It is December 25th as I write this so almost everyone may be sick and tired of reading about or thinking about gifts to get. And starting tomorrow most will grow fatigued about reading about or hearing about the pros and cons of regifting. So here I am to suggest you start stocking a Gift Closet or at least a Cabinet-starting tomorrow.
What to stock it with:
1. Things that go on sale this week.
2. Things that you can find at steep discount.
3. Things that suit a wide array of people and situations.
What not to stock:
1. Things that spoil-I avoid foodstuffs (even tea, which I would otherwise consider), liquor, fragrance, and cosmetics for this reason.
2. Fad items that say this year...and will be dated next week.
3. Candles - too boring, too predictable.
Why to stock it:
1. You'll save time and money and mini-trips to grab something at the last moment.
2. Some items will go together well- so that if you need a more expensive gift - just combine two of those below.
3. If you have a young child, he or she is guaranteed to be invited to birthday parties for similarly-aged children.
4. We like to think life is unpredictable but predictable scenarios arise: someone you know ill have a new baby or grandchild; someone will get a new job/get promoted/or retire; someone will invite you over for dinner or brunch. (All of these gifts are much better than surprising a host or hostess with flowers that he or she must scramble to find a vase for, etc. at the last minute.)
5. You may become known as exceptionally thoughtful. In fact, sometimes your note will be treasured more than your gift. (As an example, I once gave a slew of baby socks, available on sale on Old Navy, gender-neutral colors available, in all the cute little sizes 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos etc. with a note to the new mom that said, "So baby can follow in your footsteps.") (If the baby was a tiny preemie, don't worry if these sizes are future-oriented; your note can say, "These may look impossibly big now, but someday you will look back and they will seem unbelievably tiny.)
Let me be more specific:
1. A children's book you can get half price- why this works - if it is not too gender-specific, age-specific, race-specific, or holiday-specific, you can use it for the the unexpected birthday, the new baby, the rowdy child guest whose parents didn't bring enough to occupy him/her. Tip: Pick two titles that can go together or stand alone.
2. Those eco-friendly, inexpensive (under $10) shopping bags--they suit many purposes and people--new grad, oldster, eco-green-teen, etc. Bonus: these are small and light and can fit into your pocket or purse in case you're going somewhere an d are not yet sure a gift will be appropriate.
3. Simple stretchy bracelets and bangles--obviously, these tilt female, but still are not terribly style, size or age apecific.
4. Cute stationery-store type items--winsome Post-it notes, bookmarks, etc. Almost everyone uses these at some point - if they're ages 6 to 89.
5. A challenging, but small boxed, board game that can suit 2-6 players.
6. A blank journal or sketch book with some neat pens or markers. A boon if you need to make a last-minute hospital visit.
7. A trade paperback book you love that can be become your trademark gift - not The Prophet, but perhaps Possibilities by Zander and Zander. A bonus: books are easy to wrap or to mail
8. Picture frames-desk size for 4"x6" or 5"x7" photos. I always write on the card: "You can't have too many pictures but you can have too few frames!"
9. Book ends.
10. Whimsical, bright luggage tags that will make anyone's black rolling bag stand out.
Marilyn Machlowitz is a headhunter and mother in NYC. Of course, she learned this trick from her own mother.