The Full Closet

A closet is the ideal gift storage option – built-in, out of sight and with any luck, already equipped with hanging bar and shelves.

Start with a desk, bookcase or shelves – preferably with open cubbies so you can see what’s inside. This is where wrapping paper and accessories like tape, glue, glitter, gift tags and ribbon will live. Use coordinating storage baskets to keep things super-tidy. Or hang scissors and ribbon from closet rod as pictured. Organize boxes, bags and other gift containers along one wall shelf for easy access.

A second wall shelf serves as your gift depot. Throughout the year, whenever you find a great gift, stash it here until you’re ready to wrap. If it’s for someone special, be sure to label with a sticky note in case you forget who! (Hey, a year is a long time.)

Once you’ve set up your space, start a gift journal. This is where you’ll keep names and dates for birthdays, anniversaries and other gift-giving occasions. You can also use it to store useful personal info such as likes and dislikes, hobbies, sizes and wanna-haves that recipients mention throughout the year. Check off gifts as they’re purchased so you don’t duplicate.

The Space Saver

No spare closet? No worries. A trunk, cabinet, storage ottoman or plastic bin can work beautifully with a little planning. Trunks and ottomans are especially good choices because they can double as furniture when you’re not wrapping. Just close them up tight and (what gifts?) no one will be the wiser. Arrange wrapping supplies and gifts in separate compartments if possible, and don’t forget to include that indispensible gift journal. For easy reference, tape an at-a-glance calendar of birthdays, anniversaries and other gift-giving occasions inside the lid.

• Candles & candleholders
• Kitchen gadgets
• Books
• Stationery & note pads
• Frames & photo holders
• Salt & pepper shakers
• Potpourri

• Paperweights
• Vases
• Bath & Body
• Coasters
• Clocks
• Downloadable recipe cards to attach to food gifts