How to create a gift closet that makes your life easier
Has your kid ever sprung last-minute “I’m invited to a birthday party” news on you? Has social media ever reminded you too late that today is Boss’s Day? Yeah, us, too. *facepalm*
It’s a real bummer to drop the ball on gift-giving, especially when you consider yourself a pretty thoughtful person. But the good news is, you are a thoughtful person. You just need the right tools to make last-minute gift-giving a breeze. Enter: the gift closet.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.
What is a gift closet?
Put simply, a gift closet is a stockpile of great gifts for unexpected circumstances. It ensures that when life throws you a surprise gifting opportunity, you’re not like, “I got nothin’.” A gift closet can be an actual closet, a cabinet, or even a storage container you keep under the bed. That part’s not important. It’s what’s inside the gift closet that counts.
What do you put in a gift closet?
Your needs may vary but, generally speaking, it’s good to have gifts on hand for adults, kids and pets. You want to have options for happy occasions and tough situations, everyday gatherings and holidays. We’ve got a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to add your own based on your unique relationships and circumstances.
A good gift closet gift is…
- Useful—not a dust collector
- Special—a treat or indulgence
- Not too personal—so you could give it to multiple people
- Something you’ve liked/tried/read/loved
- Nonperishable or has a reasonably long shelf life
- Not size-specific: scarf, earrings, hair accessories
- Unique—either by itself or in the way you give it
- A good add-on—something you can give with a bigger gift
When does a gift closet come in handy?
When does it not come in handy, really? Life is good at keeping us on our toes, gift-giving occasions included. We’ve brainstormed several situations when a gift closet can come to the rescue.
Last-minute host and hostess gifts
Save a panicky trip to the store on the way to the party. Instead, keep gifts on hand for the quintessential entertainer that will be enjoyed longer than a hummus plate. Like attractive kitchen accessories that make their job easier and make their home look good while doing it. Or festive drinkware that adds to the party atmosphere. And grab a decorative tea towel while you’re at it—you can use them to create a sustainable and creative package. Better yet, make the tea towel yourself for a more personal touch.
Casual housewarming gift
At any given time, there’s probably at least someone in your life calling a new place home. It might be neighbors moving in next door or a friend getting settled in a new apartment. Help them make their spot feel more lived in with an inviting welcome mat or a cozy throw blanket, or help keep them fed with gift cards for takeout or meal delivery while their kitchen stuff is still in boxes. (Psst…we’ve got cute gift card message ideas.)
Kid birthday
You never know when a kid’s birthday party is going to pop up on your calendar. (Most likely the night before.) Stay prepared with art supplies, outdoor toys, books, building blocks and musical instruments appropriate for different ages. These things never go out of style, and they’ll help you avoid toy aisle overwhelm. (You’re welcome.)
Adult birthday
Most grown-ups won’t pitch a fit if you show up to their birthday party without a gift, but if you have something in hand, they’ll be thrilled you thought of them. Stock up on your favorite little things that you know others will love, too. Your most beloved books, skincare products, kitchen and grilling essentials, fun accessories and tech gadgets.
Co-worker birthday
Don’t be caught empty-handed next time a birthday rolls around at work. If it’s somebody you don’t know well, it’s hard to go wrong with a travel mug or nice office supplies. For the commuter, an audiobook or music service subscription could make their travel time an enjoyable experience. Help them treat themselves with gift cards for coffee shops or restaurants near work (or near home if they work remotely).
If you work in a specific industry like healthcare, education or engineering, stock some gifts with more of an “inside joke” feel. After all, one of the perks of having co-workers is commiserating about the little world you inhabit together. Pro tip: Keep co-worker gifts where you work so they’re ready to go.
New pet or pet birthday
The furry family members in your circle deserve some love, too. Keep toys, accessories and treats with a long shelf life in your gift closet. If you have pets, buy extras of their favorites to share with new pet parents. Or get a gift that works for a dog mom as well as a bearded dragon dad—a picture frame to show off their cute creature.
Unexpected holiday gifting
You make your list and do your shopping, but somehow there’s always a need for another gift around the holidays. Maybe you get a present from someone you weren’t expecting or a relative brings a new plus one to your holiday gathering. Not to worry. You can pre-wrap little somethings that will let them know you care. Keep it simple with useful gifts like journals, stationery sets, candles and bath and body products. Have them wrapped and ready for extra preparedness points.
Unplanned hospital visit
It’s not fun to think about people you love winding up in the hospital, but you can make a stressful situation a tiny bit easier if you have something to bring them when you visit. Stock up on puzzle books and coloring books to help them pass the time. Make them more comfortable with a cozy blanket, slippers or a robe. Help them get quality rest with headphones, ear plugs or a sleep mask. Keep them well connected with a charger for their phone or tablet (portable or one with a long cord). For kids, a soft stuffy can feel like a friend in an unfamiliar place.
Who should you stock gifts for in a gift closet?
Adults
Gather a variety of grown-up approved gift options for all occasions. Keep them entertained with books and games. Treat them to a shopping spree or a night off from cooking with gift cards. Make them laugh with gag gifts for white elephant gift exchanges and milestone birthdays. Keep plenty of gifts for common hobbies and interests, like gardening tools or coffee or tea accessories.
Kids
Collect kids’ gifts that don’t add to the stuffed animal overload. Books, games, puzzles and craft kits will all get put to good use and don’t take up too much room. Gift cards let them pick out the perfect gift themselves.
Pets
Stock something for all the cute critters in your life. Depending on the animal, entertain them with squeaky toys, silent toys and enrichment activities. Keep them looking fresh with accessories, bandanas and grooming supplies. Keep them cozy with blankets or towels. Make them happy with treats that have a long shelf life. Not much of a pet person? A pet supply store gift card will fit just about any need.
What else goes in a gift closet?
Unless the people in your life love spoilers, gift wrap is a must for your gift closet. As thoughtful as you are, you probably already have a stash of wrapping supplies. But while you’re outfitting your gift closet, make sure you’ve got these items covered for all your last-minute gift-giving needs:
- Gift bags of all sizes and colors. Pro tip: Red works for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, 4th of July and more.
- Tissue paper in bold and neutral colors
- Rolls of gift wrap for different occasions, including kraft paper you can decorate
- Treat bags, bottle bags, boxes or tins for homemade or store-bought goodies
- Scissors
- Clear tape
- Ribbon or bows
- Gift tags
- Greeting cards and envelopes—an organizer with cards for all occasions is our go-to choice
- Blank note cards
- Pens and markers
- Postage stamps
- Rubber stamps and stamp pads
See? All it takes to be ready for those unexpected gifting moments is a little planning and organization. Ask anyone with a gift closet or cabinet and they’ll tell you—the effort is totally worth it.
You may also like
See more-
Christmas What Your Tree Says About You: Star Wars Edition
If you’re a Star Wars™ fan, this is a must-watch video.
-
Friends 50+ fun things to do with friends
It’s hard to describe in only a few words how amazing I feel when I’m with my friends, but I’ll try: Inner child comf...
-
Christmas 6 festive Christmas punch recipes for a very merry crowd
Make everyone merry with these five holiday drinks
-
Drinks Fruit punch that’s perfect for a party
Who among us doesn't remember being a kid and chugging a giant glass of cold fruit punch on a warm summer day? Whe...
-
Drinks Christmas Eve eggnog punch
There are several variations to this eggnog punch, allowing you to customize it to your taste buds. We started with e...
-
Drinks Warm and comforting wassail punch
Nothing sets a warm holiday mood like wassail—a fancy mulled cider. The tang and tannins of the fresh fruit, the warm...
-
Drinks Sparkling pomegranate punch perfect for any party
We've created a spritzer-like cocktail to serve a crowd with Red Zinger tea, pomegranate juice and chilled Prosecco. ...
-
Thanksgiving 4 free printable Thanksgiving activities for the kids table
The kids’ table is the place to be at Thanksgiving: all the fun and none of the responsibility. And because sometimes...
-
4th of July Free printable 4th of July decorations
Most of our ideas for summer entertaining include the words "casual" and "easy." But on patriotic holidays, we gotta ...
-
Drinks Warm up a holiday crowd with this hot rum punch
Every guest will feel special when you serve them a steaming mug of delicious hot rum punch, topped with a grilled pi...
-
Drinks Mix up this mulled wine holiday punch for a festive gathering
Pomegranate seeds add a holly-berry touch to this mulled wine and citrus punch. Any spicy red wine can serve as the f...
-
Gifting The Office gifts and decor make WFH way more fun
From 9-5, our favorite show is The (Home) Office. 💼 📄 Add some fun to WFH with products and decor from The Office, av...
-
Baby Watch them grow: Our favorite monthly baby photo ideas
Of course you’re going to capture a gazillion photos during your baby’s first year. But there’s something about snap...
-
Summer Vegetable stamping: How to make simple, modern prints with produce
There are so many reasons to try fruit and vegetable stamping: It's surprisingly creative. It's easy. It uses stuff y...
-
Baby 40+ baby photoshoot ideas, tips and tricks from Hallmark photographers
You have the cutest baby in the world. There’s no contest. It’s not even a question. But what you might not have are ...
-
Christmas Step right up and see the Seaside Carnival Keepsake Ornament
Get ready for all the sights and sounds of Santa’s Seaside Carnival! Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready to greet visitors...
-
Friends Friendship messages: What to write in a friendship card
Whether it’s your friend’s birthday or just any old day, sending a card is a great way to bring a smile and nurture ...
-
Card Ideas 17 ideas for saving your favorite cards and letters
If you’ve got a shoe box full of old cards and letters, you’re definitely not alone. People have been stashing away m...
-
Birthday Free birthday coloring pages to add more fun to the celebration
The best birthdays are the ones filled with lots of little treats and fun activities, from sunup to sundown. If you’r...
-
Family Tips and ideas for preserving and displaying family recipes
Family recipes are a special kind of priceless heirloom—the kind that transport us back to our favorite times with ou...