It’s that time of year! I can’t believe it’s already almost Christmas! I wanted to write about some functional tips for getting into holiday shopping and wrapping. I had the pleasure of getting most of my presents purchased and (mostly) wrapped this week. I have some travel coming up and a lot of out-of-town presents to mail, so I wanted to get my shopping done early! I feel like it always creeps up quickly, and with the Thanksgiving holiday so late this year, I felt like I was losing a week!

Here are a few tips to help you get ready for both holiday shopping and wrapping presents — so the season stays joyful, not stressful.

1. Start With a Holiday Plan

Before buying anything, create a clear plan:

• • Gift list: who you’re shopping for
  • Budget: how much you want to spend per person
  • Gift ideas: write down ideas early so you’re not scrambling
  • Events & deadlines: school parties, family gatherings, shipping dates

Tip: Use a digital note or spreadsheet so you can update it on the go.

2. Take Inventory Before Shopping

Avoid buying duplicates (happens more than we think!):

• • Check what wrapping supplies you already have
  • Note leftover bags, ribbons, tissue, tags
  • Review your gift stash for items you may have purchased throughout the year

This helps reduce clutter and overspending.

3. Organize by Category, Not Store

Structure your shopping into categories:

• • Online orders
  • In-store items
  • Stocking stuffers
  • Gift cards
  • Family gifts
  • Teacher/coworker gifts

This saves time and minimizes last-minute errands.

4. Track All Packages in One Place

Holiday deliveries come fast and often.
Use:

• • A package tracking app (Shop, Route)
  • A dedicated bin near your entryway for incoming packages
  • A checklist where you mark ordered → arrived → wrapped → ready

This prevents lost gifts or forgotten deliveries.

5. Create a Holiday Wrapping Station

Pick one spot in your home (closet, craft area, or portable bin) and stock it with:

• • Wrapping paper
  • Gift bags
  • Tissue paper
  • Tags
  • Tape & scissors
  • Pens
  • Ribbon
  • Small trash bag

6. Prep Wrapping Supplies Early

Make wrapping easier by prepping in advance:

• • Pre-cut tissue paper
  • Assemble a few gift bags with tags attached
  • Keep tape on a weighted dispenser (makes wrapping faster!)
  • Have spare scissors in the station so you don’t have to search for them

This will save you time & sanity!

7. Wrap As You Buy

Don’t wait until Christmas Eve!

• • Schedule small wrapping sessions each week
  • Wrap 2–3 gifts at a time
  • Immediately add names & tags so nothing gets mixed up

Small batches = big stress savings.

8. Label Gifts Clearly

To stay organized:

• • Use matching tags for each family or event
  • Create color-coded wrapping (kids vs adults)
  • Keep a master list of gift contents if you use uniform bags/boxes

This helps if you shop early and forget what’s inside.

9. Create a “Returns & Receipts” Envelope or Folder

Holiday returns are inevitable.
Keep:

• • Gift receipts
  • Return labels
  • Original packaging
  • A reusable shopping bag for all return items

Keep the bag near your car so returns happen quickly and painlessly.

10. Declutter Before the Holidays

Prepare the house by clearing space:

• • Kids’ rooms
  • Closets
  • Pantry
  • Gift storage zones
  • Old wrapping supplies

This makes room for incoming gifts and reduces clutter from the start.

11. Set Up a Holiday “Command Center”

This can be a small tray, bin, or drawer containing:

• • Calendar of events
  • Shopping list
  • Coupons
  • Receipts
  • Gift cards
  • Tape & scissors
  • Your master gift list

Think of it as your holiday headquarters!

12. Keep a Small “Emergency Gift Stash”

For unexpected guests or last-minute events:

• • Candles
  • Chocolates
  • Wine
  • Cozy socks
  • Gift cards
  • Small games
  • Neutral gift bags

Enjoy your holiday season stress-free this year! Be sure to send this to a friend who could use some helpful tips too! 😊

Tonia