Doesn’t it seem like there is ALWAYS a gift giving event? Do you ever forget about a ‘gift giving’ occasion until the day of? Or do you just NOT have time to get out and buy for the occasion? {Um, I’ll answer for myself,…yes, Yes, and YES!}
Solution. Gift Stash.
Buying gifts throughout the year to add to a gift stash is cost effective and convenient. Clearance time is the best time to stock up (which is now)! Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual {friends birthdays}. Old Navy Baby Clearance {baby showers}. Victoria’s Secret Semi Annual {bridal showers}. Borders or Barnes & Noble Clearance Books {kids birthday parties}. This helps keep costs down and I always have SOMETHING on hand to give. Even if I don’t remember about the event until the day of! Having a few items for each kind of occasion is such a relief.
When I first started this, my husband rolled his eyes and called me a ‘sale pack-rat’. Now he is always saying, “We have something to give from your gift stash right?! Please say yes!?” -My once gift ‘drawer’ has since been taken over by my twin baby girls, so now I just have a simple gift ‘box’. It doesn’t matter what it is,…drawer, box, whatever! Just dedicate an area to stash the goods!
How about the gift wrap?
Salt Lake Designer Gal came up with a functional wrapping paper holder…
If you can dedicate more than a small space, a gift station is ideal. With a dedicated station you can include gifts, card bin, and wrapping paper all in one area! I am sure there is a brilliant way to transform a closet into an organized gift station. I am also loving the idea of a gift armoire!
Just A Girl transformed this…
into THIS…
And filled my ‘dream gift armoire’ with essentials…
Gorgeous. {Craigslist here I come}. See details of Just A Girl’s gift armoire here.
How about organizing ribbon for gift wrap?
The talented gals at Little Birdie Secrets created a simple yet adorable ribbon jar…
They also came up with this incredible ribbon dispenser tutorial…
Little Birdie Secrets also clued us in on this beautiful idea from Nichole Heady…
{Sigh} Which one should I use?! They are all perfect.
Wow. I am feeling inspired (and a bit overwhelmed). These women surely put my amateur ‘gift box’ to shame. Do you have any great ideas for gift giving organization? Links? Please share!
Suzy Briggs says
Love it, Love it, LOVE IT! Just up my ally!! Thanks for the fabulous ideas!!
Staci Starnes says
Fun ideas! I keep saying that I am going to put together a gift wrapping station up in my laundry room. Here is the link:
http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/gift-wrapping-station?lnc=e3ffcafb74ece010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD
It looks pretty easy to do….just need to find time to get over to Home Depot to get a few things!
Shelley says
Thanks for the link Staci! 🙂
patti says
I USED to do this! When my kids were little they were always in need of a gift last minute. This was perfect for that.
My hubby recently retired and trying to make the most of his income (as I don’t work myself) this would be a great time / time of year to start this habit all over again.
Thanks for the reminder!
DaMora says
What a fantastic idea. I’m always collecting little gifts here and there so I’m prepared for the next shower, birthday party etc. But to have a place dedicated to the process of wrapping would be so much more helpful.
Cass says
I love this – to take this on the other side of things I wrote a post for Get Buttoned Up today talking about organizing what to give…
Sealbeachmama says
Love these ideas! Organization made beautiful. Thanks
Bonnie @ House of Grace says
Thanks for sharing!!!
Check out my tips including how to get pen off and couch!
creatingahouseofgrace.blogspot.com/2010/01/different-way-to-clean.html