Christmas Countdown: Setting Up a Wrapping Station

Wrapping and Baking Week

How to Set Up a Temporary Wrapping Station

1. Gather your wrapping supplies.
   
2. Organize Your Wrapping Supplies if they aren't already.
   
3. Set up a table that is out of the way or isn't being used on a daily basis. Avoid setting up your wrapping station in a main living space so it won't be disturbed and can be kept up for a period of time. I'm setting up mine in the basement where it won't be disturbed (hopefully) by the kids.
   
4. Have a basket or container to hold your scissors, pens, tape and extra tape for easy access.
   
5. Have another container to hold your name tags and pre-cut ribbon if you'll be using it.


6. Keep your supplies close by but try to keep your table clear so presents can be wrapped easily.


7. Use a Wrapping Checklist to keep track of what gifts need to be wrapped, are wrapped and where they are located. DON'T LEAVE THIS LIST OUT IN THE OPEN for little eyes to see!
   
8. Clean up your space after each use so it's ready to go the next time you have a window of time to wrap a few presents.

If getting the presents wrapped with the kids around is a challenge, schedule a day or night when you can make arrangements for them to be out of the house (or asleep). Swap some time with a friend or enlist the help of the grandparents. If you'll be wrapping solo, send dad and the kids away to a movie or another activity. Host a wrapping party; invite your friends over and share supplies and ideas. Put on some Christmas music, grab a glass of wine and start wrapping.

Not into wrapping? Take advantage of gift wrapping at the stores or malls. You'll pay a fee or a donation, but it'll save you time and the cost of having your own supplies on-hand.

What works for you? For more Works for Me idea, visit We Are THAT Family.

Check out more Countdown to Christmas organizing tips and ideas.