Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Pre-made gifts

Ready for a secret? I do not shop for my children's friends individually. In fact, I pretty much do one shopping a year, in the spring, then just give those presents out as needed. I even pre-wrap (and bag) gifts and keep them in our coat closet, ready to go when we have a birthday party.







Some of my favorite gifts to give include: art supplies (as seen above), books, craft projects, puzzles and active toys (play tunnels, tents, etc.). Honestly, if we get one more stuffed animal or toy that makes noise in our house I will throw everything out. So I try to give what I would like to receive, pretty sure I got that from somewhere:)



I link to these awesome parties:
Sunday: I Heart NaptimeNifty Thrifty ThingsInspired HoneybeeNest for LessDelectable HomeIt's Overflowing  Monday:Between Naps on the PorchSumo's Sweet StuffThrifty Decor ChickAlderberry HillDebbie Doo'sHome Stories A to ZHome Savvy AtoZ , Tuesday: Coastal CharmTip JunkieMy Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaCarolyn's HomeworkMade in a DayOur Delightful HomeA Bowl Full of LemonsGet Your Craft OnKurtz Corner , Organize and DecorateNatural NestersWednesday: Savvy Southern StyleMommy SolutionsPower of PaintNewlyweds Recipe LinkySouthern Lovely , Home Happy Home Thursday: The Shabby Creek CottageMade in a DayHouse of Hepworthsthe 36th Avenue , Bloggeritaville Craft, Scrappy, Happy52 Mantels Friday: One Artsy MamaSerenity NowTatertots and JelloThe Shabby NestThirty Handmade DaysAddicted 2 DecoratingFunky Junk InteriorsFinancial FridayFurniture FridayAt the Picket FenceThe Rooster and the HenCentsational Girl

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23 comments:

Unknown said...

Great idea! I try to have a few things on hand, tucked away in my closet but they are never pre-wrapped!

SSM said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SSM said...

Hello Jessica,

Great ideas!

I will have to pick up some of those paints for my girl.

The car looks like a wonderful gift for one of the little boys that I know.

I usually shop ahead if I know that I will be going to a party soon. I keep cards and bags on hand but you are one step ahead here.

Enjoy your day!

Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication said...

That is a brilliant idea! I already do this with cards for birthdays, but I will have to add gifts when I have kids!

Gina said...

That's a super idea! I've never thought to do this but it makes perfect sense.

Linda @ it all started with paint said...

What a good idea. I've entered the stage of gift cards. Those video games are just too expensive!

:)

Linda

Bobi Jensen said...

My mom always had a "gift" container up in her closet that we picked from when we had a party to go to (when we were kids). It was always stuff she got on clearance so I'm sure it saved a bundle. Pre-wrapping is genius too! Thanks for the tip!

Michelle {Jarrah Jungle} said...

I tend to buy things when I see them on sale that I think will make nice gifts, but I dont wrap them for fear I'll forget what they are!

Eclectically Vintage said...

Great idea - I had a bag full of gifts I'd pick up when they were on sale which would be ready to go when my girls had a party! I found some in a box after our move!! Guess I bought too many!

And, I am craving some of your green beer! Erin go braugh!
Kelly

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

I have a large box under my bed which is my gift box in January it is nearly empty by November it is overflowing, I buy gifts all year round for birthdays and Christmas.

Heidi @ Decor & More said...

Jessica, why weren't we friends when I had 3 kids making the bday party rounds ten years ago?? This is genius, my friend -- all the moms out there thank you. :)
xo Heidi

Emily said...

Wonderful idea!

Anonymous said...

Wonderul idea, I need to start doing this, we have like 3 birthday parties that the boys are invited to already this spring, and its so stressful going out the week before trying to get the perfect gift. I will be doing this. thanks for sharing

Shiloh said...

This is a great idea. I don't shop all at once, I just look for stuff on sale, as the year goes on. Do you shop for specific people when you go, or just try to get a variety of gifts in a variety of age range appropriateness?

Unknown said...

That's just plain genius, girl! Wow, I'm so going to have to do that! And what kid wouldn't love art supplies? I'm with you on the no more noisy toy/stuffed animals! My son actually got that train in your first picture for Christmas and LOVED painting it. Thanks for sharing this at Shine on Fridays!

TRICIA said...

Great idea! There have been (too) many kindergarten bday parties for us this year! And after hosting one for our daughter and seeing all of the *stuff* she got, I'm all about the craft gifts. They were the one thing she really used and enjoyed.

makingitfeellikehome.blogspot.com

Flowers said...

Lovely little gift bags :) my children would be more than happy with these!

Allison @ House of Hepworths said...

This is such a great idea!

Unknown said...

That is a very clever idea that I just may tuck away for my own personal use!

I'm pinning this to my board for all the clever ideas I want to tuck away! :)

Anonymous said...

that's a great idea! I shop ahead for b-day gifts, too, but I do it throughout the year and pick things up when they're on sale. That way I don't have to rush out and buy a last minute gift or spend an arm and a leg doing it.

jacky @ small home love said...

I want to do this for adults too. It's exhausting having to shop for gifts (last minute of course) year round.

Waseem said...

I wish to do this and will use it when i needed.


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