Gifts!

I got several questions about the gift section of my binder today and thought I would share more on this organizational tool. Spreading the love is what blogging is all about, right?!

A gift binder makes shopping so much easier! There are two parts to my gift binder: the log and the ideas.

I keep a log of all gifts given. The log notes to whom something was given and for what occasion. I created a simple spreadsheet in Excel so it is nothing fancy at all. However, you would be surprise how much easier things have become with this spreadsheet! If I am questioning purchasing a certain gift for someone and fear it might be too similar to something given in the past I simply open up Excel and voila, problem solved! Also, if something has been given that was a big hit it is nice to take note in case it could be given to someone else in the future.

Now, onto the fun part: finding the gifts! I get LOADS of magazines and catalogs. In the past I have had a hard time parting with issues as I feared I may forget about something or how to place an order, etc. I know this sounds odd, but it is hard to keep track of these small details. So, over Christmas it dawned on me to start collecting pullouts of items that would make fabulous gifts and a new binder was soon born. Just like a clothing or home binder, a gift binder holds all my ideas and favorite treasures found on the pages of magazines. Once I pull a page out I make sure to note what exactly caught my eye with a arrow sticky note. This way as the binder grows I will not have to worry about forgetting any small detail. I try and pull only items I can actually see myself gifting otherwise, the binder can become a huge hodge podge and end up being a bit useless. I also think it is important to pull gifts at very price points and for different ages. This way I will (hopefully) never get myself into a bind! I have also thought about adding photos of beautifully wrapped gifts for inspiration. It is fun to try new ways of to tie bows or different adornments. If you have trouble mixing it up this might be something to add to your binder too. Another wonderful wrapping source with pages of ideas is Carolyne Rhoem's Presentations: A Passion for Gift Wrapping. If you have not taken a look you simply must!!

So ladies it is simple as that! Now, all you have to do is pick up a cute binder, some fun wrapping paper that represents you, a box of sheet protectors, a stack of magazines and you are good to go!!