Holiday Essentials for your Gift Closet

I’ve learned through the years that if you keep a few key items on hand during the holidays, you will have a stress free December. These items are always ordered in bulk and kept in my Gift Closet. We all have that “uh oh” moment when you instantly need a gift for someone you forgot to add to your list. Let me show you how I tackle my Holiday Essentials.

Lat year I wrote this blog post about Why It’s Good to Have a General Gift Closet. I’ve always had one and in fact, I have one year-round not just during the holidays. There always seems to be a celebration to attend or someone’s birthday you might have forgotten. This is especially true during the holidays. There’s a brunch, tea or luncheon to attend and you need to bring something to the hostess. Or what about your hair stylist/colorist who you want to give a gift to? Or that neighbor who just dropped off a present and you are standing at the door with nothing in hand. Awkward!

Also, before you ask me… this is the pink sweater I have on. I get asked about it every time I wear it. It comes in 4 colors (black, blush, ivory and red) and has an oversized fit. I’m wearing size medium but I should have gotten a size small. It’s really large so you might want to size down one size.

Holiday Essentials I keep stocked in my Gift Closet

Nest Candles: I love the HOLIDAY scent and I’ve been known to gift these as well as burn them in my home year-round. I love how fresh it smalls. Of course they make other great scents too.

LAFCO Candles: Right now I am loving Crimson Berry followed closely by Starry Night. My year-round favorite scent is Marine Bathroom. It makes your entire house smell divine!

O-Venture: Big-O Keyrings and Wristlets. Ask any Momma, Girlfriend or Woman what is the hardest thing for her to find. She is going to tell you it’s her keys at the bottom of her purse. Add to that the amazing wristlets they make including this clear stadium bag and you have solved every females’ problem. I stock them in a variety of colors.

L’Occitane Gift Sets: What’s not to like about L’Occitane. They make the very best hand cream and have products for everyone! Check out this blog post about my favorite 3 holiday gift sets this season! Plus, everything is made in Provence, France so you know it smells like a lavender field! Speaking of which, check out how I make an at-home spa with their products.

The Container Store: Hands down I think The Container Store is your place for one stop shopping when it comes to wrapping paper, ribbon and shipping supplies. They even have great stocking stuffers too. I buy this in bulk so that I never run out.  Get year-round wrapping paper too so that you are prepared when someone’s birthday pops up.

ETSY: Custom labels are my thing! Last year I ordered all of mine from JOY Creative Shop (on ETSY) and I am super pleased. Be sure to include several different designs for various needs, For example, some are from “Tanya Foster” and some are from “The Foster Family”. I love all of her stuff!

Need more ideas? Check out my General Holiday Gift Guide where I curate lots of “general” gift ideas. What’s essential to your Gift Closet?

xoxo – Tanya

P.S. I think that Peppermint Bark is always a good gift idea. I don’t stock it in my house because I would just open it and start eating it. YIKES!

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photo: Audrie Dollins