a suggestion--again from the wife--teach some retailers the true meaning of compassion.

[LeftyMom]

4. Employees with store branded goods and no receipts will likely be accused of theft.

If you want to do the same thing without saddling somebody who is already having a very rough day with the logistical hassle of finding a place to put the stuff when they can't leave a register on pain of termination, give them a gift card to the local grocery store. It's portable, and they won't have to explain it to Loss Prevention later.

Of course it's small and you won't be making a spectacle of yourself, so if that's what you're really trying to do that won't work. But if you're just looking to lighten somebody's day without making a fuss, that's the way to go.