I need idea's for stocking up my gift closet

**aylasmommy** · 01-06-2003, 02:40 AM

Friends

I need your help

I want to start a gift closet so that I won't have to ...well you know the drill

But I went to Target today, and last week..and my mind just goes blank :Q I have a hard time making my mind up what exactly I should choose to buy..

So, what are some gifts you like to get, that are for people who you don't know exactly know yet who it's going to be given to?

What is your price range you are able to average paying for per item?

I just need to get some ideas

Thanks!

**MANDERS** · 01-06-2003, 08:35 AM

I think women and children are always the easiest.For women I always keep on hand about 1/2 doz hm candles and bath and beauty items.I go to the $tree a lot and find bath and beauty items(body wash etc)2/$1.And they always make good gift baskets.I have several women in my lil circle that where the same style and size so cheapo shirts clearance are good for me.Also Jewelry or anything you might see that is of intrest.

For kids its easy esp when Ayla get big enough to be invited to 10 birthday parties a year.When kmart went out of buisiness i stocked up on little girl items,like dress up stuff,barbies etc also do this during the year with sales and clearence.Boys are a bit harder for me(why I don't know I have 4 nephews,a son and a 9r old brother)but usually whatever stirs their intrest and if its cheap enough I will buy it.Like my 14 yr old nephew who loves to shop at the mall

is the hardest so I just get him to make up things he likes and look all year round.This year for the middle boys was harry potter and was lucky to get 3 hp trivia games that were reg $25 for $5.

Men are hard for me,but my dad loves hunting and fil loves hot and spicey so this year I made fil a gift basket with hot n spicey foods and found stuff on clearence for my dad all year long.

I also regift

so a lot of my gift closet is that.

**katiebug** · 01-06-2003, 08:54 AM

I think arts and crafts stuff for kids is a pretty safe one, especially because they aren't usually gender-specific, so they will work for boys or girls. I just started a gift closet, and when I went to the store I just tried to imagine what my DD would like to receive for a gift now and a year from now, and went from there. I didn't buy any fad type things, like Scooby and Powerpuff, since they could be totally out of fashion next year

.

Most of the adult males I would buy for are part of a male/female couple, so I bought things that would be good as a gift to the couple, like wine glasses and marble bar tools.

**aylasmommy** · 01-06-2003, 02:18 PM

thanks for the great ideas ladies!

**justjenn** · 01-06-2003, 02:26 PM

Thanks for the tips. I have also decided to do a gift closet, funds providing. I have trouble thinking about it, though. I can remember to pick something up before I leave the house, but after I get there I forget.

**mommy2three** · 01-06-2003, 03:05 PM

hmmm, this sounds like a great idea too!! what a way to get a jump on things! thanks for the ideas!

**aylasmommy** · 01-13-2003, 01:04 AM

I had fun browsing target today for gift items...I saw a few things I liked, but then thought "oh what if they lose weight and it won't fit when i give it to them" or "what if this doesn't match their decorations" it's so hard for me to make decisions in general though ..

BUT I did find some comfy cute slippers that were half off for 3.98 (i bought one for myself since i badly needed it) But i'm crossing my fingers that if I wait until 75% off there will still be some there so I can stock up ...they'd be great I think for people like my MIL, sister, etc ..

I'm totally waiting for these one set of robes to go to 75% off, then I'll definitly get some for grandma's, aunts.. you name it

**Jerseygirl** · 01-14-2003, 08:43 PM

I pick up lots of odds and ends for mine all year:
I bought 2 sets of little girls hair accessories, 75% off=$2 each
I buy baby clothes, especially blanket sleepers and onesies when they are marked down, also wipes, shampoo etc. with triple coupons, there is always a new baby on the way with someone we know. I picked up 3 boxes of ornaments for $.45 for a box of 15 glass ornaments for bil who just got his own place, now he can decorate a tree next year. I also recently picked up 15 boxes of chocolate covered cherries, regularly $3 each, for $.20 each-these will be for the girl's teachers to say thank you. I buy nail polish and mascara when they are on clearence and I have a coupon and put them on the side for stocking stuffers or gift baskets. Almost anything that you find attractive and useful can be used as a gift, or part of one. After the holidays when you can get all the specialty foods that are packed in holiday bxes on sale, I break up the sets and use them in other ways. Fil got a hand painted bbq apron(dss fingerpainted it) with a paperback bbq cookbook and a bottle of hot sauce that came out of one of those holiday packaged sets for father's day one year. Use your imagination and think of what you would like to receive.

**aylasmommy** · 01-14-2003, 10:23 PM

Thanks Jersey girl

You have great idea's

Tonight I finally made up my mind with some purchases

I got a bunch of gender neutral newborn items(between 1.74 and 2.xx each) so I have a really nice set that cost about what just one of the items normally would have.. Or I could always add one peice to something else I find on sale later...girls I love this gift closet idea!!!! If it weren't for you i would have never started one!

I also got a few shirts... for my mom, and my MIL for their upcoming birthdays, these are nice shirts and in their style.. and I got them for 2.4x and 3.xx each!

My gift 'closet' shelf is quickly filling up

**mrscornbread** · 01-14-2003, 10:27 PM

I also love the basket idea, but how about customizing them, like a spaghetti/pasta basket using a $ store colander with noodles, sauce etc. Or Heaven's movie basket ideas. I love it when people customize a gift for me, I can tell when someone really knows me, it feels so good.

**2cutekids** · 01-14-2003, 11:17 PM

Gift baskets are great and can be customized for the gift giving occassion. Stock up on white towels(goes with any decor), bath salts, bubble bath, candles, candle sticks and you'll be set for several occassions: wedding, b-day, or baby shower(use it as a pamper mom basket for a baby shower)

Mommyof2lildivas · 01-22-2003, 02:51 PM

This is a favorite topic for me. The #1 thing I keep stocked up on for gifts is candles!! Very easy and a popular gift. I also pick up the bath salts and bath poufs from the dollar tree, to make quick baskets out of. I also try and pick up cute cheap frames from Ross(they have nice silver ones that range from $3.99 to $5.99). I don't buy a lot of toys as gifts for bday parties, just because I see how many my kids get and they never get played with. One doll is enough, but my 2 yr. old got 5 babydolls for her bday! So, I usually present a gift card for a children's clothing store, childrens place or old navy. Where I know $25 will at least get one outfit. But I always add some kind of candy as an extra for the bday kids with balloons.
Whenever I can find specialty candies and such on sale I do that too, like Ghiradelli chocolates or Dove Chocolates. I like to put a scented candle, candle holder, and chocolates together as gifts. Hope that helps a little bit.