Start a gift closet: This is a wonderful way to plan ahead for gift giving occasions. It’s also handy for those last-minute emergency events that spring up throughout the year, may otherwise catch you by surprise, and send you on a mad dash to the store. You can find deep discounts in retail stores and there are plenty of secondhand deals at thrift stores, garage sales, Freecycle, etc. Start gathering items to add to your gift closet.