Make Room in Here for Gifts (Photo courtesy of The County Clerk.)
It happens to even the most organized individuals. A birthday is forgotten or a special occasion arrives at life’s busiest moment. Or perhaps a gift shows up during the holidays that you weren’t expecting, so you have nothing to give in return. These are times when a stocked gift closet can be a huge help. It cancels out the need for frantic trips to the mall, trying to find a suitable gift in 15 minutes flat. It eliminates the added stress when work and obligations prevent gift-buying excursions. And it makes awkward moment of being blindsided by a gift with nothing to give in return a thing of the past. Your gift closet doesn’t have to be expensive, extensive or complicated. Here are a few ways to stock a gift closet in your home.
Shop Post-Holiday Sales
Black Friday or the days following Christmas can be great times to pick up extra presents for your gift closet. You’ll find great bargains and slashed price tags. Since the items aren’t for anyone in particular, waiting to hand them out until next year won’t matter.
Think Timeless
Avoid gifts that could get outdated. Make sure there’s not a date on the package or that your gift doesn’t expire. The last thing you want to do is give a gift that is obviously old.
Re-Gift Sparingly
Peggy Post would probably call re-gifting a major faux pas, but come on, we’re in a recession. Just because you don’t like a gift doesn’t mean someone else won’t love it. That being said, if you do stock your gift closet with a few unused gifts make sure you keep track of who they came from so you avoid any monumentally embarrassing moments.
Buy More
Find a great deal on a blanket, serving dish or key chain? Pick up an extra one and stash it in your gift closet. If you like it enough to buy one then someone else will probably appreciate receiving it from you as well.
Support Charity
Stocking your gift closet is a good time to support charities. Is a local organization or neighborhood child selling a product that might work well in your gift closet? You’ll not only support a great cause, but you’ll be better prepared, too.
Find Unisex Items
It may be easier to fill your gift closet with smelly candles or flowery lotions, but remember that you could have a need for a gift for the opposite sex. Be sure to stock items that are fitting for a man or a woman like a book, a game or a gift card to a coffee shop.
Throw in Extras
While you’re at it, make sure your newly stocked gift closet also includes a couple of cards– one for a birthday and an anniversary. Also, make sure there are a few gift bags on hand in case you only have a few seconds to wrap your present.
