Gift and Treat Bags for me to review as well as a $20 gift certificate for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.