Great gift ideas and projects on any budget for for the organizer in your life, the wannabe organizer or yourself (here's your "hint, hint" to forward to that special someone).
FOR THE WRAPPER
It's true. Giving gifts can be way more fun than receiving. But wrapping? That's another matter altogether. Keep ribbons and pretty paper under wraps with these fun ideas.
Seattle's Organized Spaces can modify any closet, garage, laundry, pantry or office into a sleek custom space that suits your every need. I just love this awesome gift wrap station with pull-out storage.
Save cash and space with this handy over-the-door solution with a removable ribbon and accessory bag.
In about ten minutes you can transform the dead space in the corner of a closet into a tidy storage station for gift wrap. Simply turn a wire shelf on its side, screw it into the wall, and voila! Keep boxes, tape and other supplies in a storage box nearby.
FOR THE CHALK-AHOLIC
Put the writing on the wall! This adorable vinyl decal wall calendar keeps your schedule front and center and is easy to apply and keep clean. Birds included!
Feeling crafty? Create your own chalkboard shapes and layout with Con-Tact Self-Adhesive Blackboard paper.
Or transform walls, doors, or cabinets into creative work or play space with a simple coat of chalkboard paint – now available in any color!
FOR THE ARTSY FAMILY
Make it easy to store great works of the little Michelangelos in your life. With Artkive, you can take, tag, and store pictures of your child's artwork so you don't have to hold on to the originals. You can even turn the digital versions into nifty gifts. A huge hit with grandparents!
The Wall Art Gallery from Lillian Vernon makes changing out the million little masterpieces a breeze. Each frame displays your standard 8 ½ x 11 and holds up to 50 sheets.
For a more permanent wall display, create a cute gallery of spray-painted thrift store frames with cork backs. When it's time for a new masterpiece, swap art with the push of a pin.
FOR THE TECHIE
Keep gadgets where you want ‘em! For today's generation of home chefs, a real cookbook can be kind of passe. For better or worse, we're going online for recipes, tips, and inspiration.
For the tech-chefs in your life, a fridge-mounted iPad holder is a must.
The battle of the battery charge is over. This combo USB and power outlet means you can charge your phone AND have reading light at the same time. Truly a revelation. And don't be intimidated, swapping outlets is easier than you think.
Ever wonder how one person in the house always ends up with all the chargers? Wonder no more. Washi tape is just about the cutest way to customize your charger so it won't end up in the wrong hands.
FOR THE BEDAZZLED
Necklaces and earrings and rings – oh my! For the lucky girl with lots of jewels, this nifty over-the-door display could be just what she needs to keep her baubles in order. With plenty of hooks and nooks for rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, it also closes up into a nice clean cupboard.
I just can't resist this crafty whale, especially for ladies without a lot of bling or who like to keep favorites close at hand. Available at Seattle's own These Creatures.
It just doesn't get cuter and easier than this when it comes to DIY. Take a thrift store frame, paint it (or not), staple chicken wire to the back, and hang it with a pretty ribbon. It's cute even without the pretty adornment!
Whatever you celebrate this season, give big – and I don't mean by spending money. Any gift with a little thought and creativity behind it goes a long way. I hope this has helped you get inspired!
Sara Eizen is a Seattle-based interior designer and home organizer with a passion for helping busy families reclaim style and space in their homes on any budget. In a bi-weekly column for Seattle's Child, Sara shares creative, fun, affordable tips and tricks for clearing clutter, sprucing up rooms with minimal effort, creating systems that simplify family life, and much more.
