I always keep a collection of small gifts on hand, in case I have an impulse to give someone a pick me up or a thank you, or if I need a last minute present for a forgotten event. Once December rolls around, I stock up even more, making sure that I’m well supplied both at home and at work. I never want to have someone unexpectedly hand me a present and have nothing to give them in return. It just feels terrible.
Here are a few of the things I always have ready to go:
- Cute pens and notepads (see above)
- A variety of $5 and $10 gift cards (Starbucks, QuikTrip, Walgreens, Amazon, etc.)
- Candles
- Pocket sized bottles of lotion
- Candy
- Bookmarks
- Boxes of flavored teabags and cocoa mix
I can quickly select an appropriate item (or several), toss it in a gift bag (I also keep those handy), and I’m covered.
Do you have an emergency gift stash? Any suggestions for what I could add to mine?
Amanda Cade 
A post that makes you think from a thoughtful person. That’s what blogging was created: to share things to gently improve the human experience. Kudos! I’m off to the Dollar Store.
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Yay! I’m always excited when something I suggest is helpful. 😀
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Cool idea!
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It’s made my life a lot easier and more positive.
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It shows how considerate you are, very sweet to think of others❤️
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I like to do this too Amanda though I never kept anything at work.
My ixeas include scarves, paperbacks and ornaments or pretty dishes.
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Oh, I never thought about scarves. What a great idea!
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Thank you. Glad you liked the idea.
They are affordable, easily stored and one can never have too many. 😍
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This is such a wonderful idea! Thank you for sharing it!
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Welcome advice for those of us who have a senior forgetful moment.
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Believe me, it isn’t just seniors. I started stockpiling emergency gifts when I was twenty-five. Lol
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This is such a great idea!
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I stole it from my mom. 😉
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Hahah moms always have great ideas
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I stopped doing the gift stash when I decided to live more simply. I had a drawer full of things with no particular person in mind, so they went into a charity box. I switched to gift cards that anyone could use, like grocery store and gas stations; goofy handmade coupons for daytrips, lunches out, etc.; and change purses with quarters for vending machines and laundromats.
I totally understand that awkwardness when someone gives me a gift and I don’t have one, though! Honestly, many of my friends travel more and have more disposable income than I do. It gives them joy to find something in their travels to bring me, and I rarely can reciprocate. So I write a LOT of heartfelt thank you notes.
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Gift cards are always useful. I definitely keep those on hand.
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Awesome idea 👍
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Thank you.
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I don’t do this, but I think it’s a good idea. My Nan always used to have a box of small gifts in her wardrobe and she got me out of a difficult situation more than once when I realised I’d forgotten someone and it was too late to go to the shops!
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My mother has kept a gift stash for as long as I can remember.
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Nice idea. I do it with cards but not gifts.
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Also a good idea.
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That is a fantastic idea!
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Always helps to be prepared, right?
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Definitely! X
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