Tips: How to Make a Gift Closet

You might remember I mentioned gift boxes and gift closets as a great way to stockpile for future celebrations. I love having mine because it designates a place where I can keep items I know I will buy. Birthdays, holidays, promotions - they come every year, - but instead of buying a gift or card at last minute, a gift closet gives me permission to purchase in advance, without the rush of finding the perfect "Congratulations!" gift in a pinch.

Keeping a gift box is a tradition my mother passed on to me. We would find a beautiful item on sale or discount during our frugal adventures and she would say, "Oh, this reminds me of Janie." lol. We would keep a special drawer or a box on the top shelf of a closet and keep the treasures we found until it was Janie's special day. This past Christmas, I had all the presents on my list purchased before Black Friday.... Haha, it sounds crazy, but I saved a ton, and you can too!

The trick is the same as frugal shopping at the grocery store. Never settle to pay full price! If you can get a sale, use a coupon or do both - grab that super deal and stockpile it. Put it away until you need it and keep your wallet happy.

Some items to look for when stocking your gift box or gift closet:

• Wrapping: Grab wrapping paper, ribbon, bows, bags and tissue on sale. After Christmas sales and the 99 Only Store is great for this. Check out the "It's Gotta Go" section at the 99 Only; I've scored wrapping items for $0.29!
• Generic gifts: Since you're purchasing in advance, you'll want to look at getting generic gifts (i.e. something any young boy would like, something great for a co-worker). This way when a surprise event comes, you're prepared.
• Cards: Look for discounts on card sets that have a variety of occasions. Or, if you're in a "season of life" keep an eye open for a wedding or baby shower set. You can get beautiful Hallmark cards for $0.50 - $0.20 each instead of paying $5.00 on the shelf.
• Go 99 first: From unique gifts to wrapping and cards, the 99 Only has great items at amazing prices. And now they are offering even better gift items for $1.99. I love this - check out some of my finds from the 99 Only Stores. 
• Check on Amazon: If you found an awesome deal, always double check on Amazon. They are known for having rock bottom prices. You can download the app, so you can check on the go. Many stores now price match with Amazon too (Fry's Electronics, Best Buy and more) - so checking may pay off at the register!
• Don't buy food: But if you're planning to gift something like a filed mug of candy or fruit basket, do buy all the other items in advance.
• Keep a gift log: I haven't tried this, but keeping a log of the gift you've purchased, for whom and which occasion is a genius idea to keep organized. If you want to try this, go here and grab a FREE printable gift closet inventory. Print and keep in your gift box or fill in your log strait from your computer with this helpful PDF. (Thanks Organized Christmas).

Here's more on how to start a gift closet by Colin from Hip2Save:

   

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