Outside the holiday season, the spring and early summer months are prime gift giving times with graduations, weddings, mother’s day, father’s day and many of my friends and family’s birthdays taking place during these months. Shopping at the last-minute for gifts is not something I like to do so I tend to keep a stash of essential gifts on hand in my gift closet. These are items that have universal appeal and items that can easily be paired with another piece if the occasion calls for a little something more. Here’s a look at the items I like to gift most and always keep in my gift closet.
Gift Closet Essentials for Her:
CANDLES–Candles are one of my all time favorite gifts to give. My favorite line of candles is Nouvelle and my favorite scent in Crepe Myrtle. Not only do their candles smell great but they offer them in these chic ceramic urns which becomes instant décor for the home. I also keep a stash of taper candles on hand and can pair them with classic candlesticks to create a more substantial gift.
PLANTERS and VASES–Who can’t use a beautiful vase or planter to add to the décor of their home? I love buying inexpensive pieces like these from West Elm and find great options at HomeGoods. For a more substantial gift it’s easy to pick up a plant or flowers to combine with the vase. I suggest you opt for ceramic pieces over glass because they are more versatile and can be used in different ways like utensil holders in the kitchen, pencil cups in the office or makeup brush holders in the bathroom.
NOTECARDS– As a self-proclaimed paper good hoarder, I love a beautiful set of notecards. So many people don’t keep cards on hand so I love giving a set of notecards as a gift. If I want to add a little something to the gift I’ll include a book of stamps, envelope seals or maybe even a fun stamp so the cards can be personalized.
TEACUPS-Yet another of my collection obsessions. I think giving a teacup as a gift is a great way to encourage someone to take a little time out of their day to relax and pamper themselves. My favorite sources for teacups are Anthropologie, HomeGoods and World Market. Add a box of specialty tea to make the gift even more special.
SCARVES–After coming across a great deal on scarves at Target last year and giving several as gifts, I’ve kept a few scarves in my gift closet. Lightweight scarves are being worn year round and it’s a gift that someone might not buy for themselves which makes giving it more fun.
EARRINGS–If you want to make your girlfriends feel special then give them a beautiful piece of jewelry. A pair of earrings, in the colors of the season are a great gift for a birthday or mother’s day.
GIFT CLOSET ESSENTIALS FOR HIM:
JOURNALS OR NOTEBOOKS: Whether for business, school or doodling, I think every guy out there can appreciate a beautiful leather-bound notebook. For an added touch you can have initials embossed on the front cover or add a classic writing pen to the gift. My favorite source for leather goods is Mark and Graham.
PICTURE FRAMES–Most guys don’t go out and buy their own picture frames but appreciate when they have a beautifully framed family photo to put on their desk or nightstand. I keep several frames in my gift stash and look for styles that are a bit more masculine but not too rugged. I’ve found my best buys on unique frames at HomeGoods and in the Nate Berkus line at Target.
MONOGRAMMED COCKTAIL NAPKINS–Monogrammed cloth cocktail napkins are as classic a gift as you can get. This set is from Mark and Graham and I also like the natural linen set they sell. I always buy my cocktail napkins plain and have them monogrammed if the occasion calls for it.
LUGGAGE TAGS–Luggage tags make a great gift for grads and dads. I keep solid leather ones on hand but love when I come across novelty patterns likes these from Brooks Brothers. For the ultimate UpStyled gift, pair a couple of luggage tags with a plane ticket to a favorite travel destination.
WINE BOTTLE STOPPERS–How many times have you given a bottle of wine as a gift and wished you had a little something extra to pair with it? Well, I keep a few glass bottle stoppers on hand just for that reason. This set of 4 stoppers from Mikasa is a great deal at just $19.99 for all four. Four gifts in one!
Now that you’re on the your way to stocking your gift closet with essential items, here’s a little inspiration for storing all your gift wrap supplies.
Organization is always prettier when it includes bright and colorful storage boxes. Create a box for each gift category and store the boxes in a closet or even on open shelves. The boxes become part of your décor while serving a storage function.
I love the idea of turning a little used closet into a gift wrapping/gift closet. Shelves, racks and even vintage pieces can hold your gift stash and wrapping supplies.
How many times have you walked past those garbage bag holders at Ikea and though I don’t need that? I beg to differ. Those babies are great for holding rolls of wrapping paper and you can mount them to the wall or sit them on the floor. At $1.99 you can’t beat this storage solution.
And if you happen to be in need of wall décor and storage options for tissue paper and sheets of wrapping paper, why not hang them from bars on the wall. Layer and arrange the papers artistically so they serve as wall art too.
Do you have a favorite item you love to give as a gift? Leave me a comment and share your ideas.
[…] For more gifting ideas, read all about my essentials for a well stocked gift closet here. […]