Gift Opening Emergency Kit

Christmas Eve is TOMORROW! Where in the heck did the time go? I’m looking forward to time spent with family and friends over the next several days. If you don’t see me around much, you’ll know where I am. I think it’s so important to take time out and just chill every so often. So, that’s what I’ll be doing. . .and gearing up for an incredible 2015!

Today, my post is short, but I’m sharing something something I hope you find useful to put together at your house, too. A Gift Opening Emergency Kit. So, the more I thought about it, I should have probably called it the Gift Opening Necessity Kit. This idea isn’t just for Christmas – it’s for birthdays, wedding showers, baby showers, and the list goes on. Whenever I attend a gift opening of any sort, it seems like something is always missing. The box is taped too tight, there are a million zip ties holding in that special toy, the gift needs batteries (that weren’t included), yada, yada, yada. We’ve all been there, right?

Okay, well, this time those precious moments aren’t going to be interrupted because of missing “things.” Grab a box, grab a basket, grab a bag – grab ANYTHING that will hold a couple items and let’s do this.

Here’s what you need to gather:

1. Christmas music – Whether you’re going to play it on your TV, phone or stereo, make sure to cue it up before the gift opening begins. Get everyone in the holiday spirit and shut that television off. Focus on each other. This is a special time to be spent together. Do I sound like a mother? 🙂
2. Scissors – I’ve not been to many gift openings that didn’t require the assistance of a scissors. Make sure it’s of good quality. I often grab my kitchen shears. It’s tough enough to cut through everything from shipping tape to thin wire.
3. Screwdrivers – Everything these days comes in frustration-FREE packaging, right? Nope, nada, not even close. Kids’ toys are the worst. There are zip ties, screws, staples, you name it. Any store thief IS NOT getting anything out of these packages. There’s no way they’d be able to open it. And even for those of us who purchase these things fair and square, we’re going to have to work to get it out. Be prepared.
4. Garbage bags – Where did Grandma go? No worries, she’s still in the room, but she’s covered in wrapping paper up to her eyeballs. Will someone please run and get a garbage bag to put all of this paper into? Grab some bags before the opening begins so you’re ready to go, and Grandma stays comfortable.
5. Batteries – Batteries not included. Yep, many toys and electronics still come this way. What a disappointment when the recipient of the gift finds out they can’t try their present out until they get home or are able to run to the store to get batteries. Keep a supply ready to go, and if you can, start jotting down what kind of batteries you’ll need to have on hand based on the items you’ll be gifting.
6. Camera or Smart Phone – Okay, Dad is just about to open his special gift and you’re giving your sister the eyes to get the camera ready. Where’s the camera? Where’s the phone? Have these items at your side along with a charging cord in case you’re low on battery power. What a disappointment it would be to miss such a special moment – don’t let it happen!
7. Notebook and Pen – I know at Christmas we don’t necessarily need to keep track of what gifts came from who, but at a shower or birthday party, this is nice to do for sending thank you notes later on. Have these items packed in your basket and ready to go at a moment’s notice!

Alright, do you have them all packed? Am I missing anything? If I am, help us all out in the comments. Until then, Merry Christmas everyone. Enjoy this special time with family and friends. . .let the gift opening begin!