Gift Area Saves the Day When There’s a Sudden Need to Give a Gift
With so many birthdays, holidays, weddings and unexpected events where you
would need to give a gift, it is a great idea to create a “gift area” in a
closet, basement, or spare room. You never know when you will need to have a
gift ready and this will save time and stress. A gift area is a designated spot
to keep various new unopened items, gift wrapping and decorating supplies, and
various greeting cards. It is easy to create and can also help save you a lot of
money.
Getting Started
First you need to figure out where your designated gift area spot will be. I
chose a closet in a spare bedroom in my home. I have a few clear medium-sized
storage bins in the closet to place items in.
This way I can easily see what is
in the containers. It also helps to avoid any damage to the item and to keep
them neatly stored away. Now you just need to begin to acquire items for your
gift area. When you are out shopping, pick up candles, pretty stationary, photo
albums, board games, etc..., these are inexpensive and great general gifts to
give when you are in a pinch. Also, finding things in closeout or clearance bins
to add to your gift area can help save money. Most stores have a designated
clearance area, but sometimes they are more or less hidden away in the back of
the store somewhere. Asking a clerk or salesperson where their bargain areas are
can help you take the guesswork out of locating these spots. It also doesn’t
hurt to ask for a discount when buying items in bulk. Just remember to choose
items that will be appropriate to give as a gift at some point, and not just
buying because something is cheap or on sale.
The Right Time Can Get You the Right Price
 Shopping off-season or right after holidays can be very beneficial as well.
There are always massive markdowns and discounts on items after the holiday or
when the season is over. Sometimes these items can be marked up to 90% off the
regular price. I always stock up after Christmas and save items in my gift area
to give out as gifts the next holiday season. Just make it a habit to keep your
eyes out for great deals on items to add to your gift area anytime you are out
shopping anywhere. The seasons are constantly changing and there are always
going to be new markdowns on many items. You can even save money buying gift
wrapping supplies off season as well. Also checking out discount retailers for
items rather than big name department stores can really save you a lot of money.
Presentation is Key
It is just as important to have baskets, containers, craft supplies,
decorations, various wrapping papers, and stationary supplies in your gift area
as the gift items themselves. It’s all about presentation. To keep the area
organized, you can get clear plastic containers to store away your wrapping and
tissue papers, along with the scissors, tape, ribbons, gift tags, etc… That way
you can see exactly what is in the containers without having to blindly dig
through them.
You can turn a plain candle into an extraordinary gift by jazzing
it up with a decorative ribbon and a fancy wrapping job. You can place items
into a basket to create unique gift baskets by dressing them up with decorative
touches. Often times I will create themed gift baskets made with various items I
have picked up at stores that I was able to get a great deal on. Here are some
ideas for quick gift baskets:
-
 Relaxation Basket - bubble bath; loofa; fancy wine glasses;
bottle of wine; scented or decorative candle
- Car Wash Basket - large sponge; microfiber cloth; fun hanging car
air refresher; car wash soap; car wax (these items can be placed into a
bucket instead of a basket)
- Kids Art Basket - various art supplies; crayons; markers;
coloring books; construction paper; craft supplies
- Love to Cook/Bake Basket - recipe book; kitchen tools such as
wooden spoons, measuring cups, rolling pin; cookie cutters; apron; cookie
mix
- Barbeque Basket - different barbeque sauces, grilling tools,
seasonings
- Manicure/Pedicure Basket - nail files, clippers, lotions, various
nail polish colors, nail stickers or decals, polish remover
As you can see, it is easy to put together different gift baskets for just
about anyone on your gift list. A little imagination and creativity goes a long
way! Another great thing about giving gift baskets is how they can be more
personalized than just a standard store bought gift.
Don’t Forget the Greeting Card!
Stock up on various occasion greeting cards (birthdays, holidays, sympathy,
get-well soon, etc...) This idea alone has been such a life saver! Rather than
running out to the local drugstore every time you need to pick up a card, have a
selection available right in your gift area.
Having greeting cards in your gift
area that are blank on the inside can really come in handy. This way no matter
what the occasion, you can write whatever message you would like. I like to make
many of my own greeting cards or invitations. There are even stamp sets to make
very nice professional looking greeting cards. You can even make awesome
personalized printed ones from your own computer and printer.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared with a gift area in your home will make life much easier when it
comes to gift giving. You will thank yourself when getting that last minute gift
together is easy as pie. Your wallet will thank you too for finding bargains
rather than paying full price for expensive gifts at the last minute.
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Gift Area Saves the Day When There’s a Sudden Need to Give a Gift
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