Gifts Galore!

Good Gifts! Bad Gifts! Small Gifts! Glad Gifts! What do we do with all those gifts?!

(Ok ok. I had a Dr. Seuss moment. Just indulge me for a second.)

I've been joking with my loved ones about how we "won" this year with our gift giving, everyone received things they really like, if not love. We didn't exchange many gifts, but all the ones received were wonderfully accepted. I guess the planets aligned and God smiled upon us, because that doesn't happen often.

So for all those who received itchy pajamas, a sweater 2 sizes too small with NO gift receipt or tag, or 5 new pairs of black shoes (YOU shouldn't complain...kidding) this post is for you...

1. As always, take inventory: I've realized, this is always in my top 3 organizing tips,  but what can I say? It really helps us figure out what we should keep or not keep. First, sort the gifts according to what you like, dislike, and are on the fence about. Next, try on (if it's clothes) or ponder whether or not you really need/want/like the "on the fence" gifts. From there, they should be transferred to the like or dislike pile. 
2. Pick 'em up, Put 'em down: For each duplicate, give something away. For instance, if you received two new sweaters this year, give away 1 or 2 older sweaters that you don't wear often to charity or a friend/family member in need. This keeps room in your closet/child's toy chest/other area for new items without clogging your space. Be a blessing to someone else. 
3. White Elephant gift exchange!: You're never alone in receiving a bad gift. There is always someone else with a similar experience, but since one man's trash is another man's treasure, you can plan a White Elephant party where people bring one gift that they dislike in hopes of swapping it for something better. You can Google "White Elephant Gift Exchange" to find the rules. 
4. Re-gift it!: This does not necessarily mean giving the gift back the way in which you received it. Sometimes we can just take certain parts of the gift and use them to create something new. As an example, you got a gift basket with yet another oversized coffee mug, and your cabinet cannot bear to house one more. So you can give the coffee mug along with a book to your friend as a birthday gift. 
5. Re-gift...your things: As new items come into the house (through gifting or sweet holiday sales), let's view this new year as a time to purge and give. Purge your home of unnecessary excess and give to those who have a need/want. While you are being a blessing to others, you can receive tax deductions for the 2010 tax year!

 So let's all start the New Year off right! Organized and ready for any challenge!

Have A Happy (and productive) 2010!

© BeSpoken Spaces 2010