Thrifty Thursday: The "gift" closet

When I was a kid, my mom kept all of our Christmas and birthday gifts that she would buy throughout the year stashed in her closet under lock and key.  I guess I learned a bit from her because now I have my own “gift closet” and I stock it with deals that I get throughout the year.

Here are some reasons why a “gift closet” pays off:
*You spend less in the long run because you are not paying full price for things

*You always have a gifts on hand for those last minute birthday party invites that you receive

*You can sit back and enjoy the holidays a bit more because you’re not having to deal with all of the crowds to get last minute shopping done

Here are some starting your “gift closet”:

*Find a spot to store your stash (it doesn’t necessarily have to be a closet – you can use space under beds or even storage bins)

*Make a list of people that you traditionally buy gifts for throughout the year (birthdays, Christmas, etc.).

*Look for hot deals on items that you could use as gifts for people on your list throughout the year (Target usually clearances toys in January and July, Amazon has big clearance sales starting in November, and other stores offer clearance deals throughout the year).  As you find items and add them to your stash, write what you’ve purchased next to that person’s name on the list, so you know what you have and who it’s for and also so you know who you have left to buy for.

*Your gift stash doesn’t have to just be birthday and Christmas gifts.  I also keep a stash of things that I can use for baby shower gifts and other occasions, too!  If you buy “extras” for people who are not on your list, make sure that you keep a list of what you’ve got!

Do you shop for gifts throughout the year?  How do you keep track of your stash??

Do you have another Thrifty Thursday tip to share?  Feel free to link up below!

For more Thrifty Thursday ideas, check out Coupon Teacher, Madame Deals, and Life as a Mom.

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