A few years ago at Christmas, a horrible thing happened as we were cleaning up empty boxes and wrapping paper, I received some cash as one of my presents and it somehow found its way into the pile of trash! I was devastated!
I felt so bad for losing the money because it meant I was out a cash gift, and I carried the heavy weight of disappointment that was displayed on the faces of the gift givers. I felt horrible that their hard earned money was now sitting in a land field instead of my wallet.
This disappointing event led me to begin investigating a new way to organize our cash gifts (and gift cards), ensuring this never happened again.
Another reason I felt I needed a new organization plan for gift cards and cash gifts was because my children were getting old enough to begin receiving gift cards as gifts. I needed a plan to keep each of their gifts separate so there would be no arguing and fighting over who’s was who’s.
It became apparent that the current way of managing their gifts was not working. We would be out shopping and the kids would start whining about not having their gift cards and asking us to buy whatever it was they had found.
I was tired of the GIFT CARD CHAOS!!
There had to be a way to alleviate the organization problem we were experiencing.
As I began looking for a solution, I knew I needed something that gave me the ability to…
1. Separate everyone’s gift cards or money by name
2. Be portable, and small enough to fit in my purse
( I had come to the conclusion that I needed to be the one to carry all the gift cards since I carry a purse 99% of the time.)
In my searching, I came across a small accordion style file zipper pouch and decided to give it a try. I cannot tell you how much it has helped in organizing the gift cards and cash gifts we receive.
In case you are in the same boat I was in, I want to share my solution with you. Here are the steps I took to put this together. It is VERY simple and easy, but VERY effective.
Step 1:
Find a file that works for you. I would recommend a small accordion coupon file with dividers. You can also google “Cash System Wallet” to find some good ones. The one I used is pictured here:
If you need help finding one here are three listed below are similar to mine. The chevron one is very similar and the two others have a little more all-in-one wallet function. These are easily available on Amazon. (Unfortunately, mine is no longer available to purchase or I would recommend it.)
Leather Coupon Organizer Wallet
DB Design Women’s Solid Color Coupon Organizer Wallet
Step 2:
Write the name of each person in your family on a tab. My husband and I share one since many of the gifts we receive are “ours.”
Step 3 (optional):
If your file comes with paper or cardstock tab/dividers like mine did, you will need to laminate them. I found this helps because they receive a lot of wear and tear during use.
Step 4:
Organize your cards the way that is best for you and your family. I have organized all gift cards and money by name but I have also organized all my shopper cards in here as well. This makes for easy access!
Step 5:
Put it in your purse ASAP.
Now you will always be prepared when you or your family receive a gift card or cash gift, just place it behind the right person’s file immediately so it doesn’t get lost AND you’ll have it when you are out and about.
I would love to hear how you keep your family’s gift cards and cash gifts organized! Feel free to comment so others can benefit from your organization tips.
