where to save 1000$ for a short period of time?

You could buy a T-bill or money market mutual fund. Other than that, no risk, no gain.

Best bet would be a saving account since you'll need it pretty quick. Look at the online banks like ING/Capitol One. They pay about 1% interest on savings accounts. That's not much but it's about 10x more than regular brick and mortar banks are paying.

There's not a lot of options for savers today. Thank the Fed with all the low interest cash they're pumping into the economy. Banks don't need the money from savers when the Fed gives it to them for next to nothing.

biscuit tin in the closet, as long as your house is safe it should be fine as long as its anywhere out of sight were someone wont just stumble on to it.

Under your mattress.

Up your arsh.