Dear Gift Gal:

I decided to finally clean out our junk closet. Now that it's empty, I would like to turn it into a "gift closet." What items I should include?

The Gift Gal responds:

Lucky you-to have a spare closet! That's a rare occurrence in today's world!

Start by looking at your closet's layout. Does it have more than one shelf? If not, purchase a ready-to-assemble shelving kit that will fit inside your closet; you can find them at most hardware stores. Look for a kit that includes both shelves and drawers; this setup will allow you to neatly store your wrapping paper rolls, ribbons, bows, gift tags and an assortment of small gifts.

If you aren't sure which shelving layout would work best for your space, check out The Container Store website. If you give them the measurements and a description of your closet's function, they will develop a space maximizing plan (including a sketch) for you at no charge.

After your shelves and drawers are installed, start filling the space with your gift wrapping supplies. Sort things by their use. Rolls of wrapping paper can sit on the long shelves; sheets of paper, gift tags, ribbons and bows should each have their own drawer. Include wrapping paper for all occasions, both in sheets and in rolls. For simplicity and to minimize waste, you might establish a color scheme for all of your wrapping supplies. For example, you decide to wrap all of your gifts in the primary colors of red, blue and yellow. When you purchase tissue paper, curling ribbon, bows, gift tags and other supplies in the future, you will select items that match those colors.

Don't forget to stock your closet with wrapping essentials, like a tape measure, scissors and rolls of invisible tape.

You will also need a place to store a notebook and an accordion folder. Use the notebook to track previously given presents, future gift ideas and recipient's sizes and tastes. Use the accordion folder to store your receipts. Not only will this help you stay on budget, but it will also make it easier to find those receipts if someone decides s/he needs to return a gift.

Now, onto the gifts. I recommend that you keep some small, generic-type gifts on hand at all times. Depending on your tastes and preferences, your inventory might include:

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Purchase a few certificates from popular discount and department stores. Or make your own "I.O.U.'s" for service gifts like an hour of babysitting, a home cooked meal, or two lessons teaching your favorite hobby.

COFFEE MUGS

In a variety of themes, shapes and sizes. These versatile gifts can be adapted to any gift giving situation by filling them with the recipient's favorite candy, packets of gourmet coffee or imported tea, small desk supplies or even tiny windup toys.

COASTERS

Another versatile gift of which no one seems to have enough. Look for unusual coasters, like those sold at art museums, nature stores, or other specialty shops.

FRAMES

In various sizes and shapes.

INSPIRATIONAL GREETING CARDS

I watch stationery and card stores for inspiring and touching greeting cards. Successories.com is a good source for motivational cards). In a pinch, I've framed these and given them as gifts. It's a quick and easy gift, but the recipients have always loved them!

CANDLES

In unusual fragrances, shapes or sizes. Include tapers and unique candlesticks or tea lights with unique jars or containers.

PAPERWEIGHTS

Again, scour museum gift shops for some unique ones.

HAND TOWELS

Embroider them with holiday themes (not just Christmas, but Easter and Thanksgiving, too). Not into embroidery? You can also embellish them with stencils and fabric paints, puffed paints, photo transfers, etc.

AUDIO CASSETTES

Select calming music or the sounds of nature. Motivational tapes and inspirational stories are appreciated by a diverse audience, too.

PHOTO ALBUMS

Children's activity books, colored pencils, crayons and coloring books

PUZZLES

Various sizes and levels of difficulty for all ages.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

The more unusual, the better.

NOTE CARDS AND STAMPS

PREPAID CALLING CARDS

MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS

(keep a file with subscription addresses of popular magazines.)

BLANK BOOKS OR JOURNALS

POCKET CALENDARS

(stock those that are year-generic).

SMALL HOUSEHOLD TOOL SET

Undoubtedly, you will come up with your own ideas based on the preferences of your family and friends. However, this list should help you stock a basic gift closet. Best of all, you will always be ready for those spontaneous birthday parties and other celebrations!

"Ask The Gift Gal" is a free service of the CreativeGiftGiver website. If you have a question about gift giving etiquette, or just need creative gift ideas for a particular person or special event, drop a short note describing your situation to Giftgal01@aol.com. You can also subscribe to a free newsletter on creative gift giving by sending a blank e-mail message to creativegiftgivers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

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