Getting organized for the new year takes some serious effort and dedication, and after the holidays the gift closet was one of the biggest spaces to take a hit. The photo above is from Southern Living, and sadly not from my own gift closet, but it’s important to note that a gift closet is something that can make your life so much easier if kept properly. I’ve been working on cleaning mine out a bit and have come up with a list of my favorite things to help you start or re-stock your own.

For starters, it’s very important to have good ribbon and scissors for wrapping your gifts. We love this velvet ribbon from M&J Trimming, and these beautiful brass scissors from The Apartment by The Line.

And as you’re wrapping, you can’t go wrong with lovely letterpress “Surcie” tags by Lettered Olive. They give a subtle message and make your gift look polished and well thought out.

I love giving local gifts, and Charleston-made Rewined Candles are always a hit. Made from recycled wine bottles with scents like “Champange” and “Pinot Noir,” they feel festive and are good for the environment.

Speaking of wine, a nice bottle of your favorite vintage is always appreciated. I keep extra bottles of my favorites in the gift closet so I can easily grab them for a dinner party, and to complete the gift, I wrap them in our Lettered Olive wine bags and include a stainless steel vacuum wine stopper for keeping the bottle fresh. Better than a brown paper bag by far!