Picture it, you wake up and remember it’s your favorite coworker’s birthday and you forgot to get her something. Oh no. She went all out for your birthday and here you are…empty-handed with no time to even swing by a drugstore to get her some flowers.
Except wait…
This isn’t you at all because you have a gift closet full of glamorous gift bags, polished cards, and charming gifts prepared for such a time as this.
I cannot tell you how many times my gift closet…ahem..*cabinet* has saved me. I try to be prepared for events and shop around for the perfect gift, but sometimes I just forget, time sneaks up on me, etc. That’s why it’s so wise to have a gift stash.
Whether it’s a birthday, baby shower, hostess gifts whatever! I say be prepared for all! Gift closets come in handy most for those unexpected times.
General Gifts
First off, let’s start with general gifts. TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Homegoods are my top places for stocking my gift closet. You can find some of the poshest items at less than half the cost of what it was originally marked for. Brands such as Kate Spade, Lenox, Swarovski, Kendra Scott, Vera Bradley, Yeti the list could go on. You know what I’m talking about if you’re a Maxxinista! Take advantage of these retail stores.
Below, you’ll see some items I snatched up while there.
You can really shop anywhere you like. Target and Amazon are some of my go-to’s as well. If you’re constantly pursuing Amazon, check out their Deal of the Day page every day to see if there’s anything you might want in your stash. The point is just to have gifts like these on-hand because it will relieve so much stress from your life!
Baby Shower
Of course, when mothers-to-be have a baby shower, they are typically registered at several stores for essential items. In many cases, those registries are not filled with the sweet novelty items that are so much more fun to give!
This is where your gift closet comes in!
Classic children’s books, unique blankets, and animals should all be part of your arsenal. Having set aside these sweet items will allow you to add a little something special to the mundane gift you selected from their registry.
For the Guys
Definitely have male items stowed away as well! Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, Pastor Appreciation Day, and Valentine’s Day are all celebrations we’re sometimes guilty of overlooking. It’s always a little difficult to buy for guys, but just purchase items that stand out to you throughout the year.
Suggestions to keep on-hand for the guys are things like this coffee cup and prayer journal. Simple, pretty manly, and thoughtful!
*Hint: a nice inscription about how much they mean to you etc. would be great for inside the journal!
Another item I love to keep is an Amazon Echo (they go on sale from time to time for about $20 or so). Everyone loves them, and it’s a good, inexpensive gift that most people enjoy. (speaking from experience in giving them)
Hostess Gifts
Going to a party? A house-warming? A last-minute get-together and you want to be the sweetest guest EVER? Bring a little something with you! You can count on TJ Maxx to be chock full of marble slabs, cheese boards, coasters and lazy Susan’s etc. all for crazy cheap! These pieces are honestly my go-to because most of the time you can find a beautiful marble, or wood, slab that will compliment just about anyone’s kitchen.
Purchase these pieces when you see them! I say, the simpler, the better.
Candles are a fantastic token as well.. as long as you stick to general fragrances that aren’t overpowering.
My absolute FAVORITE brands are Scentsational and Sand and Fog. TJ Maxx always has them in a variety of fragrances, sizes, and outer designs. They just look good sitting there! Don’t you think?
*Hint: I suggest steering clear of loud pieces and wall art.
Gift Bags, Tissue, and Cards
Once again, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Homegoods are where it’s at! Heaps of quality bags like you wouldn’t believe.
We’ve all been in Walmart/Walgreens looking at a $5.00 bag that isn’t even cute. Never again if you take advantage of TJ Maxx’s gift bag aisle. While you’re there, go ahead and pick up some packs of tissue to stuff your bags with. Rainbow, white, white with glitter, floral.. they’ve got it all.
I’m a tissue fanatic and love for my gifts to have that full look.
Along with these necessities, pick up a few cards for future events, and thank you cards for when you want to show random appreciation to others.
Gift Cards
Gift cards! This is probably the EASIEST gift. Having a few on hand ranging from $15-$50 is a fantastic idea! I usually gravitate towards purchasing Amazon gift cards since the recipient can buy almost ANYTHING they like.
And That’s A Wrap!
That’s it—for now anyway! A gift closet is solely based on reducing stress by being prepared. It’s so much easier to purchase items when you see them throughout the year while shopping, so you aren’t frantically searching for something unique in a time crunch. You’ll feel so much better about yourself that you prepared and are giving gifts that your friends will actually like! If you feel like you need some help coming up with ideas, check out this gift guide!
And honestly, it doesn’t matter where you shop or what you get. You know what your friends like and the point is that you be confident and prepared and stay that way!
Feel free to comment your suggestions below!
What do you think?