The Ultimate Holiday Gift Planning Checklist: Stay Stress-Free This Season!
Let’s be real—holiday gift shopping and wrapping can get out of hand quickly, whether you're picking out something special for family or trying to impress clients with corporate gifts. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate checklist to keep you on top of your holiday game. No panic, no last-minute frenzy—just a smooth, organized, and dare I say, fun, gift-giving season.
Ready? Let’s dive in and get you prepped like a pro!
Eight Weeks Before the Holidays – Start Early (Yes, Now!)
Don’t be that person sprinting through the mall on December 24. Trust me, future you will thank you for starting early.
Checklist:
Set Your Budget: Before you go wild, set a gift budget. For corporate gifting, make sure to break it down per person or department so you don’t go overboard.
Write Your Gift List: List everyone—family, friends, clients, employees, vendors. Heck, even your dog walker if they’ve earned a spot.
Find Inspiration: Start brainstorming gift ideas. What would make them say, “WOW!” instead of just “Oh, another candle…”?
Pro Tip: For corporate gifts, keep it professional but not boring. Personalized and thoughtful gifts always win.
Six Weeks Before the Holidays – The Fun Part
Now’s the time to start hunting down those perfect gifts. Get your sleuthing hat on—it’s shopping time!
Checklist:
Research Gifts: If you haven’t already, dive into some online gift browsing. Maybe even add to cart a few things. Keep your eyes peeled for early holiday sales!
Order Custom Gifts: Personalized gifts take time, so if you're thinking about engraved pens for your clients or custom photo albums for Grandma, order them now.
Pro Tip: Corporate gifts can be branded and cool. A customized gift with your client’s logo or a thoughtful note goes a long way.
Pick Your Wrapping Theme: This year’s vibe? Luxe and classy? Eco-friendly chic? Fun and quirky? Decide how you want to present your gifts—wrapping is half the fun!
Four Weeks Before the Holidays – Time to Make Moves
You’re halfway there! Time to start checking things off your list (nothing beats the satisfaction of that, right?).
Checklist:
Buy Those Gifts: It’s officially time to hit “checkout.” For corporate orders, lock in your bulk purchases and plan delivery times.
Check Shipping Dates: Sending gifts to distant family, or clients out of state? Make sure you’ve got shipping deadlines in mind. You don’t want your gift to show up after the holiday party.
Start Wrapping: Yes, now! Don’t leave all the wrapping for the night before—it’ll just stress you out. Pop on a holiday playlist and wrap a few at a time.
Pro Tip: If you’re sending corporate gifts, branded wrapping paper or gift tags are a fun way to stay on-theme and memorable.
Two Weeks Before the Holidays – The Final Countdown
Two weeks to go, and you’re killing it. Let’s tie up those loose ends (literally, with ribbons).
Checklist:
Wrap Everything: Time to wrap the last few gifts and make them look fabulous. Take some time to make each gift feel personal, even if it's just adding a cute little note.
Pro Tip: Handwritten messages or monogrammed ribbons add a special touch to corporate gifts, making it clear you didn’t just grab whatever was in the office supply closet.
Confirm Delivery Details: If you’ve got gifts being delivered—whether to clients or your Aunt Susan—double-check those addresses and estimated delivery dates.
Hand-Deliveries Prepped: If you’re hand-delivering gifts (especially corporate ones), make sure they’re all packed up neatly with personalized notes or company branding.
One Week Before the Holidays –Time to Relax
Woohoo! You’re almost done! Time to enjoy some holiday cookies, knowing you’ve crushed the gift game this year.
Checklist:
Double-Check Your List: Quick scan of your list—is everyone covered? No last-minute surprises!
Send Last-Minute Cards: Missed someone? No biggie! Send out a holiday card or a quick gift card via email to save the day.
Chill Out & Enjoy: You’ve done it. You’re the holiday gift-giving champion. All that’s left is to kick back and enjoy the festivities!
Wrapping It All Up
Staying ahead of holiday gift-giving doesn’t have to be stressful. With this checklist, you can glide through the season like a holiday pro—no panic necessary. Whether you’re prepping gifts for family or your entire corporate team, being organized means you’ll actually have time to enjoy the season.
Need help wrapping up? If you’d rather leave the wrapping to the pros, We got your back! Contact us for luxury gift wrapping services that make your presents look next-level awesome. Because we all know it’s not just the gift—it’s the whole experience.