(updated 1/20/26)
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It seems like whenever I look at the calendar there is another party or event coming up that I need a gift for. I try to do a few things to be prepared and to spend less money on gifts. Here are a few ideas to try:
∞ Gift drawer: I keep a gift drawer to store gifts for a later time. I stock up on gifts whenever I see something that might make a good gift later. Ideas include:
- interesting items from school fundraising catalogs
- notecard sets
- craft sets
- picture frames
- decorative journals
- games
- baby books and toys
- bags of nice chocolate (Ghiradelli, Lindt, Godiva)
Whenever I see something at a good price that might make a good gift, I snatch it up. I also have a few standbys that I love to give as gifts: cookbook holders for wedding showers and Creative Memories Picfolio albums (discontinued, but I still have a bunch) for a variety of occasions. Walgreens and Target often have clearance sales after the holidays. You can often find baby gifts, tissue paper, notepads, prizes, toys, craft sets, and more! Michaels also has cute gift ideas in their display before the register line (i.e. notepad sets, packable bags, post-its, office supply sets).
∞ Reusing gift wrap: Whenever anyone in our family gets a gift, I save the tissue paper, gift bags, boxes, and bows to reuse for later. I keep a few plastic containers stocked with these things. I also stock up on white tissue paper to keep for any gift. Around the holidays Sam’s club carries a huge pack. I think I have had mine for a few years and still have some left. The dollar store is also a good place to get white tissue paper. Other cheap ideas for wrapping include: any reusable container like a basket or plastic container that the person can use to store something in later, a cloth diaper or blanket (for a baby gift), or the comics from the Sunday paper.
∞ More gift bags: I love to buy these reusable plastic gift bags with drawstrings to give gifts in. Then the recipient can reuse the bag for a later gift or for anything they want! There are also cloth versions of these bags. Check out this set, which includes 3 different sizes and 4 different designs!
∞ Gift list: Since I give certain gifts often, I keep a list on the computer or in my planner of who I gave what, so I don’t accidentally repeat. This also helps me keep track of holiday gifts, too.
What are your tips for always having gifts ready for special occasions?
Surviving on a tight budget 
Good ideas Rachael! You never cease to amaze me. You’re wonderful organizational skills must be your secret on how you get so much accomplished!
You are so nice! I wish it were true! I think my organization and detail helps me survive this busyness and not be a total wreck. However, I am always wishing for more energy and more time in the day!