There is no need to be caught off guard when it comes to gift giving. Being prepared with a gift closet will eliminate the need for frantic last-minute shopping trips and will also save money.
Location for a gift closet:
Not everyone has a spare closet to use to store gifts and wrapping. While that is ideal, it is also possible to achieve the same results with less space. Perhaps a shelf can be designated for this purpose. Plastic bins, boxes, and baskets can be used to organize gifts and wrapping supplies. A cabinet or the space beneath one's bed are also possible places to stash supplies.
The important thing to remember is to store items in a clean, cool, and convenient place. Make sure items are easy to access, but not somewhere that children or pets can get into when no one is watching them.
Begin with a list:
It is helpful to begin with a list of family members and friends, recording those special days like birthdays and anniversaries. Planning ahead will prevent impulse buying and last-minute shopping trips.
Don't forget to include a similar list for Christmas shopping or other holidays when gifts are given. It is a good idea to jot down likes and dislikes for each recipient and to keep those in mind when shopping.
Throughout the year, check off gifts as they are purchased, making a note of what the gift is so that there is no confusion later when the event arrives.
Saving money with the gift closet:
One of the easiest ways to save money with a gift closet is to purchase gifts when they go on sale. Perhaps a nephew has a summer birthday, for example. Purchasing beach toys at the end of summer to give him when they go on sale makes perfect sense. Those toys will be waiting inside the gift closet for him when his birthday arrives next year.
Sometimes it is possible to recycle a gift, which is also a cost saver, but it is important to keep track of where a gift originated to avoid embarrassing situations.
Homemade gifts are always personal and save money. These can be made throughout the year and stored in the gift closet to use as needed.
Suggestions for the gift closet:
It is a good idea to keep gifts on hand for unexpected occasions. Bottles of wine and nice candles make wonderful hostess gifts. Some other items to consider include:
- books, stationery, blank journals, and pens
- potpourri
- picture frames and albums
- DVDs and CDs
- games and toys
- seasonal items like ornaments and mugs
- bath and beauty items for men and women
- art supplies
- children's toys
- baby items
- kitchen gadgets and small appliances
- wallets and handkerchiefs
- school and office supplies
- flashlights and nightlights
Wrapping supplies:
It is a good idea to keep an assortment of wrapping paper, gift cards, ribbons, and tape organized for use. Buy holiday paper when it goes on sale. Otherwise, it is best to stick with solid colors that can be used for any occasion. Blue paper with a white ribbon, for instance, could be used to wrap gifts for any age or gender for any event. Paper with pink ponies may only be suitable for little girls celebrating a birthday. Use common sense when selecting these items.
With a little care and planning, anyone can set up a gift closet and makes the experience of gift giving more simple, affordable and enjoyable.
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