In our busy lives, making a few things a bit easier, makes a lot of sense to me.
Anyone who knows me is very aware of my obsessive organizational side :) I don't like clutter and I really try to keep items in our house that we need and use often, vs just having stuff everywhere :)
However, I do find that having a few random gifts on hand (especially with kids in the house) because there always seems to be birthdays popping up at the last minute where a gift or gift card is needed.
I designated a shelf at the end of our hall for gifts and items I could have on hand for:
Birthdays / House Warming Gifts / Wedding-Baby Showers / "Just Because" etc.
Believe me, I am still working on growing the items but I do it when I find sales, have my own gift cards to spend :) or find very unique items that someone would love :)
I first painted the shelf with a basic white paint (it was a bit tattered) and this brightened it up!
I had quite a few items and gift cards already collected that I used as my starter gifts.
Examples:
1) mini lotions
6) insulated wine cups, insulated coffee cups etc.
7) lip gloss
8) gift cards from all types of places
As you might recognize, I love saving the little cute pouches from our monthly IPSY items and use for gift card holders, jewelry pouches etc.
I then found a few storage containers at Bed Bath & Beyond.
I love this store, and you can usually always find a 20% coupon to use.
I used containers from iDESIGN. I used items from the "Bath Organizer Collection". The clear stackable storage box, the large bath bin and divided bath bin.
I hope this inspires you to start a fun gift shelf, cabinet, closet (whatever you want to do) :)
Happy shopping & organizing!
XOXO
Elisa