(Photo Credit: Gigi & Big Red (packing again…)
When you are bargain hunting, you will often see deals on toys, beauty items, household supplies and more that would make wonderful gifts. People commonly refer to the place they store these items as a gift closet. It doesn’t have to be a closet, it can get a cabinet, drawer, box, whatever works best for you.
Throughout the year, pick up gift items when you find them on sale and keep them until you need them. You never know when one of your children might be invited to a birthday party or you might need a gift for the new neighbor. When you do, just head to your gift closet for a quick and cheap gift!
If you are new to Couponing, you might want to take a moment to read more in my Getting Started Couponing series.
Chelsea says
Great idea! Would have never thought of this! I’m gonna start stocking up…I’m always getting freebies at bath and body now I can just re gift…Shhh don’t tell anyone ;)
Katie says
I love this idea! I have picked so many cute toys but I haven’t thought about household items. Over the past month, I have picked up Zhu Zhu Pets and Real Construction on clearance at Target and Littlest Pet Shop, Toy Story Lego, Cars 2 Lego, and Harry Potter Lego at the Border’s closing! I put my toys in my old laundry bin.
Brandy says
also- the holiday newborn outfits work well as doll clothes:)
Angela says
Yes they do! DD got a new babydoll for christmas & wanted to buy her new clothes with a gift card from Grandma. We went to walmart & found lots of clearance preemie christmas outfits that worked perfectly! :)
Linda says
Yeah, clearance is the way to shop. I stock up on after holiday sales. The Operation Game and Cupoka have rebate forms to get a free pizza if you send your cash register receipt in. The gift closet is so helpful when you have last minute parties to go to and no time to get a gift. I also stock the gift closet with wrapping paper and gift bags, tape, scissor, name tags and you are all set to wrap and go.
Ani W says
I always buy clearance stuff after the smaller holidays (like Valentine’s and Easter) and save it a whole year for my kids for next year’s same holiday. I don’t buy it unless it’s at least 75% off and a lot of times will buy it at 90% off at CVS and Target.
Terra says
Thanks for all the great ideas…
A few weeks ago I found my local Walgreens had lots of Crayola products on clearance for as much as 75% off. I bought $180.00 worth of products for $20 or so. I was so excited and so was hubby..hehe.
Mary says
We have been doing this for a few years now. This year we were able to finish out Christmas shopping for under $100 because we buy things all year long.
We also aren’t above buying gifts from the thrift store or garage sales.
Especially the books our kids love. They know we buy them used but they don’t care because they know they get more books that way.
stephanie says
When stocking up for girls, stop into Claire’s. They have their clearance on sale about once a month for $10 for 10 items. I have gotten some great things. My Claire’s will even call to let me know when it is going on.
Janet says
I do this too. It’s also great for giving opportunities like Operation Christmas Child or Toys For Tots.
Amber says
I just started doing this around Christmas. It’s great because not only can I pick up gifts throughout the year, but I can save some games/toys to donate at Christmas the following year!
Beth says
I Also bought the operation game for $5 and used the $3 coupon. I bought 3 to put away, although I think I have the 3 already going toward presents I know we have to give. I have also picked up other stuff when I have seen it….. One of the best tips I can also give is for a really easy inexpensive shower gift (either baby or wedding)… Holiday themed. My girlfriend got a rubbermaid container filled with decorations for each holiday through out the year. After a holiday pick up the clearance decorations and put them away, at the end of the year you will have a fabulous inexpensive gift to give. For a baby, after every holiday pick up a clearance bib, you will have an adorable assortment to give the mommy to be!
Danielle says
What a fantastic idea! I wish I would of been doing this for Baby Bean #2 whose due in July. Ah well. It’ll definitely benefit one of my Mama friends in the future now that I have the inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
Amber says
I do this for gifts for my daughter! I have a huge box in my closet with stuff to give to her for her birthday/Christmas. I mainly get stuff through giveaways. I won a Step 2 Masterchef Lifestyle Kitchen about two months ago…that’s a little bit too big to put in my closet haha.
Jen says
My drawers are always stocked! Got to love semi-annual sale
Laurie Fleming says
I love this idea, I just started this, I always stock up at Target.com, when they have the 75% off sale. I have two boys, 6 and 8. And they get invited to a lot of birthday parties, so finding legos for 75% OFF, is awesome.
Come visit me at http://granitestatesavers.blogspot.com
Autumn says
I have plastic tubs that I keep full of things I find – one tub for each of my kids, one for other kid’s gifts and one for adult gifts. I like to buy premade Easter baskets when they go on clearance and split them up for several gifts or stocking stuffers!
Jessica says
Thats an awesome idea! I didn’t think of that, I thought of doing it for next years baskets, but thats an awesome idea. Thanks.
Willyb says
That’s an excellent idea. I never thought of breaking uo the baskets. I am, however, going to make a felt bunny ear headband for an all black stuffed puppy I procured at targets after valentines clearance.
Ani W says
Love this idea! THanks for sharing!
tracey says
I have occasionally done this for my kids. But have just started to do it for others or for that just in case. Walmart had operation(toy story) on sale for $5 used the $3 off coupon and got it for $2. We already have operation so, I picked up 2 to put away for just in case. Ir to use at Christmas to giev eot the church for kids that have nothing. :-}
Kristin of Couponing to Disney says
Good idea!
tracy says
I never thought to do this!! I might just be starting that up. thanks.
Mandy says
I love stocking up on gift items. I did really well after xmas for upcoming kid birthdays and Easter baskets.
Diane says
This inspires me to work on my gift closet! I find having gifts on hand always comes in handy for those last minute birthday parties.
Diane
http://www.savingsmania.com/