What Kind of Gift List Do You Have?

I love that I am one of the most disorganized people in my family, and probably the most disorganized professional home organizer you know, and yet without a master holiday gift list I would not be able to enjoy the holidays to the fullest. My list isn’t about what I want from Santa, it’s the list of everything I’m getting or want to get for the people I’m exchanging gifts with. My list making mother was mightily impressed and so I thought this might be the time to share it as it’s a handy Excel document that I’ve used for ten years.

We don’t usually recommend that Organic Freedoms (NFPs), Smart Freedoms (NTPs), or Funs (SPs) use lists, especially if they have trouble doing it. But a seasonal holiday list during the most chaotic and busy time of the year is something we recommend for any type who’s feeling overwhelmed by all they have “To Do” whether it’s on a list or not! I created this gift giving list template in 2004 and have used it faithfully every year. Maybe it’s because it’s a once a year list, but it never feels like a boring routine. It’s a crucial brain saving device that makes sure I don’t favor one child over another, or heaven forbid give my brother more presents than my sister! It’s also the ONLY list that I refer to more than once and actually check off, because I need to be able to know at a glance whether a gift is on hand, whether it’s wrapped, or whether I have to run out to the drug store because something didn’t arrive in time!

If you like our Gift Giving List, you can click on the image above or here to download it.