It’s 6PM on a Saturday night and you suddenly remember that your best friend’s birthday party is in two hours. You panic because you realize you forgot to purchase a gift. You debate whether to run out and pick something up or whether to go to the party empty handed. You opt to go empty handed because you know you won't have enough time to get dressed and shop for a gift. If you are someone who hates to show up to an event without a gift but often find yourself showing up empty handed because you forgot to or didn't have enough time to purchase a gift; a gift closet is the perfect solution for you. What is a gift closet? A gift closet is a term I use to describe an area in your home where you store common gifts and gifting supplies for upcoming gifting occasions. Your gift closet doesn't have to be an actual closet. It can be a shelf, a drawer, or a storage box or bin.
How do you stock a gift closet? Ideally, your gift closet should contain gifts in the following four categories: 1. home and entertaining 2. personal use and enjoyment 3. office 4. children and teens. I recommend purchasing five to ten items for your gift closet. I do not recommend purchasing all these items at once. It is a good practice to create a list of possible gift items for your gift closet and take this list with you when you shop for other items. This will enable you to quickly scan a store for items to purchase for your gift closet. To get you started, I've compiled a list of gift ideas, gifting supplies, and stores where you can purchase gifts. Keep in mind that you don't have to spend a lot of money on these gifts, I've never spent more than $25 for the items in my gift closet. Sale areas in certain stores can be goldmines for your gift closet. You'll be sure to come across a lot of great, inexpensive gifts. One concern that may arise is that the gifts in your gift closet are too generic and not thoughtful enough. You can remedy this concern by writing a thoughtful note on an accompanying blank card. So the next time you go shopping get started on your gift closet so you'll never be in a situation where you show up empty handed.
Gift ideas for your Gift Closet
Gifts for the home/entertainingCandles
Picture Frame
Votive Holders
A Throw
Planter
Vase
Reed Diffuser
Book Ends
Glass/Ceramic/Wooden Bowl
BBQ Tool Set
Cocktail Glass set
Serving Dish
Wine Stoppers
Gifts for Personal Use & EnjoymentJournal
Bath/Body Set
Tote Bag
Recipe Book
Cosmetic Purse
Photo Album
Address Book
Jewelry/Watch box
Travel Kit
Money clip
Gifts for the Office
Stationary Set
Paperweight
Business card holder
Pen/Pencil set
Gifts for ChildrenWooden Blocks
Stuffed Animal
Coloring Books
Story& Activity Books
Rattle
Baby Blanket
Gifts for Teens
Costume Jewelry
iTunes gift card
Sporting Apparel (hats or t-shirts with state/local college team logo)
Gift certificate for movie tickets
Tools and Accessories (all can be purchased at your local dollar store)
Scissors
Tape
Ribbons/Bows
Gift Bags
Wrapping paper (non gender or event specific)
Tissue Paper
Blank Note Cards
Stores where I've purchased gifts for my Gift ClosetTJ Maxx
Target
Local dollar store
Barnes & Nobles
Bed Bath & Beyond
Bath and Body Works
Victoria's Secret
Local Flea Market
Crate & Barrel
CB2
West Elm
Pier 1 Imports
The Container Store
Marshalls
2. Florid and Faceted Earrings constructed with metal, amazonite, glass, resin, $28
4. Tocca Solid Perfumes comes in three fragrances - Cleopatra, Florence, Stella, $30
6. The Illustrated Kitchen Bible 1000 family recipes from around the world, $35
7. Shimmering Garden Journal crafted out of soft leather, $18
8. Voluspa Candle Tin has an 80 hour burn, five fragrances - Santiago Huckleberry, Baltic Amber, Capri Fig Frangipani, Champaca Bloom, Goji Berry, $18
10. Provence Perfume Bottle made out of crystal glass, $38 
