66 Days ’Til Christmas – Set Up Your Gift Closet

This post is part of the #100DaysTilChristmasChallenge – one small step every day to make the holidays more joyful and less stressful.

Remember in Christmas Vacation when Clark goes rummaging through his secret hiding spot and finds old, forgotten gifts from who-knows-when? Let’s just say we’re going to try to better than that this year.

Today’s task is about getting ahead—not perfection, just preparation. It’s one of those small but powerful things that makes a big difference later. This is what you can do today that will make tomorrow easier.

We’re not just organizing; we’re setting up a system that’ll make life simpler when the holidays hit full speed. This is our version of Santa’s workshop—only without the elves and toy sawdust.

Choose Your Stash Spot

First things first, decide where your “gift closet” will live. It doesn’t have to be a literal closet—it can be a tote in the laundry room, an under-bed bin, or even a couple of sturdy boxes tucked out of sight.

Personally, I keep it simple. I use a few large cardboard boxes in my basement where I toss every gift and stocking stuffer as I buy them. Nothing fancy, but it works beautifully. When it’s time to wrap, everything’s right there waiting for me.

Pick a place that’s easy to access but out of sight. And if you’ve got kids, make sure it’s somewhere they’ll never think to look (I guarantee that they will never find them next to the cleaning supplies or next to a vacuum).

Gather What You Already Have

Before you add anything new, do a quick sweep around the house. Check closets, drawers, and storage bins for unopened candles, puzzles, bath sets, or cozy socks. You’d be surprised what you already own that could make a great gift.

If it still has a tag—it’s fair game.

If you started your Holiday Gift List earlier in the challenge, now’s the time to pull it out. Check off what you already have, and move those items into your new gift closet. You’ll instantly see progress—and maybe even realize you can cross a few people off your list already.

And if you created your Holiday Budget with us back in September, this step helps you stay on track by reminding you what you’ve already bought (and what you don’t need to impulse-buy later).

If you haven’t signed up for the newsletter and gotten your free printables yet, you can do so below;)

Keep Building Your Gift System

Once you’ve gathered your existing items, it’s time to start filling your closet with a few easy wins. Keep it small and simple—think teacher gifts, hostess gifts, neighbor treats, or something for your kids’ friends.

You’re not just stashing gifts—you’re creating a grab-and-go system that’ll save you time, money, and mental energy when December rolls around.

And while you’re thinking ahead, you can also go ahead and grab your Plan Handmade Gifts printables. If you haven’t started on those handmade gifts yet, this is the perfect time to move them forward. Add finished crafts to your gift closet or keep a small bin nearby for projects in progress.

It’s all part of the same system—getting a little bit ahead now so you’re not buried in last-minute wrapping, gluing, or glitter later.round.

Keep It Organized

Now that you’ve got a start, give it a little structure so you don’t end up with a mini version of Clark Griswold’s mystery stash.

If you like things simple, you can absolutely stick with a few labeled bins or baskets—Family, Friends, Teachers, or Neighbors. But if you want to take your system up a notch, here are a few ideas that make it easier to stay organized as your stash grows:

• Use color-coded bins or tags for different gift categories (red for family, green for teachers, blue for neighbors).
• Keep a small notebook or digital note inside your closet to jot down what’s inside each box—especially if you’ve already wrapped a few gifts.
• Add a “to wrap” basket for anything that still needs attention, so you’re not digging through piles later.
• Create a small caddy for wrapping essentials like tape, scissors, tags, and pens—just not your entire wrapping setup.
• Include a hidden envelope or pouch for receipts and return info, so you’re not scrolling through emails in December.

And if your wrapping supplies could use a little love, revisit our Gift Wrap Organization Ideas post. You can even add your gift wrap organizer to this same closet if there’s space—keeping everything in one place makes wrapping day quick and painless.

Keeping wrap and ribbon nearby (but not mixed in) makes future you very happy when it’s time to sit down with a cup of cocoa and a roll of tape.

Keep the Momentum Going

You’ve got the start of a great system, and now it’s just about keeping it moving. Each time you pick up a new gift—whether it’s something from a sale, a handmade project you finished, or a little stocking stuffer—add it to your closet right away. It only takes a minute, but it keeps your system strong and your sanity intact.

Keeping that small rhythm going now means December you gets to enjoy the season instead of scrambling through store aisles with everyone else.

✨ Your Daily Challenge

Today’s Task:

1. Pick your gift closet spot (or box, bin, or hidden corner).
2. Gather any potential gifts you already have.
3. Start your stash and give it a quick label.