7 Steps to Creating a FUN Gift Cupboard

There’s nothing quite like the joy of giving, and if you’re anything like us, you’re also juggling a complete shit show of responsibilities (many of which aren’t even yours) while barely keeping track of what day it is. Sound familiar? Then let us introduce you to your new best friend: the gift cupboard.

A gift cupboard is a magical, well-stocked stash of gifts, greeting cards for all seasons and events, plus wrapping supplies, ready to save you from last-minute panic. Whether it’s a forgotten birthday, a surprise dinner invite, or a Christmas in July Secret Santa, this little lifesaver ensures you’re always prepared.

So instead of scrambling at the last minute, follow these 7 simple steps to creating a gift cupboard!

1. Find a space, a box, a secret hiding stop! 
   The perfect place will need to remain top secret from prying eyes and ideally have bench space suitable for wrapping gifts together with holding a wine glass or coffee mug. Grab some F Off Spray to ensure no one disturbs you whilst you're hiding gifts.
   
   
   
2. Create a list of all the birthdays and events
   In addition to having this list stashed in your secret squirrel gift cupboard, it is always a good idea to add all of these into your electronic calendar, this might be via Outlook on your smartphone or your family computer. Find a way to make it idiot-proof! And have a reminder pop up a couple of days before the event. You can even be really clever and have the event repeat annually! 🤯
   Grab a fun notebook to keep track of all the gift buying reasons and dates! This can double as "All The Fucking Shit I Need to Remember". 
   
   
   
3. Deck it out with 5-star supplies!
   Hate rushing around looking for the sticky tape, or can't find your favourite pen, or a pair of scissors that give that euphoric feeling when they glide through the wrapping paper? Deck out your gift cupboard with all these things, and if you're good at keeping secrets, these things shall always be there when needed! 
   
   
   
4. Start Gift Buying!
   This is the fun part! You might want to do some bulk purchases in one go to get the cupboard started, the great news here is you'll likely benefit from free shipping with larger value orders from most online retailers. As you find yourself with money spare, you can have a little fun shopping guilt-free, or as the sale events come around add little bits and pieces to your stash. 
   Drop deliveries here...
   
   
   
   
5. Keep a list
   Make like Santa and write things down as you purchase, we have a great guide that can be downloaded here to help keep on top of who you are buying for and what you have purchased so far, you can also keep a budget that might help explain why you have no savings 😂, we love gifting too!
   You can also have a list to jot down ideas for gifts, perhaps your best friend just mentioned she'd love to have a cute apron now she has more time to bake, or your mum complained she doesn't like using hot water bottles anymore after reading about them exploding! You know a wheat pack would make the perfect solution! Write that shit down!
   
   
   
6. Bundle things together
   If you are a sweary mother fucker like us and get the giggles every time you shop at The Inappropriate Gift Co, you might find your gift stash doesn't have anything suitable for your 12-year-old nieces' birthday. To get around this issue, have a few boxes that can be used to categorise the gifts, this might be adults, kids, Work and Christmas. 
   
   
   
   
7. There is no greater gift than the gift of giving
   Don't forget to keep an eye on your gift cupboard and ensure it is organised. If you find it is overflowing, or perhaps you purchased something that is no longer suitable, there are buckets of charities looking for gifts for those less fortunate each Christmas. Jump online to find a charity near you that is looking for gifts to fill hampers or simply help those less fortunate feel seen and loved this Christmas. 
   
   
   
   
   

Building a gift cupboard isn’t just about eliminating gifting stress—it’s an opportunity to truly indulge in the art of gift shopping. It’s about putting in the time and effort to understand the people you love and share your life with. After all, there’s no greater gift than seeing someone’s eyes light up, knowing you’ve chosen the perfect gift that shows you really get them.