'Are you all set?'
Isn't it the most annoying question in the world at the moment.
No, I am not all set. It is the second week of December and if I buy now, I end up buying twice. In fact, I am a proud last-minute shopper. I get a buzz out of the frenzy, I thrive on the thrill of that feeling of utter surrender to the chaos of it all.
Another benefit of leaving everything until the 11th hour is that you don't have to hide the gifts for very long - that means less chance of them being discovered by sticky little hands. See, there are benefits to my disorganisation.
In the spirit of all things festive, we asked some of our MummyPages mums where the best place to hide their Christmas gifts were and the results were predictably bonkers... (they lost us when they said the bin).
1. The Attic
It is scary and dark, a perfect deterrent to curious little discoverers. We take it one step further and hide them in Granny's attic. The only problem is that last year we had a few phone calls about a cat that was trapped in the eaves from my mother-in-law. (Turns out it was one of the gifts meowing).
2. The boot of the car
This always surprises me.
1. How big if your boot?
2. Don't you need to use it to fling in school bags/wellies/coats/your child?
3. On top of the wardrobe
This is a good hiding spot and was suggested by more than a few of our canny mums. The best part is that they will NEVER reach them to explore. Although, the issue is that you may also not be able to reach them on the 24th at circa 11 pm after a few egg nogs. Make sure you cover them in black plastic bags so no prying eyes can discover them.
4. In the bin
Sorry, what? Some of you said that putting the gifts into the recycling bin was a great idea. Do you know what is a great idea? Not letting your toys get thrown into the bin truck when your partner forgets they are in there! Anyone else do this?
5. Suitcases
This is a handy spot for concealing stocking gifts but no matter how hard I try, I can't fit in the bike or the skateboard so it's a no from us.
6. Under the bed
This is actually a very popular spot for parents to hide (the gifts!) Just don't forget to cover them with old clothes or sheets. And remember, no live pets!
7. In a friends/relatives house
This was THE most likely place parents hide the Santa presents. There is no chance prying eyes will spot the gifts, and it is really handy just to pop up at some stage in the days before and collect them in time for the Big Reveal on the 25th.
8. In a storage unit
This is a very expensive option, but it is one that a few of you mentioned because you don't have relatives or attic space in your house.
9. In plain sight
One clever mum said she puts them in a big box in the living room and seals it tightly and writes Maths Books for recycling on the outside. She says her kids would never even bother looking. Obviously, this lady has never met my son - little Mr Into Everything. There is no way he is leaving a giant box unopened. Ever.
10. In the shed
This is fine as long as you padlock the door and don't forget to blacken out the windows. These kids are stealth. They don't miss a thing.
All the sneaking and plotting is worth it when your little ones arrive in on Christmas morning to the gifts they've wanted. They have dreamed about this moment for months, perfected their list and now the look of disbelief on their faces makes all that running around worth it.
Happy Christmas, mamas!
