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Gift Closets

Well since I seem to be on a “Planning” bloggity-blog kick today I thought I’d blog about Gift Closets.

Do you have one? Do you know what IÂ’m talking about?

A gift closet doesn’t necessarily have to be a closet but could also be a designated drawer or container or shelf that is your place to store pre-bought gifts. My gift closet is actually ½ of my linen closet. It’s not full of expensive or specific recipient gifts- but many small gifts appropriate for many different occasions/events. I make sure a have presents to give to little ones as birthday gifts, things for hostesses, and teen-to-adult small gifts.

HereÂ’s some of what is in my gift closet-

1. Many, many books from picture books to beginning readers to chapter books. I am a big believer in giving books as presents to children. Most of my books are purchased thru Scholastic book club. I like being able to get a wonderful story for $3-4. The only drawback is the books are soft cover. (IÂ’d had to replace some of our most beloved books!)
2. Votive candles in small jars. I love Yankee Candle but canÂ’t always afford them! IÂ’ve found some great smelling ones at Dollar General. They have a new Fresh Linen scent that smells like YankeeÂ’s Fresh Cotton (one of my faves!). The votives are $1/each so IÂ’ve stocked up on a few. These make great gifts for hostesses and b-day gifts for sister-in-laws etc. Most ladies donÂ’t need more knick-knacks but we can all use another candle!
3. For small kiddos IÂ’ve got more little trinkets from the local dollar stores. Silly putty, small puzzles, notepads and colored pencils, shrink shaped washcloths, glow sticks, rubber balls, sets of jacks, hair things, pick-up sticks etc.
4. Journals and pens. I love to get plain journals at the dollar store (or where ever I can pick them up for a buck or less) and then decorate them myself with scrapbook paper and embellishments (to give it that personal touch). I like to use my paper scraps- I get out a few complementary colors and rip them into pieces which I glue onto the journal cover. I often add stickers & die cuts. Right now IÂ’m really into the monogram thing. I take the gift recipients initial and chose an appropriate font on my computer  which I make quite large (at least 4 in. high), print it on card stock, cut it out and glue it on the front. I cover the whole thing with modge-podge to hold the paper etc. down more permanently.
5. Hand creams, lotions etc. I pick these up where ever I can on the cheap. To give as a gift I usually combine @ least 3 different ones.
6. Small devotional booklets. When I find a nice sized devotional for $2-5, I usually pick up a few to have on hand. These are great gifts for teens (adults too).
7. Small picture frames. I try to find ones that are unique (and cheap). Some can be embellished with ribbon and/or buttons but I mostly just give the frames. One thing I do is take out the “fake person” in the frame and print out an appropriate saying, quote or Bible verse and stick it in the frame instead.

There are probably more treasures in my closet but these are the ones I use the most. I don’t keep much on hand for “manly” gifts as I find food is best. I usually give h’made cookies or trail mix. I do keep a few glass jars on hand for these foodie gifts though. (Recycle old pickle, jam, sauce jars for trail mix- I’ve used wide mouth jars for cookies but don’t get as many of those so I use a decorated coffee can or even a pie tin wrapped up pretty.)

I keep and recycle every gift bag (and bows and even tissue paper) weÂ’re given and also have white lunch sacks on hand for wrapping.

My gift closet not only saves me from last minute (& expensive) trips to the store but it also saves my sanity—no rushing around frantic at the last minute.

So do you have a gift closet? What do you store in it? Post it here in my comments or on your own blog and trackback to me! IÂ’m always looking for more great ideas!

Great Idea...

8:25 PM, 2006-Feb-25 .. Posted by DonnaJoy

...I think I started doing this one time and don't know what happened - but I need to start this again and maybe put a little more thought into it - candles are always a great gift!!
Blessings
Donna

Untitled Comment

10:12 AM, 2006-Feb-26 .. Posted by OurLittleHomestead

I have a gift closet of sorts too--we keep heating pads-pot holders, dishcloths, and of course CANDLES...things we've made, (and things I've picked up 'along the way' that I found that were inexpensive & I know someone would enjoy--and lots of books....

I try and stock this closet throughout the year.... ;) It's nice to have something on hand, and not have to run around finding a last minute gift. We also keep papers, tape, etc. in there.

:)
Lisa

Thank you....

11:27 PM, 2006-Feb-26 .. Posted by sweetcottage

for this post.... I need to re-establish this in my home!
I love your blog!
Have a blessed week ahead!